Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuickBooks Payroll - Integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting to automate payroll processing, tax filings, and employee payments for accountants.
- 2#2: Gusto - Provides full-service payroll with automatic tax compliance, benefits integration, and detailed reporting ideal for small business accountants.
- 3#3: ADP RUN - Offers scalable payroll management with advanced HR tools, compliance automation, and robust analytics for mid-sized accounting needs.
- 4#4: Paychex Flex - Delivers comprehensive payroll and HCM solutions with expert support, multi-state tax filing, and customizable reporting for accountants.
- 5#5: Rippling - Unifies payroll, HR, and IT in one platform with global compliance and instant sync to accounting software for efficient accountant workflows.
- 6#6: Xero Payroll - Cloud payroll integrated with Xero accounting for streamlined employee payments, tax calculations, and real-time financial visibility.
- 7#7: Patriot Payroll - Affordable full-service payroll with direct deposit, automated taxes, and unlimited payroll runs tailored for small accounting firms.
- 8#8: OnPay - Simple, unlimited payroll processing with built-in tax filing, benefits administration, and accountant-friendly reporting tools.
- 9#9: BambooHR Payroll - Integrates payroll into an all-in-one HR platform for easy onboarding, compliance, and data syncing with accounting systems.
- 10#10: Paylocity - Modern payroll and HR software with employee self-service, advanced analytics, and seamless integrations for accountant oversight.
We evaluated tools based on integration strength with accounting systems, compliance automation, user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring the list caters to both small firms and mid-sized practices with varied operational demands.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores the features, pricing, and functionality of leading accounting payroll software, including QuickBooks Payroll, Gusto, ADP RUN, Paychex Flex, Rippling, and additional tools, to help readers identify the best fit for their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuickBooks Payroll Integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting to automate payroll processing, tax filings, and employee payments for accountants. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Gusto Provides full-service payroll with automatic tax compliance, benefits integration, and detailed reporting ideal for small business accountants. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | ADP RUN Offers scalable payroll management with advanced HR tools, compliance automation, and robust analytics for mid-sized accounting needs. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Paychex Flex Delivers comprehensive payroll and HCM solutions with expert support, multi-state tax filing, and customizable reporting for accountants. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Rippling Unifies payroll, HR, and IT in one platform with global compliance and instant sync to accounting software for efficient accountant workflows. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Xero Payroll Cloud payroll integrated with Xero accounting for streamlined employee payments, tax calculations, and real-time financial visibility. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Patriot Payroll Affordable full-service payroll with direct deposit, automated taxes, and unlimited payroll runs tailored for small accounting firms. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | OnPay Simple, unlimited payroll processing with built-in tax filing, benefits administration, and accountant-friendly reporting tools. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 9 | BambooHR Payroll Integrates payroll into an all-in-one HR platform for easy onboarding, compliance, and data syncing with accounting systems. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | Paylocity Modern payroll and HR software with employee self-service, advanced analytics, and seamless integrations for accountant oversight. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
Integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting to automate payroll processing, tax filings, and employee payments for accountants.
Provides full-service payroll with automatic tax compliance, benefits integration, and detailed reporting ideal for small business accountants.
Offers scalable payroll management with advanced HR tools, compliance automation, and robust analytics for mid-sized accounting needs.
Delivers comprehensive payroll and HCM solutions with expert support, multi-state tax filing, and customizable reporting for accountants.
Unifies payroll, HR, and IT in one platform with global compliance and instant sync to accounting software for efficient accountant workflows.
Cloud payroll integrated with Xero accounting for streamlined employee payments, tax calculations, and real-time financial visibility.
Affordable full-service payroll with direct deposit, automated taxes, and unlimited payroll runs tailored for small accounting firms.
Simple, unlimited payroll processing with built-in tax filing, benefits administration, and accountant-friendly reporting tools.
