Quick Overview
- 1#1: KeyPay - Cloud payroll platform with full Australian awards compliance ideal for aged care shift workers and penalty rates.
- 2#2: Tanda - Integrated workforce rostering and payroll software optimized for healthcare and aged care operations.
- 3#3: Deputy - Scheduling and time-tracking payroll tool designed for shift-based aged care facilities.
- 4#4: PayCat - Specialized healthcare payroll system handling complex aged care awards, loadings, and compliance.
- 5#5: WagePay - Rostering-integrated payroll for healthcare providers including aged care with real-time wage calculations.
- 6#6: Micropay - Australian payroll software supporting aged care industry awards and multi-site facilities.
- 7#7: MYOB - Comprehensive business payroll with modules for aged care compliance and reporting.
- 8#8: Xero - Cloud accounting and payroll platform adaptable for aged care with award interpretation.
- 9#9: UKG - Enterprise workforce management and payroll for large-scale healthcare and aged care organizations.
- 10#10: RosterElf - Affordable rostering and payroll app suitable for small aged care providers with award support.
Ranking prioritizes robust aged care award compliance, integration with rostering or time-tracking, user-friendliness for care operations, and value across diverse facility sizes, balancing feature quality and practical use.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores key aged care payroll software options, including KeyPay, Tanda, Deputy, PayCat, WagePay, and more, to guide users through their functionality and suitability. Readers will gain insights into core features, industry-specific tools, and practical usability to select software that aligns with their aged care payroll needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KeyPay Cloud payroll platform with full Australian awards compliance ideal for aged care shift workers and penalty rates. | enterprise | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Tanda Integrated workforce rostering and payroll software optimized for healthcare and aged care operations. | specialized | 9.0/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Deputy Scheduling and time-tracking payroll tool designed for shift-based aged care facilities. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | PayCat Specialized healthcare payroll system handling complex aged care awards, loadings, and compliance. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | WagePay Rostering-integrated payroll for healthcare providers including aged care with real-time wage calculations. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 6 | Micropay Australian payroll software supporting aged care industry awards and multi-site facilities. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | MYOB Comprehensive business payroll with modules for aged care compliance and reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Xero Cloud accounting and payroll platform adaptable for aged care with award interpretation. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | UKG Enterprise workforce management and payroll for large-scale healthcare and aged care organizations. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | RosterElf Affordable rostering and payroll app suitable for small aged care providers with award support. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
Cloud payroll platform with full Australian awards compliance ideal for aged care shift workers and penalty rates.
Integrated workforce rostering and payroll software optimized for healthcare and aged care operations.
Scheduling and time-tracking payroll tool designed for shift-based aged care facilities.
Specialized healthcare payroll system handling complex aged care awards, loadings, and compliance.
Rostering-integrated payroll for healthcare providers including aged care with real-time wage calculations.
Australian payroll software supporting aged care industry awards and multi-site facilities.
Comprehensive business payroll with modules for aged care compliance and reporting.
Cloud accounting and payroll platform adaptable for aged care with award interpretation.
Enterprise workforce management and payroll for large-scale healthcare and aged care organizations.
Affordable rostering and payroll app suitable for small aged care providers with award support.
KeyPay
enterpriseCloud payroll platform with full Australian awards compliance ideal for aged care shift workers and penalty rates.
Intelligent Award Interpreter that automatically applies Aged Care Award conditions, including sleepover shifts, weekend penalties, and qualification allowances with zero manual overrides.
KeyPay by Employment Hero is a cloud-based payroll platform designed for Australian businesses, with specialized capabilities for aged care providers through automated compliance with the Aged Care Award and SCHADS Award. It streamlines payroll processing by interpreting complex awards, handling penalty rates, shift loadings, overtime, and allowances specific to aged care rosters. The software integrates rostering, timesheets, and HR functions for end-to-end workforce management in residential aged care, home care, and disability services.
Pros
- Superior automated award interpretation for Aged Care and SCHADS, ensuring 100% Fair Work compliance
- Seamless integration with rostering tools like Deputy and Tanda for accurate roster-to-payroll
- Comprehensive reporting, STP Phase 2 compliance, and mobile app for employee self-service
Cons
- Pricing scales with employee count and pay runs, which can be costly for very small providers
- Steeper initial setup for highly customized enterprise agreements
- Primarily tailored for Australian regulations, limiting global scalability
Best For
Mid-to-large aged care organizations in Australia needing precise, compliant payroll for complex shift-based rosters and awards.
Pricing
Starts at $6+ GST per active employee per pay run; bundled Employment Hero plans from $7-12 per employee/month with HR add-ons and volume discounts.
