Finding the Right Payroll Software in Australia
Managing payroll efficiently is essential for any business in Australia. The right payroll software ensures compliance with tax regulations, automates salary payments, and simplifies superannuation contributions. But with so many options available, choosing the best payroll software in Australia can be challenging.
In this guide, we will explore the top 10 payroll software solutions in Australia, their features, pros, cons, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.
Why You Need Payroll Software in Australia?
Handling payroll manually can be complex and time-consuming. Payroll software automates crucial tasks such as:
✔️ Tax and Superannuation Compliance – Ensures accuracy and timely payments to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
✔️ Single Touch Payroll (STP) Reporting – Automatically reports payroll data to the ATO.
✔️ Employee Self-Service (ESS) – Allows staff to access payslips and manage leave requests.
✔️ Automated Payroll Processing – Reduces errors and saves time.
✔️ Seamless Integration – Connects with accounting software for smoother financial management.
Now, let’s explore the best payroll software in Australia in detail.
Top 10 Payroll Software in Australia: A Detailed Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison of the top payroll software in Australia, highlighting their best features and pricing.
| Payroll Software | Best For | Starting Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xero Payroll | Small to medium businesses | $10/month | STP compliance, super, employee portal |
| MYOB Payroll | Businesses of all sizes | $10/month | Automated tax, MYOB integration |
| QuickBooks Payroll | Startups & small businesses | $5/month | STP compliance, accounting integration |
| Employment Hero | HR-focused businesses | Contact for quote | HR + payroll automation |
| KeyPay | Businesses seeking automation | $4/employee | Award interpretation, pay runs |
| Reckon One | Freelancers & small firms | $5/month | Basic payroll, customizable reports |
| Sage MicrOpay | Medium to large enterprises | Contact for quote | Advanced payroll, compliance tools |
| Payroller | Small businesses | $10/month | Mobile payroll, STP compliance |
| Ascender Payroll | Large enterprises | Contact for quote | Multi-country payroll, reporting |
| ELMO Cloud Payroll | Scalable HR & payroll | Contact for quote | All-in-one HR, performance tracking |
Let’s now take a deep dive into each payroll solution.
1. Xero Payroll
Overview: Xero Payroll is a cloud-based solution that integrates seamlessly with Xero’s accounting software, offering a comprehensive platform for small to medium-sized businesses.
Features:
- Automatic tax calculations and superannuation payments
- Single Touch Payroll (STP) compliance
- Employee self-service portal
- Integration with time-tracking apps
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Seamless integration with Xero Accounting | Limited advanced HR features |
| User-friendly interface | Additional cost for full accounting suite |
| Regular updates and improvements | Learning curve for new users |
Pricing: Starts at $10 per month for payroll-only plans.
Website: Xero Payroll
2. MYOB Essentials Payroll
Overview: MYOB offers a range of payroll solutions suitable for businesses of various sizes, focusing on compliance and ease of use.
Features:
- Automated PAYG and superannuation calculations
- STP reporting
- Employee self-service
- Integration with MYOB accounting software
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive compliance features | Interface can be complex |
| Scalable solutions for growing businesses | Customer support response times |
| Regular updates to meet legislative changes | Additional fees for add-on features |
Pricing: Plans start at $10 per month.
Website: MYOB Payroll
3. QuickBooks Online Payroll
Overview: QuickBooks Online Payroll provides a robust platform with strong integration capabilities, ideal for small to medium-sized businesses.
Features:
- Automated tax calculations
- STP compliance
- Employee self-service portal
- Integration with QuickBooks accounting
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong integration with QuickBooks | Limited advanced HR features |
| User-friendly interface | Higher cost for premium features |
| Comprehensive reporting tools | Occasional syncing issues |
Pricing: Starts at $5 per month.
Website: QuickBooks Payroll
4. Employment Hero
Overview: Employment Hero combines payroll with HR management, offering an all-in-one solution for businesses seeking integrated services.
Features:
- Automated payroll processing
- STP compliance
- HR management tools
- Employee benefits platform
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive HR and payroll features | Higher price point |
| Employee benefits integration | Complexity may be overwhelming for small businesses |
| Regular compliance updates | Limited customization options |
Pricing: Contact Employment Hero for pricing details.
Website: Employment Hero
5. KeyPay
Overview: KeyPay is a cloud-based payroll solution offering extensive automation and compliance features, suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Features:
- Automated pay runs
- STP compliance
- Employee self-service portal
- Award interpretation
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive automation reduces manual work | User interface can be complex |
| Comprehensive compliance tools | Limited integration with non-partnered software |
| Scalable for growing businesses | Learning curve for advanced features |
Pricing: Plans start at $4 per employee per month.