Integrates payroll into an all-in-one HR platform for easy onboarding, compliance, and data syncing with accounting systems.
Modern payroll and HR software with employee self-service, advanced analytics, and seamless integrations for accountant oversight.
QuickBooks Payroll
specializedIntegrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting to automate payroll processing, tax filings, and employee payments for accountants.
Accountant Toolbox with multi-client payroll oversight, bulk actions, and automated compliance across all client books
QuickBooks Payroll, powered by Intuit, is a leading payroll solution seamlessly integrated with QuickBooks accounting software, enabling accountants to efficiently process payroll for multiple clients. It automates wage calculations, tax withholdings, filings, and direct deposits while providing compliance guarantees and employee self-service portals. Designed for small to medium-sized businesses, it offers accountants robust multi-client management tools through the QuickBooks Online Accountant dashboard for streamlined oversight and reporting.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for real-time accounting sync and multi-client management
- Automated full-service tax calculations, filings, and payments with accuracy guarantees
- Comprehensive reporting, time tracking, and employee portals that save accountants time
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with employee count and premium features
- Optimal for users already in the QuickBooks ecosystem; less ideal for non-QuickBooks firms
- Advanced customizations require higher-tier plans
Best For
Accountants and firms handling payroll for multiple small to medium-sized business clients within the QuickBooks ecosystem.
Pricing
Core: $50/mo + $6/employee; Premium: $80/mo + $9/employee; Elite: $125/mo + $11/employee (billed annually; add-ons extra).
Gusto
specializedProvides full-service payroll with automatic tax compliance, benefits integration, and detailed reporting ideal for small business accountants.
Accountant Partner Dashboard for centralized oversight of multiple client payrolls and compliance
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering automated payroll processing, tax filing, and compliance across all 50 U.S. states. For accountants, it provides a dedicated partner dashboard to manage multiple clients' payrolls, onboarding, and benefits from a single interface. It integrates seamlessly with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, streamlining workflows for accounting firms.
Pros
- Automated full-service payroll with accurate tax calculations and direct filings
- Multi-client management dashboard ideal for accountants handling multiple SMBs
- Robust integrations with accounting tools and benefits providers
Cons
- Pricing scales up significantly for larger teams or advanced features
- Primarily U.S.-focused with limited international payroll support
- Some reporting and customization options require premium plans
Best For
Accountants and firms managing payroll for small to mid-sized U.S. businesses seeking automated compliance and HR tools.
Pricing
Simple: $40 base + $6/employee/month; Plus: $80 base + $12/employee/month; Premium: Custom quote.
ADP RUN
enterpriseOffers scalable payroll management with advanced HR tools, compliance automation, and robust analytics for mid-sized accounting needs.
Guaranteed tax compliance with ADP's year-round accuracy assurance and expert filing services
ADP RUN is a cloud-based payroll solution from ADP tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, providing automated payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits. It includes HR tools, benefits administration, time tracking, and compliance features to ensure accuracy and regulatory adherence. For accountants, it offers multi-entity support, customizable reporting, and integrations with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, streamlining client payroll management.
Pros
- Comprehensive tax compliance with automated federal, state, and local filings
- Seamless integrations with major accounting platforms and ADP Marketplace apps
- Scalable plans that grow with business needs, including dedicated support
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with add-ons and per-employee fees
- Initial setup and onboarding require time and potential expert assistance
- Basic plans lack advanced customization for complex payroll scenarios
Best For
Accountants and firms handling payroll for multiple small to mid-sized business clients seeking robust compliance and reporting tools.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month + $4/employee for Essential; Enhanced at $99/month + $10/employee; Complete is custom pricing with full HR suite.
Paychex Flex
enterpriseDelivers comprehensive payroll and HCM solutions with expert support, multi-state tax filing, and customizable reporting for accountants.
