Compare Payroll Software

Inaccurate payroll practices lead to dissatisfied employees.

Payroll software comes as stand-alone software or as an extended feature of accounting software. Having the right payroll software for your business can save you time, money and the hassle associated with lengthy and inaccurate payroll processes. As with any business software, payroll software is suppose to make your day-to-day business operations easier. This is not always the case. Some software programs are more of a hassle than they are worth. Compare different payroll and accounting software packages to find the one to fit your company's needs, software budget and time constraints.

Instructions

1. Look at the prices for different payroll software programs. Choose the program that best fits your budgetary needs but also has the features that you require. Some basic payroll programs are free and open sourced, but that doesn't mean that they're right for your company's needs. Some of the bigger accounting packages can range from $160 to almost $2,000. Don't believe that the more expensive software programs are always, automatically the best. They may have the most features, but that doesn't mean that they are right for what you need. Don't pay for more than you need.

2. Compare the programs based on features. Basic payroll programs only allow you to make payrolls. Other programs allows for check printing and tax reporting. If you also need accounting software to keep up with inventory, banking, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other financial business matters, buy a program that includes a payroll option (such as QuickBooks, Quicken or Peachtree), instead of buying two different programs. If you already have an accounting system that you are comfortable with, but it doesn't have a payroll option, check and see if there is an add-on available. For instance, some of the basic versions of QuickBooks don't have a payroll function, but Intuit has an upgrade add-on that you can purchase for a reasonable price and incorporate into your current program.

3. Decide on how and where you want to access the program. If all of your payroll is done and accesses in one location, on one computer, then using a single license for the program is acceptable. For larger companies, with more than one payroll specialist, you will need to purchase multiple licenses to install on multiple computers. This plays a role in your budgetary needs and how much you can afford to pay for the software. Some companies offer discounts when buying multiple licenses, while others don't. Another option is to use an online payroll solution. Companies like Intuit and SurePayroll allow you to create an account, and process your payroll needs with their online interface. You, and other authorized personnel, can log into your account from anywhere.

4. Read customer reviews on the payroll packages you are interested in to gauge the company's reputation for customer service and support, and the ease of use of the program. The last thing you want to do is spend a ton of workable hours trying to figure out your new payroll program. Even if you do have a problem or can't figure something out, you need the peace of mind knowing that the software company has a good support department that will help you along the way.

References

• Intuit: Compare Our Payroll Systems
• SurePayroll: SurPayroll vs. Payroll Software
• Intuit: Quickbooks Pro