When you have hundreds or maybe even thousands of employees to manage, getting payroll out each month can be an arduous task for both managers and team members. But in 2024, that's no longer the case. With moder payroll brands like Gusto and ADP are doing away with the archaic methods of managing payroll, transforming this job into an effortless, automated system that takes minutes to complete.
If you’ve got more important things to worry about in your day-to-day business dealings than crossing T’s and dotting I's, then it’s time you enlisted the aid of a reliable payroll software. Here are 5 of the best payroll services for large and enterprise level businesses
From $39/month +
$6/user
What to Look for In a Payroll Service
Payroll services aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, varying brands will suit different businesses and needs better. There are a few key elements that any service you look into should have, though. Here are the most important ones:
Tax filing
This is a major area for businesses, and if not handled properly, it can become a major headache. What's more, improperly filed taxes can lead to serious fines. So, make sure whichever service you use provides complete tax filing for federal and local taxes. And a guarantee is also helpful.
Customer service
When something goes wrong, you need customer support immediately. Find out what type of customer support hours are available, methods of contact, and whether or not you’ll get a dedicated account manager to handle all your questions.
HR management
While this isn't a requirement, having your payroll software also manage human resources benefits is a convenient way to kill 2 birds with a single stone. Many top name payroll services offer this either included in their packages or as an add-on.
Additional features
While payroll is the main highlight of these types of services, it is always nice to get a few extras tossed into the mix. Fortunately, when it comes to payroll services, there are always several additional features and services to be found. Some brands include them directly in your pricing plan while others will offer various services as an add-on for increased pricing. This model allows you to choose which features are important to your business, and which you can do without.
Compare the Top Payroll Providers for Enterprise Businesses
1. ADP
Pros
- Integrates with most popular business tools
- 24/7 professional customer support
- Fully automated data syncing
Cons
- Can’t compare pricing without contacting company
- Customer service needs work
ADP is one of the longest-standing payroll services in the industry. It's been around since 1949 and has more than half a million businesses using its services across the United States. ADP has a rich set of features to keep your business running smoothly including automatic tax filing, end of year W-2 and 1099s included, integration with most popular business tools like QuickBooks and Xero, and simple new hire onboarding and reporting. You’ll get extensive reporting from ADP and full HR services as well.
2. Gusto
Pros
- Feature-rich enterprise plan
- Full tax filing, W-2, 1099s, and more
- HR benefits management features
Cons
- Lacks automated processing for certain deductions
- Dashboard is underwhelming
Gusto is an efficient payroll service that offers extensive functionality for larger businesses looking to get the most out of a service like this. The regular offering comes packed with convenient features, including automated time-tracking, administrative permissions, unlimited payrolls, and accounting integrations. Gusto also includes full tax filing and payments for local and federal taxes across the country. The features are also more comprehensive, so you get a lot more bang for your buck. Time management tools, employee directory, certified human resources managers, and a dedicated support team are all advanced features you can take advantage of as well.
3. Deluxe
Pros
- Easy access to complete online payroll services
- Dedicated specialist for your account
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
Cons
- No pricing information available without contact
- Not enough details provided online
Pricing varies based on client.
Deluxe is a payroll service worthy of that name. It offers small and large businesses an easy-to-use cloud-based payroll solution that is full of all of the features you could ask for. Everything from a dedicated account manager to handle all of your payroll needs, new hire reporting, and year-end W-2 processing comes with these plans. Deluxe also offers full compliance management, third-party payment services, and convenient payment options.
4. Zenefits
Pros
- Automatic payroll and tax filing
- On and offboarding
- Easily integrates with most business apps
Cons
- Some account managers are better than others
- Add-ons increase the price greatly
Zenefits is a cloud-based payroll service that includes important features like HR management and tax filing and deductions. The software is simple to use and takes care of all aspects of payroll from time tracking, holidays, and time off schedules to W-2s processing across all 50 states. Zenefits also includes smart tools to help employees with payroll like pay preview, easy comp, and payroll timelines.
5. Intuit QuickBooks
Pros
- Built-in accounting, invoicing, and receipts management
- Affordable pricing plans
- Lots of 3rd party app integrations
Cons
- Limited users per account
- Industry-specific features are lacking
Track income/expenses
Receipts management
Basic reporting
Invoice management
Bills management
Advanced time tracking
Track project profitability
Manage 1099 contractors
Smart reporting
Accelerated invoicing
Custom user permissions
Intuit QuickBooks delivers a robust set of features that go far beyond the average payroll service. In addition to basic income and expenses tracking and payroll, Intuit QuickBooks provides several useful tools including advanced reporting, invoicing and accepting payments, sending estimates, managing bills, inventory tracking, and 1099 contractors management. It will also help you with tax filing and compliance, so you can maximize tax deductions and save money.
Managing Payroll With Simplicity & Ease
When your business has grown too big for you to manage on your own, it's time to delegate. Take advantage of efficient and reliable payroll services to ensure this major task gets handled properly every month.
