Top 10 Payroll Apps for New Zealand Companies

One of the toughest jobs for businesses is managing payroll, especially as they get larger and more complex. Payroll errors can cause HR departments unnecessary stress, financial penalties, and dissatisfied employees. Fortunately, modern payroll apps are designed to streamline processes, simplify calculations, and ensure compliance with tax laws. No matter the size of your company, choosing the top payroll apps is essential.In this post, we'll explore the top 10 payroll apps so you can determine which one best fits your company's requirements.

Why Payroll Apps Are Essential for Businesses

Payroll apps have become indispensable tools for businesses of all sizes. Here's why they're so critical:

• Time-saving: Payroll functions, including tax, wage, and deduction calculations, save a lot of time compared to manual processing;
• Accuracy: Payroll apps ensure workers are paid the precise amount each time by minimising human errors;
• Compliance: Payroll apps help businesses adhere to local, state, and municipal laws and regulations, which are often updated;
• Employee Satisfaction: Timely payouts are linked with higher employee morale and satisfaction;
• Cost-effective: Streamlining wage and hour processes reduces operating costs by eliminating the need for extra personnel or external services.

Effective wage management isn't just a convenience but a necessity in today's hectic corporate environment.

What to Look for in a Payroll App

The best payroll tool to use depends on several factors. When comparing different options, consider the following aspects:

• Ease of Use: HR staff and business owners should find the app's interface simple to use;
• Integration: Check if the program integrates easily with your current time-tracking, accounting, or employee systems;
• Tax Compliance: The program should automatically compute taxes and submit reports to ensure you are always compliant;
• Scalability: Payroll apps should easily accommodate more employees, locations, and complexities as your business grows;
• Mobile Accessibility: Good payroll apps should offer mobile access to manage payroll on-the-go;
• Cost: Choose a pricing plan suitable for your company's size and resources. While some programs offer flat-rate pricing, others charge per employee;
• Customer service: If issues arise or queries come up, you need trustworthy support.

Now let's evaluate the top payroll apps available to help you choose the perfect one for your company. Below is a table with brief details 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, worldwide 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 cloud-hosted payroll program and staff scheduling tool designed to simplify payroll processes for medium-sized businesses. It offers business owners a mobile-friendly platform for managing staff attendance, schedules, and wages, accessible from any device.Key features:

• Automated payday processing.
• Scheduling and tracking of employee time.
• Access a cloud-stored system via mobile devices.
• Customisable reports.

Best For: Shifton is ideal for small companies seeking an integrated payroll solution with people management features at an affordable price.Pricing: Free pricing tailored to specifications and the scale of the business.

Quickbooks

The payroll function of Quickbooks, a renowned accounting software brand, complements its suite of business solutions. It offers comprehensive solutions and essential payroll functions, making it suitable for companies of all types.Key features:

• Automation of pay runs and calculations;
• Integration with Quickbooks accounting software;
• Monitoring 401(k) plans and health benefits;
• Direct deposit for staff.

Ideal For: Quickbooks Payroll app is especially valuable for businesses already using Quickbooks accounting, as it seamlessly integrates financial data.Costing: Plans start at $45 per month; additional fees for benefits.

Payroll4Construction

Payroll4Construction targets the construction industry. It handles the complex aspects of construction payroll, such as job costing, union tracking, and certified payroll reports.Key features:

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

Ideal For: Construction firms, especially those managing government contracts, need specialised payroll functionality.Costing: Custom pricing based on company size and needs.

ADP

A well-known provider of payroll solutions, ADP offers highly customisable payroll services to businesses of all sizes. Its offerings include paycheck processing, HR management, and employee benefits.Key features:

• Payroll management for businesses of various sizes;
• Benefit distribution and regulatory support;
• Integration with widely used accounting and HR payroll apps;
• Robust reporting capabilities.

Ideal For: Larger companies seeking an all-encompassing payroll and HR solution.Costing: Costs are determined based on the services required.

Gusto

Gusto is a popular payroll application for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers a wide range of features, including employee onboarding and management of benefits, known for its user-friendly design.Key features:

• Efficiency in payroll processing and accountability;
• Management of employee benefits;
• Time and project cost tracking;
• Integration with accounting payroll apps.

Ideal For: Small to medium-sized companies needing straightforward payroll management systems, along with an all-inclusive welfare management framework.Costing: Plans start at $40 a month, plus additional costs for each worker.

eBacon

eBacon was designed with businesses in the government contracting and construction sectors in mind. It provides support for multiple states and speeds up approved payroll processes.Key features:

• Verified compliance with payment regulations;
• Support for multi-state payrolls;
• Job reporting and costing;
• Access on portable devices.

Ideal For: Government contractors and building firms needing expert payroll and compliance support.Costing: Specific prices are determined according to the business's needs.

Rippling

Rippling provides a comprehensive approach by streamlining payroll and HR systems for businesses looking to simplify processes. The platform is highly adaptable, allowing for payment integration and automation with other business technologies.Key features:

• Global payroll support;
• Automation of legal compliance and adherence;
• Management of benefits and onboarding new staff;
• Full integration with third-party applications.

Ideal For: Businesses of all sizes requiring payroll automation, especially those with international employees, besides HR and IT management.Costing: Customised cost based on the number of employees and other HR functions required.

OnPay

Geared towards small and medium-sized enterprises, OnPay offers user-friendly and cost-effective payroll applications. It integrates payroll, HR, and various extra benefits, making it a valuable tool for businesses seeking a straightforward payroll solution with its intuitive interface.Key features:

• Unlimited payroll runs;
• Electronic tax filing;
• Portal for independent repair submissions by staff;
• Management of benefits and worker's compensation.

Ideal For: Medium-sized companies seeking an easy-to-use payroll solution with integrated HR functionalities.Costing: Starts at $40 a month + $6 for each employee.

Paychex

Paychex is a renowned payroll tool that provides companies with a wide range of payroll, benefits, and HR services. Its customisable plans, with advanced features like tax compliance and retirement planning, make it suitable for businesses of all sizes.Key features:

• Automated payroll tax management;
• Customisable payment schedules;
• Co-ordination of compensation and 401(k);
• Smartphone app for access when on the move.

Ideal For: Businesses of all sizes needing a comprehensive payroll and HR solution, particularly those requiring efficient execution of employee benefits.Costing: Customised prices based on the company's size and requirements.

SurePayroll

SurePayroll is an affordable, user-friendly payroll application tailored for small businesses. It is favoured by startups because it simplifies hiring staff, insurance filings, and employee benefits, making these processes more straightforward and less complex.Key features:

• Automated tax filings and calculations;
• Mobile payroll tool;
• Integration with widely used accounting payroll applications;
• Health and retirement benefits for employees.

Ideal For: Startups and small businesses seeking an economical payroll solution 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 businesses of all sizes. Payroll programmes can enhance operations, save time, and ensure compliance with tax laws for companies of all sizes. As seen, every payroll tool offers unique features and benefits tailored to various business needs.With its extensive assistance and automation for global payroll, Rippling stands out for companies looking for a complete solution that integrates IT, HR, and payroll applications.Each payroll app we've covered - QuickBooks, Payroll4Construction, ADP, Gusto, eBacon, Rippling, OnPay, Paychex, or SurePayroll - has benefits, depending on your sector, company size, and specific payroll requirements. To determine what's best for your business, it's essential to consider a payroll app's cost, connection security capabilities, and user-friendliness.In the end, the right payroll apps can alleviate administrative burdens, enhance accuracy, and help businesses focus on growth and success.