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As a small business owner, the payroll process can be a hassle. It’s filled with time-consuming tasks, lots of legislation and rules, remittances to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) — and all just to ensure the amazing people that make up workforce receive their pay cheques.
Enter payroll software. There are a wide variety of products out there that help employers step-by-step through the payroll workflows. But what’s the best payroll software? Moreover, what are the best payroll companies in Canada?
We understand the challenges you go through keeping up with your payroll tasks — time management, inefficient manual payroll processing, complex tech landscape and adhering to the Canadian federal and provincial labour standards to avoid compliance issues.
To put it simply, payroll is a tall order for small business owners. That’s why we’ve put together this list of companies that take Canadian payroll and make it easy as pie.
What is a payroll company?
In short, a payroll company is one that takes payroll and makes it simple. Whether it’s basic payroll needs or the most complex payrolls, the company makes sure the calculations are accurate and employees for small to large businesses are paid on time.
This can include Canadian payroll service providers that handle the payroll for you or payroll software that give you the tools to tackle payroll regardless of how many years of experience you have (or don’t have) doing so.
How payroll companies benefit small business owners.
Payroll automation leads to increased efficiency and a host of other benefits. But don’t take our word for it. Here are some tangible ways your business can benefit from using a payroll company.
- Lowers compliance risk: Payroll providers are well-conversant with the Canada labour standard regulations and keep their software up-to-date with changes, which eliminates the risk of non-compliance. Automating the payroll also minimizes errors, increasing data accuracy.
- Saves time: Using a payroll company saves time that you or your team spend calculating pay, preparing cheques, generating reports, handling taxes and other payroll tasks. It can even help save time in the human resources department with better data organization and distribution of forms like Records of Employment and year-end documents.
- Supports scaling: Most payroll companies offer custom services designed to suit your unique business requirements, allowing you to scale affordably as you grow.
- Promotes accurate reporting: Many payroll software solutions integrate with other HR software and solutions, allowing easier employeeinformation tracking for accurate reporting.
Factors to consider in choosing a payroll company.
Like we said, there are so many payroll companies in the market offering great services. However, not every provider can meet the unique needs of your business. Below are some key factors you should consider when deciding the right company include:
- Cost of service
- Features and services offered
- Data security
- Ease of use
- Customer support
Cost of service
Going for the cheapest provider is not always the most financially sound decision. Nor does the company with the priciest packages mean you’ll be working with the tippity top of payroll experts. Most payroll companies in Canada set their prices based on the offered services. Find out what services are included in the base fee, if there are add-ons or extra users you’ll need to pay for and the billing method.
Don’t forget to consider how the initial signup fee and continued fees will factor into your total business costs and weigh it against your budget.
Features and services offered
Payroll companies highlight the features and services available on their different packages. Do a side-by-side comparison of payroll software and find the one with the services you need and/or want. Keep these in mind when perusing features:
- What type of workers do I need to run payroll for? (Hourly employees, salaried employees, contractors, a mix)
- Does the payroll software handle payroll remittances for taxes and year-end filing?
- Can I run payroll myself or is this a full-service option?
- Does it integrate with other software?
It can help to start with making a list of your small business’s basic payroll needs (such as payroll for employees and contractors) and then working your way up to wants (payroll service versus self-serve payroll).
Data security
Working with a payroll company means trusting them with sensitive employer and employee data. Before settling for a provider, find out about their policies on data protection and the measures they have put in place to curb potential data breaches.
Ease of use
A payroll program with a simple user interface makes it easier for you and your employees to, well, use it. Think easy access for both you and your employees. Typically all you need is an internet connection and a device to log in on.
Apart from the part of the software that simplifies entering employee work hours, calculations and making payments to both workers and the government, an employee self-service portal is another fantastic feature. It increases data and information accuracy and transparency, which can lead to an increase in employee satisfaction and engagement.
Customer support
Most, if not all, payroll companies offer customer support. But, no two customer service teams are built alike. Talk to different companies and find out how they provide customer care. Do they offer training or online resources to use their product or service? Can you talk to an actual human? Is it easy to find out how to contact the team with your inquiries? Do they assign you a dedicated account manager or have advisory services?
Top payroll companies Canada.
With the benefits of a payroll company in mind, you have the tools to find the best fit for your business. Here are some of the top choices in Canada.
