Global HR payroll software market is experiencing significant growth. The market was valued at $35.27 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $65.66 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 13.20% during the forecast period. This rapid expansion underscores the increasing demand for efficient, compliant, and scalable payroll software across various industries.
For accounting firms, this trend presents both challenges and opportunities. But once upon a time, payroll management might have been an easy act to pull off. (not anymore). For accounting firms, it’s a mission-critical function that requires precision, up-to-date regulatory knowledge, and robust tools capable of handling multiple clients with varying needs.
The right payroll software helps streamline tax filings, reduce the risk of costly errors, and improve communication between firms and their clients. This blog will take you through the 9 best payroll software for accounting firms, examining their features, pricing, and what makes each one unique to best fit your needs.
Company | Best For | Features | Pricing |
Paycom | AI payroll, automation needs |
| Starting at $25/employee/month |
ADP Workforce Now | Payroll processing in 140 countries worldwide |
| Starting at $23/employee/month |
Rippling HR | Accountants handling multi-currency payroll |
| Starting at $21/user/month |
OnPay Payroll | Multi-client payroll and compliance |
| Starts at $49/month + $6/user/month |
Gusto HR Software | Streamlined payroll management |
| Starts at $49/month + $6/user/month |
Justworks | Client-focused accounting firms |
| Starting at $8/employee/month + $50/month base fee |
Patriot Payroll | Small businesses handling payroll |
| Starting at $20/month |
Deel | Accounting firms with global clients |
| Starting at $29/ user/month |
Paylocity HR | Payroll automation for businesses of all sizes |
| Starting at $22/user/month |
Paycom is an all-in-one HR and payroll software designed to automate and streamline payroll, HR data management, compliance tracking, and reporting for accounting firms. By offering a truly single database, Paycom empowers employees to manage HR and payroll data, reducing administrative tasks and allowing firms to focus on serving clients and growing their business.
Unique Features
- Paycom manages payroll and tax compliance for all 50 states and supports international payroll through its ’Global HCM’ package
- ’Beti’ Feature empowers employees to manage their own payroll, allowing them to identify and correct errors before submission, reducing post-payroll adjustments
- IT streamlines your general ledger with real-time reports, clear audit trails, customizable layouts, and unlimited mapping
Pricing
Paycom employs a per-employee-per-month (PEPM) pricing model, with fees varying based on company size and selected modules. Generally, the cost ranges from $25-36/employee/month.
Why Choose Paycom
For accounting firms, Paycom stands out with its dedicated service, robust security, and a centralized system that streamlines payroll and HR operations. This advanced AI-assisted HR software helps employees ensure paycheck accuracy before submission, reducing errors and administrative burden. With Paycom, firms can scale efficiently and deliver more strategic value to their clients.
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive HR and payroll software that simplifies human capital management (HCM). It offers features like payroll management, talent optimization, tax and benefits administration, and business outsourcing services. The software also comes with AI-powered payroll capabilities to help accounting firms automate complex payroll tasks, reduce errors, and gain data-driven insights.
Unique Features
- ADP offers full-service payroll processing across all 50 U.S. states and in over 140 countries worldwide, ensuring compliance
- Ensure accurate and timely payments for both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors, minimizing tax filing errors and penalties
- ADP automates deductions for benefits like insurance, retirement contributions, and wage garnishments, streamlining payroll accuracy and compliance
Pricing
The monthly fee for most organizations starts at $23-30/employee/month for basic payroll, with additional costs for advanced features.
Disclaimer: The pricing has been sourced from third-party websites and is subject to change.
Why Choose ADP Workforce Now
For accounting firms, ADP’s ’Accountant Connect’ is a game-changer. This dedicated platform gives firms secure, on-demand access to client payroll data, tax documents, and customizable reports. It enhances collaboration, simplifies workflows, and helps firms deliver faster, smarter financial services while staying ahead of compliance.
Rippling HR is a unified cloud-based HR and payroll platform that automates payroll processing, tax filings, and compliance, while integrating HR, IT, and finance functions in one system. It is suitable for accounting firms managing multiple clients or complex payroll needs. The software supports global payroll in 185+ countries, which benefits accounting firms with international clients.