Multi-employer payroll dashboard with centralized oversight and client-specific reporting
Paychex Flex is a robust cloud-based payroll and HR platform from Paychex, offering comprehensive payroll processing, tax compliance, benefits administration, and time tracking for businesses and accounting professionals. It enables accountants to manage payroll for multiple clients efficiently through multi-company dashboards, automated filings, and detailed reporting. The solution integrates seamlessly with popular accounting software, ensuring accurate general ledger entries and scalability for firms of varying sizes.
Pros
- Automated tax compliance and filings across federal, state, and local levels
- Multi-client management with consolidated reporting for accountants
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and other accounting tools
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be higher for small practices
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization features
- Customer support response times can vary during peak seasons
Best For
Accounting firms and CPAs handling payroll for multiple small to mid-sized business clients seeking integrated compliance and reporting.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically starts at $80+/month base fee plus $4-6 per employee per pay period, with add-ons for HR and benefits.
Rippling
enterpriseUnifies payroll, HR, and IT in one platform with global compliance and instant sync to accounting software for efficient accountant workflows.
Real-time, bi-directional sync between payroll, HR, and accounting systems for error-free, instant updates.
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that integrates HR, IT, payroll, and finance operations into a single system. For accountants handling payroll, it provides automated processing for US and international employees, real-time compliance with tax filings, and seamless syncing with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. This eliminates manual data entry, reduces errors, and offers detailed reporting for financial oversight.
Pros
- Comprehensive automation for payroll processing and tax compliance across 100+ countries
- Instant integrations with major accounting tools for real-time data sync
- Unified dashboard reduces administrative silos between HR, IT, and finance
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for small teams or basic payroll needs
- Full suite may overwhelm users focused solely on payroll
- Customization requires setup time despite intuitive interface
Best For
Accountants at mid-sized businesses needing integrated payroll with HR and IT for scalable operations.
Pricing
Starts at $8 per active user per month (billed annually), plus base fees; custom quotes for advanced features and international payroll.
Xero Payroll
specializedCloud payroll integrated with Xero accounting for streamlined employee payments, tax calculations, and real-time financial visibility.
Native integration with Xero accounting that automatically posts payroll journals to the ledger
Xero Payroll is a cloud-based payroll module integrated into the Xero accounting platform, designed for processing employee payments, tax withholdings, superannuation, and compliance reporting in supported regions like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. It enables accountants to manage payroll for multiple clients from a single dashboard, automating payslips, leave tracking, and STP reporting. Ideal for small to medium businesses, it syncs payroll data directly with general ledger entries for accurate financials.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Xero accounting for real-time data sync
- Strong compliance automation for taxes and superannuation in supported countries
- Intuitive interface with mobile access for on-the-go management
Cons
- Limited geographic availability (primarily AU/NZ/UK)
- Pricing adds up for larger teams with per-employee or per-pay-run fees
- Lacks some advanced HR features found in dedicated payroll platforms
Best For
Accountants handling payroll for small to medium-sized businesses in Australia, New Zealand, or the UK who already use Xero for accounting.
Pricing
Starts at $5-10/month base fee plus $4-6 per employee or per pay run, varying by region and plan.
Patriot Payroll
specializedAffordable full-service payroll with direct deposit, automated taxes, and unlimited payroll runs tailored for small accounting firms.
Multi-client dashboard with white-label client self-service portals for pay stubs and W-2s
Patriot Payroll is a robust payroll solution tailored for accounting firms, allowing professionals to manage payroll processing for multiple clients efficiently from a centralized dashboard. It handles tax calculations, filings, direct deposits, and year-end forms automatically, with strong integration support for QuickBooks and other accounting software. Designed for small to mid-sized businesses, it emphasizes affordability and reliability for accountants outsourcing payroll services.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing with volume discounts for accountants handling multiple clients
- User-friendly interface with quick onboarding and multi-client management dashboard
- Excellent customer support via phone and chat, including live experts
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options compared to enterprise solutions
- Fewer native integrations beyond core accounting tools like QuickBooks
- Basic HR and benefits management features, requiring add-ons for complexity
Best For
Small to mid-sized accounting firms serving SMB clients who prioritize cost savings and simplicity over advanced enterprise features.
