Does anyone have any suggestions of a payroll solution for a retail company with more than 1,000 employees?

Not sure if you mean in house or contracted out in your question? If there's any question at all on that score *contract it out*. Unless you have a real payroll veteran on your payroll with enough support and a solid system to make it happen doing it yourself is perilous and a time waster. Payroll companies are supposed to know what they're doing.

That said I've had really bad experiences with the biggies: ADP, Ceridian and Paychex. We use a local company (that is growing and starting to go national) that only does payroll (and in fact is founded by a number of the original founders/staff of ADP before it sold out and bloated). We know we get an appropriate response if any issues arise and that any issues will go directly and immediately to people who can investigate and fix them.

It's important whoever you choose only does payroll, has a real system, has employees on the front lines that know what they're doing, and ensures that you will get appropriate attention (the last being hard to gauge without trying them out). You're big enough to be able to demand high quality service. Most of the really big companies staff the processing level with people that have no idea what they're doing. That inevitably raises major problems that may not even show up for a while. The system should be automated (auto-pilot) other than the inputs (hours and employees), which I suspect will be highly variable from week to week in retail.

Hello,

One other option to consider...

Have you looked at any open source software options for your business?

They would be more customizable, expertise is available online 24/7 from other users around the world, and you can save money.

Check out:

http://www.timetrex.com/index.php

http://djamz.blogspot.com/2009/06/open-source-payroll-software-for-small.html
There are several options here in a list format.

Other options here:
http://www.filetransit.com/files.php?name=Open_Source_Payroll

My point is, at least check into some of the possibilities in open source.
You can gain better control over your applications, improved customization and bug management, global expertise from other users and save money.

Have you thought about open source at all?

Also contact professional groups like The Linux Foundation http://www.linuxfoundation.org/, Linux.com (another Web site of the foundation) and Open Source for America http://www.opensourceforamerica.org/.

Let us know what you find and if these options might be helpful.

Best wishes,

Todd

I have been in a leadership position in the outsourcing market for more than 15 years responsible for being one of the early founders of the largest privately held PEO in the country. While Outsourcing is a great economic solution, make sure that the chosen provider meets certain SOP requirements. Web Payroll Technology, Employee Self Service, Dedicated Payroll and Service People on the ground in your regions, and a dedicated Account Manager. In many cases, we have seen providers actually place an employee on your site to manage personnel and be entrenched in your culture. As indicated in several prior responses, your size warrants special attention. As others, I can objectively assist you in navigating through the myriad of providers that will clammor for your business.

Good Luck

Mike Frazure's testimonial sums it up regarding ECI's solutions . . . I can provide you with additional insight into ECI by connecting with me to understand the differences between a payroll centric vs. human capital management centric solution --- as well as the advantages of inhouse vs. outsourcing solutions for your organization.

I have found that you need to research your needs very, very accurately. My expertise is in HR startups and have used several of the better known 3rd party payroll systems. I implemented ADP at two past employers. If you're global, ADP seems to be wide spread. First and foremost you should detail what exactly it is that you are looking for in a 3rd party payroll system. My past payroll administrator did not have the foresight and we were caught up in a crunch BUT ADP's support system was excellent to implement what we needed on the spot. Ceridian is also good, none are perfect and the planning solely lies on your shoulders. Once you have this down, you have a better idea what to look for in 3rd party payroll systems. You will have prepared yourself to ask the appropriate questions of what their systems can and cannot do. You really cannot depend on them to perfect the system you choose; they know the mechanics you know what you need.

Most seasoned ERP systems (like Microsoft Dynamics GP, which we represent) have very good payroll features, including direct deposit and integration with services that file tax deposits for you electronically, but keep in mind that the ultimate burden of tax compliance will reside with you.

Using these systems can save you a lot of money since once it's licensed, it's paid for (except for annual maintenance fees).

A few features that may be pertinent to you, but are by no means standard in all ERP systems are the ability to handle:

1. piece rates
2. unique overtime arrangements
3. advances, expense reimbursements, garnishments, bonuses, retirement deductions
4. multiple pay rates per employee (i.e. head waiter one day, busboy the next)
5. HR reporting (EEOC, pay rate history, certifications)
6. Multi-state employees
7. Time clock or POS interface

On the other hand, if you want to "set it and forget it" you might consider one of the payroll companies mentioned above.

I'm compelled to offer a positive recommendation for ADP. They can work very well for some very small companies... as few as 5 employees. It's just a few dollars per paycheck, plus a little bit at year-end for W-2s. They're sophisticated enough to have a lot of online features, whereas some of the smaller payroll companies may not have that depth.

Kirk Alexander
http://www.ceoteams.com

Hi Trevor, Pleas let me know if you are interested in outsourcing your payroll and we would be able to help you in your expansion
.
Please let me know your convenient time and we will be able to provide you and overview on our capabilities on payroll.

Company Profile:
http://www.caliberpoint.com/caliberpoint/common/ui_templates/homepage.aspx?re...

Thanks and Regards

Shankar
+91 9841378886

I have about 10 years experience in payroll consulting. Would you mind me asking you a few questions? Are all your employees in the US?

You are what payroll companies would consider a National Account size client since you are 1000 employees. You want a group that is big enough to handle you but small enough to give you the service you deserve.

I would look into CompuPay. They are the 4th largest in the US and have a focus on National Accounts. I've worked with groups that have used ADP, Ceridian and Paychex and find that Paychex average size client is 25 employees, ADP is too big and you won't get the service and they will nickel and dime you. Ceridian is pricey and CompuPay is a great option.

Where are you located? Based on your location, they will assign you a national accounts rep who will consult with you on what you are looking for.