Wagepoint
Wagepoint is an online solution that specializes in small business payroll in Canada. This online solution takes payroll processing to the next level while being backed by the world’s friendliest North American customer support team and payroll experts.
Key features
- Direct deposit payments for employees and contractors
- Integration with QuickBooks Online and Xero
- Employee self-service portal
- Real-time reporting
- Automated payroll tax calculation and remittances
Payworks
Payworks is payroll provider offering a stress-free onboarding experience and a dedicated National Payroll Institute-trained service representative.
Key features
- Direct deposit
- Unlimited previews
- Scalability
- Seamless integration with absence and time management
- Automated tax filing
Payment Evolution (PayEvo)
Payment Evolution (PayEvo) is an easy and affordable payroll solution for small businesses. It’s features offer a customized solution for individuals, small to mid-sized businesses, bookkeepers, accountants, enterprises and developers.
Key features
- Flexible payment options
- Employee-facing portal
- Integration with FreshBooks, QuickBooks and Sage
- Multiple support channels
- Automated tax filing
Rise People
Rise People offers flexibility in payroll management and brings HR, benefits and time-off management together in one platform. It allows you to run your payroll at your convenience in a few simple clicks.
Key features
- People directory
- Payroll reports
- Automated tax compliance
- Integration with FreshBooks, Xero and QuickBooks
- On-demand pay stubs
Knit People
Knit People is another solution tailored for small and medium-sized businesses in Canada, helping them run their payroll as well as manage HR and payments in one place.
Key features
- Automated payroll calculations
- Direct deposit
- Automated tax filing
- Unlimited payroll processing
- Online pay stubs
Deluxe Payroll
Deluxe Payroll is a full-service payroll and tax filing firm in Canada. Their payroll solution is designed to help businesses reduce costs and boost efficiency while ensuring compliance.
Key features
- Flexible deposit options
- Pay stub options
- Unlimited support
- Filing tax remittances
Rippling
Rippling has payroll services and workforce management tools designed to for world-round operations, including global payroll, expenses and financial management.
Key features
- Fast payroll processing
- Automatic tax filing
- Dedicated mobile app
- Payroll analytics
- Workflow automation
Ceridian
Ceridian offers cloud-based payroll software as well as a managed payroll service. The solution helps small businesses simplify and increase the accuracy of their payroll processing.
Key features
- Automated payroll processing
- Mobile access
- Automated compliance
- Supported reporting
ADP
ADP is a payroll platform designed to help companies (small, medium and large) process their payroll quickly and easily pay employees. Its ADP Workforce Now offers a suite of features for businesses looking to manage payroll, time and attendance tracking, talent management, employee benefits, and other HR processes all in one place.
Key features
- Fast payroll processing
- Self-service app for employees
- 24/7 support by experienced payroll professionals
- Simple integration
- Compliance support
Wave Payroll
Wave Payroll is an add-on to Wave’s accounting software and designed to ease small business payment processes.
Key features
- Direct deposit
- Automated tax remittances
- Employee self-service portal
- Pay employees and contractors
- Automated payroll journal entries
Sage
Sage is a payroll software that empowers businesses to prepare their payroll effortlessly and accurately. This is also an add-on feature to Sage’s accounting software.
Key features
- Simple and fast payroll processing
- Employee self-service portal
- Automated compliance
- Automated reporting
QuickBooks Online Payroll
QuickBooks Online Payroll is an integrated part of the QuickBooks Online software. This add-on feature offers an all-in-one solution allowing you to do your books and run payroll accurately and quickly.
Key features
- Automated payroll for employees
- Direct depositpayments
- Time tracking integrations
- Automated tax remittances
- Employee self-service portal
The value of payroll companies in Canada.
Payroll factors into the success of a small business, or businesses of any size. The difference between a good choice and the right choice of payroll companies can really make a difference in the results and how it all comes together. Keeping the benefits, unique needs and wants of your business in mind will give you the ability to make that decision more easily.
How does Wagepoint compare with the rest?
At Wagepoint, we’ve designed our solution specially to meet the unique payroll processing needs of small businesses. All it takes is getting set up, and then the system is built to keep running payroll simple from then on out. With Wagepoint, your employees and contractors can access the data they need through the online portal, and you also get to pay them fast and conveniently via direct deposits.
To have a feel of how Wagepoint works, click here to sign up.
