Top 10 Payroll Apps for Australian Businesses

One of the hardest things for businesses to do is manage payroll, especially as they grow and become more complicated. Payroll mistakes can cause HR departments unnecessary stress, financial penalties, and dissatisfied workers. Fortunately, modern payroll apps are designed to streamline processes, simplify calculations, and ensure compliance with tax regulations. No matter how big or small your company is, selecting the best payroll apps is crucial.We will explore the top 10 payroll apps in this article to help you decide which one best suits your company's needs.

Why Payroll Apps Are Essential for Businesses

Payroll-related apps have evolved into essential resources for businesses of all sizes. Here's why they are so important:

• Time-saving: When payroll functions including tax, wage, and deduction calculations are automated, a lot of time is saved compared to manual processing;
• Accuracy: Payroll apps ensure that workers are paid the correct amount every time by reducing human errors;
• Compliance: Payroll apps help businesses adhere to local, state, and federal laws and regulations, which are often updated;
• Employee Satisfaction: On-time and accurate payouts are associated with higher employee morale and satisfaction;
• Cost-effective: By eliminating the need for additional employees or external services, streamlining the payroll process reduces operating costs;

Efficient payroll management is not just a convenience, but a necessity in today's fast-paced corporate world.

What to Look for in a Payroll App

The best payroll software to use depends on several factors. When comparing different options, keep the following aspects in mind:

• Ease of Use: HR staff and business owners should find the app's user interface simple to navigate;
• Integration: Ensure the software easily integrates with your existing time-tracking, accounting, or employee systems;
• Tax Compliance: To ensure you remain compliant, the software should automatically calculate taxes and file reports;
• Scalability: The payroll apps should easily accommodate more employees, locations, and complexity as your company grows;
• Mobile Accessibility: Good payroll apps should offer mobile access to enable payroll management on the go;
• Cost: Look for a pricing plan that suits the size and resources of your business. While some software offers flat-rate pricing, others charge per employee;
• Customer Support: If you encounter problems or have questions, you need to be able to contact someone reliable.

Now let's assess the top payroll apps on the market to help you choose the ideal one for your business. Below is a table where you can find brief information about each sought-after and popular app.

Comparison Table

Payroll App	Best For	Key Features	Price
Shifton	Small to mid-sized businesses	Mobile app, cloud-based, and staff scheduling	Free pricing
Quickbooks	Accounting integration	Automated reporting, direct deposit, and tax filing	Starting at $45/month
Payroll4Construction	Construction businesses	Union tracking, certified payroll, and job costing	Custom pricing
ADP	Large businesses	Customisable, compliant, and integrated features	Custom pricing
Gusto	Small to mid-sized businesses	Time tracking, benefits administration, and tax filing	Starting at $40/month
eBacon	Construction and government	Indicators, multi-state support, and certified payroll	Custom pricing
Rippling	All-in-one HR and payroll	Easy integration, global payroll, and full-service HR	Starting at $8/user/month
OnPay	Small businesses	Unlimited payrolls, compliance, and health benefits	$36/month + $4/employee
Paychex	Mid-sized to large businesses	401(k) programs, tax compliance, and benefits management	Custom pricing
SurePayroll	Small businesses	Tax filing, simple payroll, and mobile payroll apps	Starting at $19.99/month

Shifton

Shifton is a payroll software hosted in the cloud and a staff scheduling tool intended to simplify payroll processes for medium businesses. It provides business owners with a mobile-friendly platform that lets them manage staff attendance, schedules, and wages accessible from any device.Important characteristics:

• Automated payday process.
• Scheduling and tracking of employee time.
• A cloud-based system accessible via mobile device.
• Customisable reports.

Best For: Shifton is the best option for small companies seeking an integrated payroll system at a reasonable price with people management features included.Pricing: Free pricing based on specific requirements and the size of the business.

Quickbooks

The payroll function of Quickbooks, a well-known accounting software brand, is a valuable addition to its suite of business solutions. It offers comprehensive solutions and basic payroll features, making it suitable for businesses of all kinds.Important characteristics:

• Automated payment processes and calculations;
• Integration with Quickbooks accounting program;
• Monitoring 401(k) plans and medical benefits;
• Direct staff deposit.

Ideal For: The payroll app from Quickbooks is particularly beneficial for businesses that already use it for accounting, as it integrates financial data seamlessly.Costing: Monthly plans start at $45; additional fees apply for benefits.

Payroll4Construction

Payroll4Construction targets the construction industry. It handles the complex aspects of construction payroll, including job costing, union tracking, and certified payroll reports.Important characteristics:

• Certified payroll and union tracking;
• Managing payroll across multiple states;
• Job costing and pricing analysis;
• Integration with accounting software.