Website: KeyPay
6. Reckon One Payroll
Overview: Reckon One offers a flexible and affordable payroll solution, ideal for small businesses seeking basic payroll functionalities.
Features:
- Automated tax and super calculations
- STP compliance
- Employee management
- Customizable reporting
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable pricing | Limited advanced features |
| Customizable modules | Integration limitations |
| User-friendly interface | Basic reporting capabilities |
Pricing: Starts at $5 per month.
Website: Reckon One Payroll
verview:
Sage MicrOpay is a comprehensive payroll and HR management solution designed for medium to large businesses requiring advanced functionalities. It ensures compliance with Australian payroll regulations and provides powerful automation tools.
Features:
✔️ Advanced payroll processing
✔️ Award interpretation and compliance
✔️ Employee self-service portal
✔️ Customizable reporting and analytics
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Suitable for medium to large enterprises | Higher pricing compared to smaller solutions |
| Customizable reports and compliance tools | Steep learning curve for beginners |
| Scalable for growing businesses | Requires training for full utilization |
Pricing: Contact Sage MicrOpay for a quote.
Website: Sage MicrOpay
8. Payroller
Overview:
Payroller is a simple and affordable payroll solution designed for small businesses, startups, and freelancers. It simplifies payroll management and ensures compliance with Australian regulations.
Features:
✔️ Single Touch Payroll (STP) compliance
✔️ Superannuation calculations and direct payments
✔️ Employee self-service portal
✔️ Mobile app for payroll processing on the go
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cost-effective for small businesses | Lacks advanced HR management features |
| Easy to set up and use | Limited reporting capabilities |
| Mobile accessibility | Not suitable for large enterprises |
Pricing: Starts at $10 per month.
Website: Payroller
9. Ascender Payroll
Overview:
Ascender Payroll is an enterprise-grade payroll software offering end-to-end payroll processing and compliance solutions for large businesses and multinational companies.
Features:
✔️ Advanced payroll automation
✔️ Multi-country payroll processing
✔️ Employee self-service and HR tools
✔️ Customizable compliance solutions
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for large enterprises and multinationals | Expensive compared to small business solutions |
| Advanced reporting and analytics | Complexity requires extensive training |
| Full compliance with Australian regulations | Requires dedicated payroll management staff |
Pricing: Contact Ascender Payroll for pricing details.
Website: Ascender Payroll
10. ELMO Cloud Payroll
Overview:
ELMO Cloud Payroll is a cloud-based HR and payroll software that automates payroll processes and integrates with broader HR management tools.
Features:
✔️ Cloud-based payroll management
✔️ STP compliance and tax automation
✔️ Employee benefits and leave management
✔️ Performance and learning management system
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All-in-one HR and payroll solution | Premium pricing tier |
| Scalable for growing businesses | Requires time to fully implement |
| Regular updates to ensure compliance | May be complex for small businesses |
Pricing: Contact ELMO for pricing details.
Website: ELMO Cloud Payroll
How to Choose the Right Payroll Software for Your Business?
When selecting the best payroll software for your Australian business, consider the following factors:
✔️ Business Size: Small businesses may prefer affordable, simple solutions like Payroller or Reckon One, while large enterprises might need advanced features from Ascender Payroll or Sage MicrOpay.
✔️ Compliance Needs: Ensure the software is STP-compliant and follows ATO payroll regulations to avoid legal issues.
✔️ Ease of Use: Choose a solution with a user-friendly interface and employee self-service options.
✔️ Integration with Other Software: If you use accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, or MYOB, select payroll software that integrates seamlessly.
✔️ Scalability: Growing businesses should choose payroll software that can expand with their needs, such as ELMO Cloud Payroll or KeyPay.
✔️ Customer Support: Opt for providers with reliable customer service and training resources to assist with payroll management.
Final Thoughts: Which Payroll Software is Best in Australia?
The best payroll software in Australia depends on your business size, industry, and payroll complexity.
- Best for Small Businesses: Xero Payroll, QuickBooks, Payroller
- Best for Medium to Large Enterprises: Sage MicrOpay, Ascender Payroll
- Best for HR + Payroll Integration: Employment Hero, ELMO Cloud Payroll
- Best for Automation & Compliance: KeyPay, MYOB Payroll
Each of these payroll solutions offers unique benefits. Whether you need basic payroll processing or enterprise-level automation, selecting the right software ensures smooth payroll management and compliance with Australian regulations.
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