What are the top online payroll services?

Hello Jeanne,

Start with your requirements and match them up against the technology and service offerings from established companies (make sure they have appropriate security measures and insurance policies in place). Pay special attention to a systems capability to support the business rules for your accrual plans (vacation, sick etc...) as well as benefits and incomes. This process is well suited for a checklist style comparison. APS Payroll (http://www.apspayroll.com) has a buyers guide that is a good high level checklist and also covers two of the biggest trends in technology, namely, cloud-based solutions delivered as a service and unified systems for payroll, HR and time & attendance.

Payroll/HR Buyers Guide - http://www.apspayroll.com/documents/choosing-a-workforce-solution.pdf

Also try the guide from Dresser and Associates.
If you have any questions I am available via phone or email 888-277-8514 ext 114 or cvaliulis@apspayroll.com

Cordially,
Christian

I'm a fan of Ceridian. I'm happy to make introductions if you'd like.

You need to locate a great payroll service with great technology. PEOs usually have significant fees attached and although they generally do a good job, their focus is getting you on their payroll and their benefits solutions. There are a number of small but effective companies that I can suggest for you - Primepoint is one of them out of Bordentown, New Jersey. They deal with large and small companies across the entire USA. With a great technology that backs up the entire process. There are several others that are equally as good. Any payroll company should be able to handle all of the basics, plus HR database solutions. It can be an inexpensive solution to a vexing problem. Email at dduncan@yourhrsolutions.com and I will be glad to share what I know.

Candace, I am right there with you. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Sheryle

Good luck with your search. Here are some key points to consider when choosing a payroll company. When comparing payroll service providers, evaluate each of them on these criteria:

Speed -- what turnaround time do they offer? If there are mistakes in your payroll, how quickly can they be corrected and re-issued?

Accuracy -- You are still liable for paying your employees correctly, even if you outsource the payroll processing.

Ease of use -- tracking and updating employee information should be easy and quick for maximum efficiency.

Read more about what questions to ask when choosing a payroll company: http://www.buyerzone.com/hr-personnel/payroll-services/bg-choosing-payroll-co...

You have gotten great advice on "how" to choose. My personal favorite is Paylocity. Easy to use, easy to set up, cost effective, and has an employee portal. If you would like an introduction, I can help.

Before going with a payroll-only platform, I would look at PEO (professional employer organization). If you have 10 or more employees, then you can get great rates on benefits through a PEO and access to their online payroll and HRIS.

There are a lot of options to consider when looking for a payroll company. Make sure that whoever you choose has a secure system in place. Don't just take their word for it ask for proof, do they have a SAS 70 certification.

Good luck,

http:///www.paycomonline.com

I've worked with the three majors: ADP, PayChex, and Heartland. and with several smaller ones.
The one I've narrowed down to is E-Chx, centered in New York.
I should point out here that, although I'm sure I was objective in selecting E-Chx after working with all the majors, I do receive some small compensation if you decide to use them through me, something you, of course do not have to do.
My criteria for selection were:
On-line ease-of-use (all were more-or-less equal in this category);
National in scope (again all three were equal);
Service (Here E-Chx stands out head and shoulders above the others);
Cost: (Heartland and E-Chx are the clear winners here - at least west of rhe Rockies).