Tanda
specializedIntegrated workforce rostering and payroll software optimized for healthcare and aged care operations.
Automated Australian award engine that dynamically calculates aged care-specific penalties, loadings, and enterprise agreements from raw timesheets
Tanda is a robust workforce management platform tailored for shift-heavy industries like aged care, offering mobile time tracking, intelligent scheduling, and automated payroll processing. It excels in interpreting complex Australian aged care awards, calculating penalty rates, loadings, and overtime accurately from timesheets. The software integrates seamlessly with payroll providers like KeyPay, Xero, and MYOB, streamlining end-to-end payroll for aged care facilities.
Pros
- Precise award interpretation and automated penalty/allowance calculations for aged care compliance
- Real-time timesheet approvals and mobile clock-in/out with geofencing
- Strong integrations with leading Australian payroll systems for seamless wage processing
Cons
- Payroll functionality relies heavily on third-party integrations rather than standalone processing
- Initial setup for complex rosters and awards can require training
- Pricing scales with check-ins or users, potentially costly for large facilities
Best For
Medium to large aged care providers managing shift workers with complex rosters and needing compliant, automated timesheet-to-payroll workflows.
Pricing
Starts at ~$4-6 per active user/month or per check-in for core plans; custom enterprise pricing available upon request.
Deputy
specializedScheduling and time-tracking payroll tool designed for shift-based aged care facilities.
Automated award interpretation engine for precise aged care penalty rates and loadings
Deputy is a robust workforce management platform specializing in scheduling, time tracking, and payroll integration tailored for industries like aged care. It enables aged care facilities to create complex rosters for carers and nurses, track shifts in real-time via mobile apps, and automate payroll through integrations with systems like KeyPay, MYOB, and Xero. The software ensures compliance with Australian aged care awards, handling penalties, loadings, and overtime calculations efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling with real-time notifications
- Strong mobile app for staff clock-ins and shift swaps
- Built-in award compliance for aged care, reducing manual errors
Cons
- Payroll functionality relies heavily on third-party integrations
- Advanced customization requires setup time and support
- Pricing scales quickly for multi-location facilities
Best For
Medium to large aged care providers in Australia seeking integrated rostering and payroll compliance.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$2-5 per active user/month plus base fees per location (~$50-100/month); scales with features and users.
PayCat
specializedSpecialized healthcare payroll system handling complex aged care awards, loadings, and compliance.
Advanced Aged Care Award Calculator that automatically interprets enterprise agreements, care minutes, and shift loadings for pinpoint accuracy.
PayCat is a cloud-based payroll software tailored specifically for Australian aged care, disability, and home care providers, automating complex calculations for awards, loadings, penalties, and NDIS funding compliance. It integrates seamlessly with rostering and timesheet systems to manage shift-based workforces efficiently. The platform ensures STP compliance and provides detailed reporting for regulatory audits in the aged care sector.
Pros
- Specialized aged care award engine for precise loadings and penalties
- Strong integration with rostering tools like Deputy and Tanda
- Robust compliance features including STP Phase 2 and NDIS reporting
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-payroll experts
- Custom quote-based pricing can be opaque and higher-end
- Limited native mobile app for employee self-service
Best For
Medium to large aged care facilities needing automated compliance with complex enterprise agreements and shift-based payroll.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at approximately $3-5 per employee per pay run, with setup fees and annual contracts for enterprise users.
WagePay
specializedRostering-integrated payroll for healthcare providers including aged care with real-time wage calculations.
Earned Wage Access for instant, compliant payouts of verified earned wages directly to employee bank accounts or digital wallets
WagePay is an earned wage access (EWA) platform tailored for Australian businesses, enabling employees to withdraw earned wages on-demand before payday via integration with existing payroll systems like KeyPay, MYOB, and Xero. It focuses on improving employee financial wellness and retention, particularly beneficial for high-turnover sectors like aged care with many casual shift workers. While not a full standalone payroll solution, it adds value by streamlining instant payments without disrupting core payroll processes.
Pros
- Seamless integration with popular Australian payroll providers
- Boosts staff retention and satisfaction through instant wage access
- Compliant with Australian wage regulations and easy employee app access
Cons
- Not a complete payroll system; requires existing payroll setup
- Transaction-based fees can add up for high-volume usage
- Limited native features for aged care-specific compliance like award calculations or rostering
Best For
Aged care providers with compatible payroll systems seeking to offer early wage access to casual and shift workers for better retention.
Pricing
Employer-paid model with fees around $2-5 per early wage withdrawal; custom enterprise pricing available upon request.
