Managing payroll in a large business is a complex and critical task that involves more than just issuing paychecks. Companies have to handle complex compliance requirements, manage benefits and deductions, and ensure timely and accurate payments across multiple locations. With hundreds or even thousands of employees, it becomes daunting to keep up with everything. However, the right payroll software can make all the difference, streamlining these processes, reducing the risk of errors, and saving valuable time for HR and finance teams.
This is why we at Software Finder have brought together a list of the Best Payroll Software for Large Businesses so businesses can enhance operations, save time, and avoid costly mistakes in their contractor payment processes.
Top 9 Best Payroll Software For Large Businesses
Here’s a list of 9 payroll software, not ranked in any specific order, with each offering unique strengths to meet your business requirements:
Paylocity HR – All-in-one platform for modern workforce
Paycor – Comprehensive HR and payroll solutions for workforce management
BrightHR – Award-winning HR software for employee management and compliance
Rippling HR – Integrated platform for HR, IT, and finance automation
Deel Software – Global HR platform for payroll and HR processes
Papaya Global
– Efficient global payroll and payments platform
Gusto HR – Scalable payroll and HR services for growing businesses
UKG Pro – Comprehensive HCM suite for payroll and talent management
Comparison Table
Disclaimer: Pricing is subject to change.
Paylocity
Paylocity is an HR and payroll management software that offers a wide range of features, including automated payroll, benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, and employee self-service portals. These features help streamline HR processes, reduce manual data entry, and ensure compliance with regulations.
Unique Features
Paylocity stands out with its on-demand pay, automated onboarding, community hub for employee engagement, and AI-powered insights. It’s robust reporting and analytics capabilities provide valuable insights, making it easier for businesses to manage their workforce efficiently.
Robust analytics capabilities for data-driven decisions
Streamlines payroll processes effectively
Cons
Some users report a complex interface
Initial setup can be time-consuming
Pricing
The vendor provides customized pricing options to meet the unique needs of different businesses.
Paycor
Paycor is a cloud-based human capital management (HCM) platform for streamlining HR processes, payroll, and workforce management. The platform offers various capabilities, such as talent acquisition, employee management, and real-time analytics.
Unique Features
What sets it apart is its real-time analytics for quick, informed decisions and automated payroll to reduce administrative burdens. The talent development tools help nurture top talent, while flexible integrations allow customization with third-party applications. Additionally, advanced scheduling optimizes workforce management and ensures compliance.
Pros
Provides detailed and customizable reports
Strong compliance management features
Automated payroll ensures accuracy and saves time
Cons
The time accrual system could be improved for better clarity
Implementation can be challenging and may require additional support
Pricing
The software offers customized pricing plans that are tailored to the company’s specific needs.
BrightHR
BrightHR is a cloud-based human resource (HR) management software designed to streamline all processes under one roof. It offers a user-friendly platform for managing employee records, time off and compliance, payroll, health and safety, and more.
Unique Features
The holiday management system allows real-time holiday requests and automatic entitlement calculations, saving time and reducing errors. With the sickness tracking feature, companies can help manage staff absences efficiently by recording and scanning fit notes. Also, the shift and rota planning ensure employees are always informed about their schedules with automatic notifications.
Pros
Provides tools to help ensure compliance with HR regulations
Comprehensive document storage and management
Saves time and improves efficiency in managing staff
Cons
Limited functionality for benefits management
Can have a steep learning curve for new users
Pricing
The vendor offers flexible pricing plans that can be tailored according to your organization’s requirements.
Rippling HR
Rippling offers an all-in-one workforce management platform that integrates HR, IT, and finance operations. The platform streamlines processes such as payroll, benefits administration, time tracking, and employee onboarding, making it a comprehensive solution for businesses.
Unique Features
Rippling enhances efficiency with features like automated employee onboarding, ensuring new hires are ready to contribute from day one. With its IT device management, you can keep all tech needs in check. Customizable workflow automation allows businesses to create processes that activate based on specific triggers. Additionally, global payroll support ensures compliance and efficiency across borders, while robust financial tools streamline expense management and bill payments.
Pros
Simplifies HR and payroll tasks
Manages everything from onboarding to offboarding with ease
Allows hiring international contractors and includes invoicing options
Cons
Setting up the 401k with guideline can somewhat confusing for some users
Support team takes too long to resolve issues
Pricing
Rippling pricing starts at $8 per user per month. However, the final cost will depend on the specific services and features you choose, due to its customizable pricing model.