Unique Features
- Rippling automatically flags discrepancies between draft pay runs and the last payroll. Quickly and easily zero in on the causes of changes to spot potential errors before running payroll
- Rippling automatically calculates and files payroll taxes with federal, state, and local agencies, ensuring timely, accurate compliance
- Streamline contractor invoicing, approvals, and payments in 50+ currencies. This eliminates international payroll complexities and reduces delays
Pricing
Rippling charges companies on a monthly subscription basis, offering $21-29/user/month, depending on the scope and modules included.
Disclaimer: The pricing has been sourced from third-party websites and is subject to change.
Why Choose Rippling
Rippling offers customizable workflows and seamless integrations like Sage Intacct and Xero, helping accounting firms automate tasks and reduce manual work. With the ability to set up payroll and benefits for new hires in just 90 seconds and manage global teams around the world, it’s built for speed, accuracy, and scalable compliance.
OnPay Payroll is a cloud-based HR and payroll solution designed for accounting firms managing clients across multiple states. With built-in tax filings, automated payroll, and seamless integrations like QuickBooks Online and Middesk. The software simplifies complex payroll tasks, allowing firms to save time, stay compliant, and focus on delivering value-added services.
Unique Features
- OnPay supports unlimited monthly pay runs, handles tax filings in all 50 states, and processes payroll for both W-2 and 1099 workers
- A specialized ’Accountant Hub’ enables firms to manage multiple clients from a single dashboard, track deadlines, and streamline payroll workflows
- Track important dates, client deadlines, and to-dos in one place. OnPay’s built-in alerts help users stay organized and complete tasks quickly with just a few clicks
Pricing
The software is available for a base fee of $49/month with an additional $6/person/month.
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
OnPay is a practical pick for accounting firms that want smooth operations without unnecessary hassle. The Accountant Hub centralizes client management, while built-in alerts make it easy to stay on top of deadlines. Firms appreciate how it simplifies tax remittance and compliance reporting, saving valuable time. Biweekly payroll runs are quick and reliable, with direct deposits landing on time.
Gusto is a cloud-based HR software that supports the entire payroll process along with key human resources tasks such as talent management, onboarding, and employee benefits. It’s ideal for small to medium- sized businesses and accounting firms looking to streamline payroll and HR operations efficiently.
Unique Features
- Gusto Pro’s dashboard provides real-time alerts and workforce change updates, helping firms stay proactive on compliance and advisory opportunities
- With ’People Analytics’, track trends in employee retention, payroll costs, and compensation adjustments across clients to provide smarter, data-informed guidance
- Gusto HR software automates payroll calculations, tax filings, and compliance, handling salaried, hourly, and contractor payments effortlessly
Pricing
The software offers three pricing tiers:
- Simple - $49/month ($6/month/person)
- Plus - $80/month ($12/month/person)
- Premium - $180/month ($22/month/person)
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
Why Choose Gusto
Accounting firms benefit from Gusto Pro’s unique accountant dashboard, designed to boost productivity by organizing client payroll and HR data in one place. It provides action alerts on workforce changes, regulatory updates, and money-saving opportunities, helping accountants spend less time on admin and more on advising clients.
Justworks streamlines accounting firms operations with automated payroll for hourly and salaried staff, integrated benefits like 401(k) and health insurance. It offers multi-state tax compliance. Its dedicated dashboard for accountants and 24/7 expert support reduces administrative burdens, letting firms prioritize client services and growth.
Unique Features
- The expense management option allows employees to submit receipts on the go via the mobile app, streamlining reimbursements. Employers gain real-time insights by analyzing expenses alongside payroll data
- ’Advisor Dashboard’ offers accountants simplified access, enhanced team controls, and a single login to manage all client accounts
- Justworks now supports international contractor payments in 28+ countries by using the same platform for both domestic and global payouts
Pricing
The software offers four pricing plans:
- Payroll - $8/month/employee + $50/month base fee
- PEO Basic - $59/month/employee
- PEO Plus - $109/month/employee
- EOR - $599/month/employee
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
Why Choose Justworks
Justworks offers a friendly front-facing end that simplifies complex payroll and HR tasks for accounting firms. With a single sign-in, firms can securely manage multiple client accounts and control access to sensitive financial and employee data. Its 24/7 support, paired with a dedicated account manager, ensures that firms get timely help and strategic guidance.