Ideal For: Construction firms, particularly those managing government contracts, that require specialised payroll processes.Costing: Custom pricing based on the company's size and requirements.

ADP

ADP, a renowned provider of payroll solutions, offers highly customisable payroll services to businesses of all sizes. Its offerings include payroll processing, HR management, and employee benefits.Important characteristics:

• Payroll management for businesses of various sizes;
• Benefit distribution and statutory assistance;
• Interface with widely used accounting and HR payroll apps;
• Robust reporting capabilities.

Ideal For: Larger businesses needing a comprehensive payroll and HR solution.Costing: Specific costs are determined by the services needed.

Gusto

Gusto is a popular payroll program for small to medium-sized enterprises. It offers features like managing employee benefits and payroll processing, and it's known for its easy-to-use interface.Important characteristics:

• Streamlined payroll and compliance management;
• Management of employee benefits;
• Time tracking and project costing;
• Integration with accounting payroll software.

Ideal For: Small to medium-sized companies seeking payroll administration systems that are easy to use along with a comprehensive welfare control framework.Costing: Plans start at $40 a month, plus extra charges for each worker.

eBacon

eBacon was created especially with businesses in mind in the government contracting and building sectors. It offers assistance for many states and speeds up approved payroll processes.Important characteristics:

• Verified compliance with payment laws;
• Support for multi-state payrolls;
• Job reporting and pricing;
• Accessibility on mobile devices.

Ideal For: Government contractors and construction businesses requiring expert payroll and compliance support.Costing: Specific pricing is determined according to the business's needs.

Rippling

For companies aiming to simplify their procedures, Rippling offers a comprehensive approach that combines payroll apps and HR. The platform is very adaptable as it can be used for payment integration and automation with other business technologies.Important characteristics:

• Worldwide payroll support;
• Automation of compliance with the law;
• Management of benefits and onboarding of new staff;
• Complete integration with external applications.

Ideal For: Payroll automation is necessary for businesses of all sizes, especially those with international employees, along with HR and IT management.Costing: Customised cost depends on the number of workers and other HR functions needed.

OnPay

Payroll applications that are easy to use and affordable, OnPay is aimed at small and medium-sized businesses. It combines payroll, HR, and many additional benefits, and its intuitive layout makes it a valuable tool for businesses looking for a straightforward payroll solution.Important characteristics:

• Unlimited payroll runs;
• Electronic filing of taxes;
• Portal for independent adjustment submissions by employees;
• Benefits and management of workers' compensation.

Ideal For: Medium-sized businesses looking for an intuitive payroll solution that incorporates HR features.Costing: Starts at $40 a month + $6 for each employee.

Paychex

A well-known payroll tool, Paychex offers businesses a wide array of payroll, benefits, and HR services. With complex features such as tax compliance and retirement planning, its customised plans make it suitable for enterprises of all sizes.Important characteristics:

• Payroll taxes are managed automatically;
• Customisable payment schedules;
• Coordination of compensation and 401(k);
• Smartphone app for access while travelling.

Ideal For: All sizes of businesses require a comprehensive payroll and HR solution, particularly those needing efficient execution of employee benefits.Costing: Customised prices are determined based on the business demands and size.

SurePayroll

SurePayroll is a payroll application that is easy to use and affordably priced, especially created with small businesses in mind. SurePayroll is a preferred choice for startups because employing staff is made easier for small businesses, and insurance filings and employee benefits are more straightforward and less complicated.Important characteristics:

• Automated tax returns and calculations;
• Tool for mobile payroll;
• Integration with widely used accounting payroll apps;
• Benefits for employee's health and retirement.

Ideal For: Startups and small businesses seeking a cost-effective payroll solution complete with all necessary features for taxes and benefits.Costing: Starts at $19.99 a month + $4 for each employee.

Final Thoughts on Payroll Apps to Consider

Choosing the right payroll apps is crucial for companies of all sizes. Payroll programs can improve operations, save time, and ensure compliance with tax laws for companies of all sizes. As we have seen, every payroll tool provides special features and advantages suited to various business needs.With its extensive support and automation for worldwide payroll, Rippling stands out for businesses seeking a complete solution that integrates IT, HR, and payroll apps.Based on your industry, the size of your business, and your specific payment needs, each of the payroll apps we have covered - QuickBooks, Payroll4Construction, ADP, Gusto, eBacon, Rippling, OnPay, Paychex, or SurePayroll - has benefits. To decide what is optimal for your business, it is important to consider a payroll app's cost, connectivity security features, and ease of use.In the end, the ideal payroll app can ease the administrative burden, enhance accuracy, and help businesses focus on growth and success.