Deel
Deel is a comprehensive HR and compliance platform that simplifies international hiring and payroll management. It enables businesses to hire, onboard, and pay employees and contractors in over 150 countries, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations. With its user-friendly interface, Deel supports companies of all sizes in expanding their global workforce efficiently and effectively.
Unique Features
The software stands out with its automated compliance, ensuring all contracts and payments adhere to local laws. It supports multiple currencies, making it easy to pay international team members in their local currency. Additionally, Deel offers employer of record (EOR) services, allowing businesses to hire globally without the need to set up legal entities in different countries.
Pros
Automates payments in multiple currencies
Reduces the administrative burden of managing a global workforce
User-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate
Cons
Support can be improved
Pricing
Deel HR is free
Deel US Payroll starting at $19 per employee per month
Deel Engage starting at $20 per user per month
Deel Payroll starting at $29 per employee per month
Deel Contractor Management starting at $49 per month
Deel US PEO starting at $79 per employee per month
Deel EOR starting at $599 per month
ADP Workforce Now
Designed to help businesses manage their workforce efficiently, ADP Workforce Now offers a comprehensive suite of tools that cover various HR needs, including payroll, time and attendance tracking, benefits administration, talent acquisition, and talent management. This platform is built to streamline people's processes, reduce administrative burdens, and provide valuable insights to help organizations make informed decisions.
Unique Features
ADP Workforce Now stands out with its ability to manage both U.S. and Canadian employees in a single system. It automates compliance reporting, offers robust analytics, and integrates payroll with time and attendance systems for accurate processing. The platform’s user-friendly interface and customizable options make it adaptable to various organizational needs.
Pros
Employees can easily access and manage their own information
Wide range of HR functionalities under one roof
Accurate and timely payroll processing
Cons
There can be long wait times for customer support
Some users report a steep learning curve
Pricing
ADP Workforce Now provides three subscription options, all at custom pricing:
Select
Plus
Premium
Papaya Global
Papaya Global focuses on payroll and workforce management for companies with international employees and contractors. It automates global payroll and payments, simplifying the process for businesses with teams at multiple locations.
Unique Features
It is available in over 160 countries, has automated local currency payments, employee self-service with time and attendance tracking, and designated country experts for compliance support. These features streamline payroll and HR processes by ensuring compliance, reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing employee satisfaction globally, making them especially valuable for large businesses.
Pros
Excels in handling payroll across different currencies
Onboarding process is user-friendly and efficient
Provides valuable insights and information specific to other countries
Cons
The platform can be confusing to navigate at times
There is no dedicated report for tracking the balance of PTO days for employees
Pricing
The software features several pricing tiers, including:
Grow Global - $25 per month per employee for 101-500 employees
Scale Global - $20 per month per employee for 501-1,000 employees
Enterprise Global - $15 per month per employee for over 1,000 employees
Enterprise Grade EOR - Starting from $599 per month per employee
Contractor Payments And Management - Starting from $30 per month per contractor
Global Workforce Payments - Starting from $2.5 per transaction
Agent of Record - Starting from $200 per month per contractor
Gusto
Gusto is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive payroll features. Serving over 300,000 businesses across the U.S., it automates payroll processing, tax filing, and benefits administration, making it easier for companies to manage their workforce efficiently.
Unique Features
Gusto is an all-in-one platform that integrates payroll, benefits, and HR tools. It offers a user-friendly interface and robust benefits packages, including health insurance, 401(k) plans, and more. Additionally, the platform provides employee self-service options, allowing employees to manage their own benefits and payroll information, which reduces businesses' administrative workload.
Pros
Easy to use with a modern interface
Automates payroll processing, tax filing, and compliance
Offers a wide range of benefits options, including health insurance and 401(k) plans
Cons
Customization options may be limited for specific business needs
Customer service hours may not be convenient for all users
Pricing
Gusto offers flexible pricing plans to cater to different business needs:
Simple – starting at $40 per month (plus $6 per month per person)
Plus – starting at $80 per month (plus $12 per month per person)
Premium – starting at $180 per month (plus $22 per month per person)
UKG Pro
UKG Pro (formerly UltiPro) is a HCM solution designed to streamline and enhance the management of your organization’s workforce. By integrating HR, payroll, and workforce management into a single platform, the platform helps businesses manage the entire employee lifecycle from recruitment to retirement. The platform aims to improve efficiency, compliance, and employee engagement, making it easier for companies to focus on their core operations.