Patriot Software offers cloud-based payroll, accounting, and HR solutions for small businesses. The software delivers fast, simple, and affordable accounting and payroll solutions, earning its reputation as ’America’s Accounting and Payroll™’. Its user-friendly interface and full-service payroll features make it easy to implement and manage payroll efficiently.
Unique Features
- The ’Umbrella Login’ provides access to all clients in one location with customizable user permissions for efficient multi-client management
- Run as many payrolls as needed without incurring additional costs, providing flexibility for diverse client schedules
- Connect bank accounts or credit cards to automatically import transactions, simplifying reconciliation and expense tracking
Pricing
The following are the pricing plans:
- Accounting Basic - $20/month
- Accounting Premium - $30/month
- Basic Payroll - $17/month + $4/worker
- Full-Service Payroll - $37/month + $5/worker
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
Why Choose Patriot Payroll
Patriot Payroll is an excellent choice for accounting firms, combining affordability, ease of use, and essential payroll and accounting features. The ’Accountant Partner Program’ enhances efficiency with powerful client management tools, making it especially valuable for firms serving small businesses with straightforward payroll needs.
Deel is a comprehensive HR platform designed to help businesses manage their global teams with ease, offering solutions for compliance, payments, and payroll. Its ability to automate payroll and ensure compliance with local laws across over 150 countries makes it an excellent choice for those who require a reliable system with integrated HR features all in one place.
Unique Features
- IT simplifies employing independent contractors and full-time employees worldwide. The software helps navigate complex local compliance, automate contracts, and manage payments efficiently
- Clients can make mass payments in multiple currencies and methods, while contractors choose how and when to withdraw funds from 15 payment methods and 100 currencies
- Deel supports hiring contractors globally with localized contracts, compliance document collection, criminal background checks, and automated invoicing
Pricing
Deel offers modular pricing along with a ’Global Payroll’ plan that starts at $29/user/month.
Disclaimer: The pricing is subject to change.
Why Choose Deel
With integrated U.S. and global payroll processing capabilities, Deel empowers accounting firms to support clients with international teams. It’s an all-in-one platform that handles hiring, compliance, and payments across the world. It gives accounting professionals real-time visibility, localized compliance support, and simplified contractor and employee management at scale.
Paylocity HR & Payroll is a cloud-based HR and payroll software that caters to simplifying workforce management for businesses of all sizes. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including payroll processing, human resources management, talent acquisition, and employee engagement solutions.
Unique Features
- The payroll ’Readiness Dashboard’ highlights critical tasks before processing day, while 40+ audits flag potential errors, like unexpected pay spikes. Variance tracking helps accounting professionals quickly spot anomalies and ensure accurate, compliant payroll
- It simplifies international workforce management. The software handles employee lifecycles, payroll, compliance, and currency movement across countries in one centralized system, backed by in-country experts
- The AI capabilities in Paylocity simplify tasks like scheduling, recruiting, and benefits enrollment while offering real-time insights, risk detection, and smart recommendations
Pricing
Paylocity charges employees on a per-employee, per-month basis. Its subscription can cost anywhere from $22-32/user/month, depending on the size of your company and the modules included in your scope.
Disclaimer: The pricing has been sourced from third-party websites and is subject to change.
Why Choose Paylocity
Paylocity is built for accounting professionals seeking a connected, all-in-one HR and payroll solution. Its ’Accountant Advantage Program’ offers exclusive partner perks such as revenue-sharing opportunities and a dedicated Partner Services Support team. With 350+ integrations, and automatic tax updates, Paylocity helps firms eliminate data silos, reduce errors, and support long-term growth.
Which Is The Top Payroll Software For You?
We’re nearly at the finish line, and by now, you’ve got a clearer picture of which payroll software can best serve your accounting firms unique goals. Whether it’s managing multi-client complexity, ensuring airtight compliance, or unlocking time through automation.
Let’s do a quick recap. Some platforms shine with global payroll capabilities, while others focus on deep U.S. tax compliance or robust partner support. Your ideal match depends on your client’s needs, your team’s workload, and how much time and efficiency you want to gain.
Still feeling uncertain? That’s perfectly okay. Zeroing in on the right payroll software is a big decision. Head over to our resource center for detailed comparisons, curated listicles, and stand-alone vendor profiles to help you make a confident, informed choice.