
Paychex Flex is made specifically for small businesses that need a quick and simple payroll system. It’s stripped down for businesses that just need easy payroll, with flexibility to add on services as you grow. Gusto is designed with dynamic startups and small businesses in mind, and it specifically targets the solutions these types of companies need that weren’t previously available on other platforms. Outsourcing payroll can help minimize your IT infrastructure by reducing the number of interfaces, credentials, and security measures to maintain.
Request detailed proposals, consider the full range of their services and support, and weigh the costs against the benefits. If feasible, use demos or trials to better understand how their services work in practice, and ask for references from their clients who are in the same industry or of a similar size to your own operation. Outsourcing your payroll is an important decision that can benefit your business if done correctly. Following best practices when outsourcing your payroll is critical to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing success. If your business uses Point of Sale, for example, employee hours can be automatically imported into the payroll system, reducing administrative hassle.
Help Employees Save for Retirement and Reduce Taxable Income
Cost-wise, payroll outsourcing fees can vary depending on the number of employees, vendor chosen, and features utilized. While it may seem like a lot, it’s actually a huge saving from what it would cost to hire a full-time payroll/HR employee in-house. Many small businesses choose to outsource payroll along with other back-office functions, such as accounting and taxes. This allows them to focus on their core business and manage revenue-generating tasks like sales, marketing, and customer services. Payroll software is more of a DIY tool rather than an outsourcing service, but many offer full-service solutions with customer support. Payroll software can be a great solution for business owners who are open to keeping part of the payroll process in-house and can often be one of the cheapest options.

Its lowest-priced plan starts at $10 a month per member and goes up to $19 a month per member. All-in-one systems also have the added functionality of interdepartmental communication, making it easier than ever to work and communicate with other areas within the company, especially HR. Stand-alone payroll software will become less popular in the future, with companies opting instead to invest in full-suite HCM systems that can optimize companies’ workflows in a single convenient application. HCM software value is steadily growing and is projected to increase from $30.8 billion in 2019 to an estimated $33.04 billion by 2024.
Best HR Outsourcing Services in 2024
If you’re not sure, contact a payroll professional in your area to get some guidance. Do you pay all your employees at one time, or do you have different schedules for different categories? In the case of independent contractors, you might be paying them anytime they invoice you. These features make payroll tools a step up from running payroll manually with a spreadsheet. Paycor is a full-service HR platform that supports companies from recruiting to termination.
- The terms “payroll service provider” and “payroll services” are often used to apply to either type of organization.
- For those looking for a payroll outsourcing company that can be upgraded into a full HR or PEO solution, this may not be the best product.
- A 360 solution to find, hire, onboard, pay, and retain top Latin American talent.
- There are dozens (if not hundreds) of providers claiming reliability, affordability, and excellent service.
These two factors are less critical for smaller businesses, which therefore form the core group that outsource payroll. Larger companies are more likely to retain payroll in-house, since they can process payroll at lower cost than suppliers, and can retain payroll information within their computer systems. Some suppliers offer additional services related to payroll, such as pension plans, benefits administration, and timekeeping systems. IMC is a standout global payroll provider, in not only providing international payroll solutions, but also providing cross-border advisory services to support every aspect of international expansion. Wave will pay and file taxes in 14 states, but for clients operating outside of these areas, the monthly base fee is reduced.
Refocus your team on strategic initiatives
Finally, the client shares all relevant information the provider needs to complete the payroll functions it will assume. Most payroll suppliers have the capability to issue payments to employees by direct deposit. Companies that process their payroll in-house can also do this, but only through the services of a third party that handles direct deposit. Payroll outsourcing services include handling various employee benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation leave. Payroll assistants ensure that employees receive the benefits they are entitled to and that the company is aware of any changes. These providers are experts in payroll processing and have the necessary knowledge and resources to ensure accurate and efficient payroll administration and bookkeeping tasks.

However, if this isn’t the case, you may find yourself responsible for legal, financial and reputational consequences of errors that your partner has made. Some major payroll trends may affect how many companies operate in 2024. Here are the trends we anticipate making an impact on the world of payroll. The payroll laws depend upon the locality, state and countries where your employees reside. You must know what city, state, federal or international payroll laws you need to comply with.
When Payroll Outsourcing Services Make Sense
Despite the weak support options and lack of live chat or fax options, they are still worth a shot. If you do not want to outsource payroll, consider using software to process your employees’ payments and taxes. As mentioned before, these are further areas where a misstep by a payroll outsourcing provider can become a problem for both the provider and the client company.
Outsource Payroll to a PEO
By outsourcing payroll, small businesses can save money on the cost of setting up and managing their own payroll system, and then paying an employee such as a payroll specialist to manage it. A payroll software or service can help you save time, reduce errors, boost security and stay compliant. An HR outsourcing provider should have a strong track record — both in the HR market in general and with your business’ industry and size. It should also help with establishing credit terms for customers basic HR functions, such as payroll and time tracking, and follow robust data security protocols. They can ensure you avoid any common mistakes, and move toward the new setup with minimal business disruption, including compilation of existing data and any checks and validations that are required along the way. Making the move to all-in-one, self-service systems promotes transparency and provides greater control over interactions with employees and data.