Pricing
Accountant plans start at $17 base + $4 per employee/month for basic payroll, $37 + $4/EE for full-service with volume discounts; no setup fees.
OnPay
specializedSimple, unlimited payroll processing with built-in tax filing, benefits administration, and accountant-friendly reporting tools.
Multi-client accountant dashboard for centralized oversight and white-label payroll management
OnPay is a user-friendly payroll software designed primarily for small to medium-sized businesses, providing full-service payroll processing, automated federal and state tax filings, and multi-state payroll support. It excels in integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks Online and Desktop, allowing accountants to streamline client payroll management efficiently. Additional features include unlimited payroll runs, 1099 filing, and employee self-service portals, making compliance straightforward without extensive expertise.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with flat $6 per employee fee regardless of pay frequency
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for effortless accountant workflows
- Unlimited payroll runs and guaranteed tax accuracy
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics for complex accounting needs
- No native time tracking (requires third-party integrations)
- Best suited for small businesses, less scalable for enterprise-level clients
Best For
Accountants managing payroll for small to medium-sized businesses seeking an affordable, intuitive solution with strong accounting software integrations.
Pricing
$40 base fee per month + $6 per active employee/month; no contracts, first month often discounted.
BambooHR Payroll
specializedIntegrates payroll into an all-in-one HR platform for easy onboarding, compliance, and data syncing with accounting systems.
Native integration with BambooHR HRIS that auto-pulls employee data for error-free payroll runs
BambooHR Payroll is an add-on module to the BambooHR HRIS platform, providing automated payroll processing, tax calculations, and direct deposit for US-based small to medium-sized businesses. It integrates employee data from HR records to simplify runs, handle compliance, and generate reports. While user-friendly, it's primarily designed for single-company use rather than multi-client accountant workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration with BambooHR HRMS for automatic data syncing
- Intuitive interface with guided payroll setup
- Strong US tax compliance and automated filings
Cons
- Limited to US-only payroll processing
- Lacks robust multi-client or multi-company support for accountants
- Additional costs can add up for small teams without HR needs
Best For
Accountants serving small to mid-sized US businesses already using BambooHR for HR management.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month base fee + $6 per active employee/month (volume discounts apply).
Paylocity
enterpriseModern payroll and HR software with employee self-service, advanced analytics, and seamless integrations for accountant oversight.
Paylocity Web Pay for on-demand, employee-initiated payroll advances
Paylocity is a cloud-based HCM platform specializing in payroll processing, tax compliance, and HR management for mid-sized businesses. It automates payroll calculations, direct deposits, W-2/1099 filings, and multi-state tax withholdings while offering advanced reporting and analytics tailored for accountants. The software integrates seamlessly with accounting tools like QuickBooks and provides employee self-service portals to reduce administrative burdens.
Pros
- Comprehensive payroll automation with real-time compliance updates
- Strong integrations with accounting and benefits systems
- Robust reporting and analytics for financial oversight
Cons
- Higher cost structure unsuitable for very small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Implementation can take several weeks
Best For
Accountants at mid-sized companies needing an integrated payroll-HR solution with strong compliance and reporting.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $20-$50 per employee per month plus base fees and add-ons.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools, spanning diverse accounting needs from small firms to mid-sized practices, showcase robust solutions for streamlining payroll. At the top, QuickBooks Payroll stands out with its seamless accounting integration, tax automation, and efficient employee payment processing. Gusto and ADP RUN follow, offering strong alternatives—Gusto for small business support and ADP RUN for scalable, analytics-driven management. All provide valuable options to enhance accountant workflows.
Elevate your payroll operations by starting with the top-ranked QuickBooks Payroll, and discover how its intuitive features can simplify your processes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison