Choosing the right payroll software for your business can be challenging, with many available options. For Canadian businesses, finding a solution that meets business needs and specific payroll requirements, from accurate payroll processing to comprehensive employee benefits management, is crucial.
Payroll taxes aren’t a joke, either. This article compares several popular Canadian payroll software options to help you make an informed decision.
The 16 Best Payroll Software Solutions for Canadian Businesses
Rise People
Rise People offers a comprehensive payroll and HR features suite, including time tracking, benefits management, performance reviews, and an intuitive employee self-service portal. Rise People’s all-in-one platform is designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes, providing advanced reporting, a user-friendly interface, and excellent customer support. Its robust features and seamless user experience make it the top software for managing payroll, employee work hours, and benefits.
Key Features
- Employee Benefits: Affordable health benefits and an unparalleled digital enrollment experience ensure your team is well-supported.
- Time Management: Flexible scheduling and time tracking software help you manage employee work hours efficiently, making time tracking a breeze.
- HR management: Our sophisticated HR solution supports employees through every stage of their journey, from recruiting to retirement, and keeps employee data in one place.
- Payroll Management: Run payroll from anywhere with unlimited pay runs, ensuring 100% compliance and reducing manual data entry.
Perfect for businesses of all sizes, Rise People ensures compliance with Canadian regulations while saving you valuable time and reducing errors. Designed to simplify all your HR processes, this innovative solution makes managing a workforce easier than ever.
ADP Workforce Now
ADP is an enterprise software provider with over 70 years of experience in human resources management software and payroll services. Their flagship product, Workforce Now, offers a suite of HR and payroll functionalities designed for businesses of all sizes.
Key Features
- Real-Time Updates: The software supports real-time updates across all systems, minimizing the need for redundant data entry.
- Employee Self-Service Portal: Through a self-service portal, also available on the mobile app, employees can access tools for time tracking, scheduling, PTO requests, and benefits management.
- Customization and Add-Ons: The platform offers extensive customization options and add-on modules, making it ideal for large enterprises with specific needs.
- Scalability: ADP can handle complex payrolls for large workforces, supporting several employees.
ADP Workforce Now is a scalable solution for large enterprises seeking an HR and payroll platform. However, its complexity and higher costs make it less ideal for smaller businesses. Enterprises willing to invest in training and customization will benefit the most from ADP's extensive features and capabilities.
Ceridian Dayforce
Ceridian is a major player in the payroll and HR software industry. Dayforce is its flagship Human Capital Management (HCM) platform. It integrates HR, payroll, benefits, workforce management, and talent management into a single application.
Key Features
- Customizable: Dayforce offers numerous customization options, making it suitable for large businesses with complex regulatory requirements.
- Integrated Platform: Dayforce simplifies administration by housing payroll, HR, benefits, workforce management, and talent management in one platform.
- Real-Time Updates: The platform allows for real-time updates and calculations, enhancing compliance and efficiency.
- Employee Self-Service: Through a self-service portal, employees can easily access their pay information, view pay breakdowns, access pay stubs, and print tax forms, reducing the need for administrative support.
Ceridian Dayforce is a powerful and scalable HCM platform designed for large and growing enterprises. Still, its complexity and higher cost can hinder smaller companies with limited HR needs. Users should be prepared for a steep learning curve and potentially less personalized customer support.
Knit People
Knit People is a unified payroll, HR, and benefits software primarily used by small to medium-sized businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers who manage payroll for their clients.
Key Features
- Payroll Features: Knit offers various payroll functionalities beyond basic features like direct deposit, automated CRA remittances, and year-end reporting. Advanced features include WSIB remittance reporting, off-cycle pay runs, auto-run for salaried employees, and T4 filings.
- Advanced HR Modules: Knit's expanded HR capabilities include time tracking, time-off requests and approvals, cloud-accessible documents, e-sign documents, performance reviews, and benefits management.
- Unlimited Payroll Runs: Knit can run unlimited payroll without extra fees, making it an affordable option for companies that run frequent payrolls.
Knit People's unlimited payroll runs and integrated HR modules make it a useful tool for managing payroll and HR needs. However, the lack of a mobile app and advanced payroll features might be a limitation for larger enterprises with more complex requirements.
Nethris
With over 40 years of payroll processing experience, Nethris is designed for small and medium-sized businesses in Canada. Based in Montreal, the company offers a suite of services that includes payroll, HR, time management, group insurance, and recruitment tools.
Key Features
- Extensive Experience: Nethris can handle both basic and complex payrolls. Its features include a payroll simulator for salary changes and managing support payments, alimony (Quebec and Ontario), and wage garnishments.
- Quebec Payroll Expertise: Nethris supports Quebec payroll standards and manages CCQ, Commission des normes du travail, CSST, and Solidarity Fund remittances, making it a decent choice for businesses operating in Quebec.
- Integrated Services: Nethris allows businesses to add on HR, recruitment, and time-management services, eliminating the need for data transfers between programs.
Nethris is particularly advantageous for small to medium-sized businesses operating in Quebec. Nonetheless, issues with the mobile app and a pricing structure that can escalate with frequent payroll runs and additional features deter some companies.
Payment Evolution
Payment Evolution is a cloud-based payroll provider focused on payroll and benefits, omitting HR features. Its simplicity makes it a popular choice among accountants and small businesses with 50 employees or fewer.
Key Features
- Cost-Effectiveness: Payment Evolution offers a free plan for small businesses with up to five employees, albeit with limited features. Paid plans are highly affordable, especially for small businesses and accountants.
- Ease of Use: The setup process allows payroll to be run in minutes. The platform includes functions like custom deductions and the ability to set up personalized payroll rules. Support for wage garnishment, WSIB, and T4As for contract employees are also available.
- Accountant-Friendly: Accountants favor Payment Evolution for its simplicity and efficiency in managing payroll for multiple clients, making it a reliable tool for bookkeeping services.
While Payment Evolution excels in affordability and ease of use for companies with fewer than 50 employees, its lack of HR features and certain advanced payroll functions limit its appeal for larger enterprises or those with more complex needs.
Payworks
Since 2001, Payworks has been providing payroll services for small Canadian businesses. The company offers payroll management, HRIS, time and attendance tracking, group benefits, and health spending accounts.
Key Features
- Quebec Payroll Support: Unlike other small payroll startups, Payworks accommodates the unique requirements of Quebec's payroll legislation. This makes it a good option for companies based in Quebec or with several employees in the province.
- HR Add-On: Payworks offers an HR add-on for companies looking to manage employee life cycles easily. Features include employee profiles, onboarding tools, compensation and benefits management, and talent and performance management. While not as advanced as some HR-specific platforms, it provides features small businesses need.
- Franchise Solutions: Payworks is tailored software for franchisees and owners. It allows the management of multiple locations within one database. Features include multi-user access, data import from various POS systems, automated vacation pay entitlements and mass wage update functionality.
For traditional companies focused on payroll processing, Payworks offers a dependable solution, albeit with some limitations in user experience and features for accountants and bookkeepers. While it lacks some advanced features found in newer payroll platforms, it remains a reliable option for small businesses.
Wagepoint
Wagepoint is cloud-based payroll software designed for small businesses. It includes direct deposit, tax filings, year-end reporting, online pay stubs, and more. Small business owners and accountants favor the platform for its simplicity and functionality.
Key Features
- User-Friendly Design: Wagepoint is often praised for its intuitive user experience, making it accessible to small business owners who may not have extensive payroll expertise.
- Robust Payroll Features: The platform automates CRA and WCB remittances, statutory holiday calculations, direct deposit, and online pay stubs. It also supports auto remittance for SD, CPP, Record of Employment (ROEs), T4s, T4As, EHT, and WSIB.
- Straightforward Pricing: Wagepoint’s pricing model is based on the frequency of payroll runs and the number of employees, making it affordable for small companies.
Wagepoint's strengths lie in its payroll features and straightforward pricing. Even so, the platform has limitations in customer support and lacks extensive HR functionalities, which might require additional software purchases. Larger companies with more complex needs should look for more customizable and integrated solutions.
Wave Payroll
Wave offers a suite of financial services tailored for small businesses. These include free invoicing and accounting software and paid options for payroll services and credit card processing.
Key Features
- Sleek Interface: Wave Payroll boasts a modern and user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and operate. The dashboard provides a clear overview of tasks related to each pay run.
- Integration: The seamless integration between accounting, invoicing, and payroll simplifies syncing employee information and maintaining financial data in one consolidated platform. This integration is particularly beneficial for small businesses managing their finances on a budget.