Unique Features
The platform offers robust self-service tools that empower employees to manage their own information, such as benefits enrollment and time-off requests, without going through HR. Additionally, UKG’s Life-work Technology approach ensures that the system adapts to the needs of employees, fostering a culture of belonging and flexibility.
Pros
Offers robust tools for creating project cost estimates
Precise time tracking features, which are essential for payroll accuracy
Helps in managing company assets efficiently
Cons
Some users may find it challenging to learn all features initially
Frequent updates can sometimes disrupt workflow
Pricing
The software provides multiple pricing options, tailored to fit organizations of every size.
How We Chose These Payroll Software For Large Businesses?
We understand that choosing a payroll software is more challenging than it seems. There are several factors to consider, and only with the help of a thorough evaluation you can find a tool that meets the complex needs of larger organizations. Here’s how we made our choices:
Scalability
The first thing we focused on is whether the software can handle the requirements of large businesses. We looked at the tools that can manage thousands of employees across multiple locations. It ensures that the software can grow with the business without compromising performance.
Comprehensive Features
The most important thing is to look at the features the software offers. We looked for solutions that offer a wide range of features beyond basic payroll processing. These include benefits administration, compliance management, time tracking, and employee self-service options.
Integration Capabilities
The next factor we considered is integrations. We looked at whether the software can seamlessly connect with other business systems, such as HR, accounting, and ERP software. Effective integrations help ensure smooth data flow between systems, reducing manual entry and minimizing the risk of errors.
Compliance And Security
Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is essential for large businesses. This is why we have picked software that offers robust compliance features and strong security measures to protect sensitive employee data.
Cost-Effectiveness
There is no doubt that cost is always a consideration. So, we focused on the overall value provided by the software. It included assessing the pricing structure, available features, and potential return on investment.
What Features To Look For In Payroll Software For Large Businesses?
With so many options available on the market, choosing a payroll software for large businesses can be daunting.
That’s why we’ve outlined the key features you should look for:
Time-tracking and attendance
Tax filing
Compensation administration
Employee self-service
Analytics and reporting abilities
Payroll
By focusing on these features, you can select a software that not only meets the current needs of your business but also supports its future growth and complexity.
Benefits Of Payroll Software For Large Businesses
Implementing payroll software in large businesses offers numerous advantages that can significantly enhance operational efficiency and employee satisfaction.
A few of them include:
Saves Time And Effort: It reduces the time and effort required for manual calculations, data entry, and compliance checks.
Streamlines Error Management: Minimizes errors in calculations, tax filings, and payments, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time.
Maintains Legal Compliance: Helps ensure compliance by automatically updating to reflect the latest legal requirements, reducing the risk of penalties.
Reduces HR Workload: Allows employees to access their payroll information, update personal details, and manage benefits online, which can improve employee satisfaction and reduce the administrative burden on HR teams.
Helps In Decision-Making: Provides valuable insights into payroll expenses, tax liabilities, and other key metrics, aiding in strategic decision-making and financial planning.
Cost Savings: Businesses can save on administrative costs and avoid penalties associated with non-compliance.
Positive Employee Experience: Timely and accurate payroll processing, along with easy access to payroll information, contributes to a positive employee experience.
Streamline Your Payroll Process With The Right Solution
In the end, it comes down to selecting the right payroll software, which can significantly simplify your business operations. It will handle complex tasks efficiently, ensure compliance, reduce errors, and enhance employee satisfaction. Invest in a solution that meets your needs and watch your payroll process become more streamlined and effective. If you have difficulty choosing the perfect fir, you can reach out to us.
FAQs
Who is the largest payroll processor?
ADP is considered the largest payroll company, with one million customers. It leads the market in payroll service software, competing with over 50 other companies.
What Is payroll software?
Simply put, a payroll software helps automate the management of employee payments. It will handle tasks like wage calculation, tax withholding, and benefits and deductions management. Besides this, it ensures compliance with legal requirements and minimizes the risk of errors.
Who should use payroll software?
A payroll platform can prove to be a valuable tool for businesses that want to streamline payroll processes, ensure compliance with regulations, and minimize errors. It’s particularly useful for companies with a large workforce, multiple locations, or complex payroll needs.
Is there a global payroll system?
Yes, a global payroll system enables businesses to manage employee payments and benefits across different countries. This type of platform typically handles all aspects of payroll, including payslips, tax information, and health insurance. By integrating these functions, it creates the impression that all employees are based in the same location, even if they are spread globally.