Wave Payroll is a practical choice for small businesses with basic payroll needs. Despite its strengths, businesses requiring more sophisticated payroll features or comprehensive HR functionalities must explore alternative solutions that are better equipped to meet their specific requirements.
Collage
Collage is a Canadian startup offering an HRIS (Human Resources Information System) platform that integrates HR, payroll, and benefits management into one cohesive solution. While Collage's primary focus is its HRIS software, which is highly regarded for its breadth of HR functionalities, companies can also opt to add payroll services to their monthly package. It's important to note that Collage's payroll services are outsourced.
Key Features
- HRIS Platform: Collage offers comprehensive HR management solutions for small to medium-sized companies. Key features include time-off tracking, an employee directory, performance reviews and check-ins, performance management tools, an applicant tracking system (ATS), benefits synchronization, and more.
- User-Friendly Employee Portal: The platform includes a user-friendly employee portal that enhances employee engagement and self-service capabilities, which can reduce administrative burden.
- Integration of HR and Payroll: While payroll is outsourced, integrating HRIS with payroll services provides seamless data flow and reduces the need for manual data entry across different systems.
While its payroll services are outsourced, Collage's strength lies in its user-friendly interface, extensive HR functionalities, and seamless integration capabilities. Businesses should consider their specific HR and payroll needs when evaluating Collage as a potential solution.
Humi
Humi is a cloud-based platform integrating HR, payroll, and benefits management into one solution. While Humi has historically focused on its robust HR management platform, it has also developed a payroll module to complement its HR offerings.
Key Features
- HR Management: Humi provides HR management tools, including an employee portal, time tracking, performance management, employee onboarding, recruitment tools, and more. These features cater to small and medium-sized companies looking to automate basic HR tasks and improve employee management processes.
- Integrated Platform: By offering both HR and payroll functionalities, Humi ensures data integration between HR processes and payroll management. This integration reduces manual data entry and enhances data accuracy across different aspects of employee management.
With a strong focus on HR, Humi provides tools to streamline HR processes and enhance employee management. While its payroll module is intuitive, businesses with complex payroll requirements may find Humi's payroll functionalities more basic than specialized payroll solutions.
Deel
Deel is a global payroll platform that facilitates payments in multiple currencies across over 150 countries, simplifying international workforce management. It's particularly useful for businesses with international employees, contractors, or freelancers.
Key Features
- Compliance Management: The platform ensures compliance with local labor laws and tax regulations in various jurisdictions.
- Contractor Management: Deel offers tools for managing international contractors, including automated invoicing and payment systems.
While Deel excels in managing global payroll so businesses can pay employees worldwide, it may be overly complex for businesses operating solely within Canada.
Rippling
Rippling is an HR and payroll system offering a unified platform for workforce management. It integrates various HR functions with payroll processing.
Key Features
- Integrated Platform: Rippling combines payroll, benefits, HR, IT, and more in one system, reducing data entry and improving efficiency.
- Automated Workflows: The platform automates many HR and payroll processes, from onboarding to offboarding.
- App Management: Rippling can manage employee apps and devices, making it useful for tech-savvy companies.
Rippling's comprehensive approach to workforce management can benefit growing businesses, but it may offer more features than necessary for small companies with simple payroll needs.
QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online is primarily accounting software that offers integrated payroll features, making it suitable for small businesses looking for a combined solution.
Key Features
- Accounting Integration: Payroll data automatically syncs with the accounting system, simplifying financial management.
- Tax Calculations: QuickBooks handles tax calculations and filings, including year-end forms.
- Direct Deposit: The platform supports direct deposit for employee payments. Payments go straight to their bank accounts.
While QuickBooks Online is excellent for businesses that want integrated accounting and payroll, it may not have as robust HR features as dedicated payroll systems.
TimeTrex
TimeTrex provides compliant provincial and federal payroll and tax calculations, catering to Canadian businesses of various sizes.
Key Features
- Compliance: TimeTrex ensures accurate calculations for provincial and federal taxes and deductions.
- Time Tracking: The software includes built-in time tracking features useful for businesses with hourly employees.
- Customization: TimeTrex offers customizable pay rules and scheduling options.
TimeTrex's focus on compliance and time tracking makes it a solid choice for businesses prioritizing these features. Still, it may lack some of the more advanced HR functionalities other platforms offer.
Push Operations
Push Operations is a workforce management solution with payroll capabilities that cater primarily to the hospitality industry.
Key Features
- Industry-Specific: Push Operations is tailored to the unique needs of the hospitality sector, including tip management and shift scheduling.
- Integrated Platform: The software combines scheduling, time tracking, payroll, and HR functions.
- Mobile Access: Employees can access schedules, request time off, and view pay stubs via a mobile app.
While Push Operations excels in serving the hospitality industry, its specialized focus may make it less suitable for businesses in other sectors.
Overall, Rise People emerges as the best option for Canadian businesses. It offers a balanced mix of advanced features, a user-friendly interface, and excellent customer support. Whether you have a handful of employees or thousands, Rise People provides the tools to manage payroll accurately and effectively.
Choosing the Right Software to Process Payroll: The Essential Features of an All-in-One Payroll Solution
A comprehensive payroll system should offer a range of features that cater to the needs of businesses of all sizes. Here are essential features to look for in a payroll solution:
Automated Payroll Processing
A reliable payroll system must streamline the process, reducing manual data entry and errors. Look for solutions that handle complex payrolls, including bi-weekly and semi-monthly payrolls, and cater to salaried employees, hourly employees, and even international employees. For instance, Rise’s software payroll automates compliance and minimizes errors, saving valuable time for payroll admins. While not everything is automatic, automation is key.
Comprehensive Tax Management
Managing provincial taxes and ensuring compliance with Canadian regulations is critical. Payroll solutions should help businesses navigate tax requirements, reducing the risk of penalties and fines. This is especially important for Canadian companies handling payroll in various provinces.
Employee Self-Service Portals
Self-service portals are a standout feature that enhances employee engagement by allowing active employees to view their pay stubs, request time off, and manage their personal information online. This feature reduces the administrative burden on payroll admins and provides employees with immediate access to their data.
Scalability for Business Growth
As businesses grow, their payroll needs become more complex. A good payroll solution should scale with the business, accommodating thousands of employees without compromising performance.
Advanced Reporting and Analytics
Advanced reporting capabilities are crucial for payroll admins to track payroll expenses, audit payroll, and generate comprehensive payroll reports. Solutions that offer robust analytics help businesses make informed decisions and optimize their payroll processes.
Time and Attendance Solutions
Efficient time tracking and attendance management are essential aspects of payroll processing. Flexible scheduling and time tracking software ensure accurate tracking of employee work hours, reducing errors in payroll calculations. This feature is vital for businesses with hourly employees.
Employee Benefits Management
Managing employee benefits efficiently is a critical component of a comprehensive payroll solution. Affordable health benefits and a seamless digital enrollment experience ensure employees receive the best coverage, increasing job satisfaction. Benefits modules that include group plans and health and wealth options can be a significant advantage.
Friendly User Interface and Online Access
A payroll solution should have a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for both payroll admins and employees to navigate. Online access allows payroll to be managed from anywhere, providing flexibility and convenience.
Cost-Effectiveness and Transparent Pricing
Affordable options with transparent pricing structures are essential. Look for solutions with a clear monthly base fee and no hidden year-end fees. Basic plans should provide essential payroll features, with additional features available as needed.
High Level of Customer Support
Exceptional customer support is vital for addressing any issues that arise during payroll processing. Rise People is known for its high level of customer support, ensuring that businesses receive timely assistance when needed. This support can significantly improve the overall efficiency of the payroll process.
Integrations
A robust payroll solution should offer seamless integrations with other business software and systems that you already have in place, such as Xero. Consider the specific integrations your business needs and ensure that the software can connect with your existing tech stack. This will help create a more cohesive and efficient payroll ecosystem for your organization. This also ensures data consistency across various platforms.
5 important things a payroll service should do for your company
Streamline your HR processes with Rise People: The #1 Payroll and HR Management Software in Canada
Offering comprehensive solutions for benefits, payroll, time management, and performance, Rise People is designed to support every stage of the employee experience. This sophisticated HR solution helps you recruit, onboard, and grow your team efficiently, ensuring compliance and minimizing errors. Trusted by companies of all sizes, including the David Suzuki Foundation and Starbucks, Rise People gives your business the tools to manage your workforce seamlessly and effectively. Contact us today to get started!