Micropay
enterpriseAustralian payroll software supporting aged care industry awards and multi-site facilities.
Advanced award compliance engine with automatic interpretation of Aged Care Award complexities
Micropay is an established Australian payroll software provider offering robust solutions for aged care facilities, with automated processing compliant to the Aged Care Award, Nurses Award, and enterprise agreements. It includes features like e-rostering, timesheeting, penalty rate calculations, and leave management to handle shift-based workforces. The platform ensures Fair Work compliance and integrates with accounting tools like MYOB and Xero.
Pros
- Superior award interpretation and compliance for aged care-specific entitlements like loadings and penalties
- Integrated rostering and mobile timesheeting for shift workers
- Reliable local Australian support and proven track record over 30 years
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels clunky compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
- Steeper learning curve for non-payroll experts
- Pricing can escalate for high-volume users without flexible scaling
Best For
Mid-sized aged care providers in Australia prioritizing compliance and local support over cutting-edge usability.
Pricing
Subscription-based from $2.50-$5 per employee per pay run, plus setup fees; custom quotes for enterprises.
MYOB
enterpriseComprehensive business payroll with modules for aged care compliance and reporting.
Award interpretation engine with pre-built aged care templates for automated compliance
MYOB is a leading Australian accounting and payroll software provider that offers robust payroll solutions suitable for aged care providers through its Advanced Payroll module. It handles complex award interpretations like the SCHADS Award, manages shift loadings, penalty rates, and leave entitlements specific to aged care workers, while automating tax, superannuation, and compliance reporting. The software integrates seamlessly with MYOB's accounting tools, making it ideal for organizations needing unified financial and payroll management.
Pros
- Strong compliance with Australian aged care awards like SCHADS, including penalty rates and loadings
- Deep integration with MYOB accounting for streamlined financials
- Comprehensive reporting and STP-compliant payroll processing
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to feature-dense interface
- Higher cost compared to specialized aged care tools
- Limited native mobile app functionality for on-the-go access
Best For
Medium to large aged care facilities seeking integrated accounting and compliant payroll without needing ultra-specialized rostering.
Pricing
Starts at around $70/month base + $6-12 per pay run/employee; enterprise plans custom quoted.
Xero
enterpriseCloud accounting and payroll platform adaptable for aged care with award interpretation.
Deep integration of payroll with full accounting ledger for real-time financial visibility
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software with robust payroll capabilities, including support for Australian Single Touch Payroll (STP), payslips, and leave tracking, making it viable for aged care providers handling staff wages. It allows configuration for awards like the Aged Care Award but lacks deep automation for industry-specific penalties, loadings, and shift differentials common in nursing and care roles. Best suited for smaller facilities integrating payroll with general accounting rather than complex enterprise needs.
Pros
- Seamless integration with accounting for end-to-end financial management
- Cloud-based with mobile access and unlimited payroll runs
- STP-compliant with automatic ATO reporting
Cons
- Limited native support for aged care-specific awards and complex loadings without custom setup
- Not optimized for rostered shifts, penalty rates, or enterprise bargaining common in aged care
- Additional costs scale with employee numbers, potentially expensive for larger facilities
Best For
Small to medium aged care providers seeking an intuitive, all-in-one accounting and basic payroll solution without heavy customization needs.
Pricing
Starts at $35 AUD/month (Starter plan); Standard ($70/month) includes unlimited payroll for first 5 employees + $6 per additional; billed monthly.
UKG
enterpriseEnterprise workforce management and payroll for large-scale healthcare and aged care organizations.
AI-driven predictive scheduling that optimizes carer shifts while ensuring regulatory compliance and award adherence
UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) is an enterprise-level HCM platform offering comprehensive payroll processing, time and attendance, and workforce management tailored for complex industries like aged care. It handles shift-based payroll with award compliance, penalty rates, overtime, and loadings essential for carers and nurses in aged care facilities. The software integrates scheduling, analytics, and HR tools to streamline operations for large-scale providers.
Pros
- Powerful compliance engine for aged care awards and enterprise agreements
- Advanced workforce scheduling and time tracking optimized for shift work
- Scalable analytics and reporting for multi-site aged care operations
Cons
- Steep implementation and learning curve for non-enterprise users
- High pricing suited only for larger organizations
- Overly complex for small aged care facilities
Best For
Large aged care providers or networks requiring integrated enterprise HCM with robust payroll compliance.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $20-50 per employee/month depending on modules and scale, with implementation fees.
RosterElf
specializedAffordable rostering and payroll app suitable for small aged care providers with award support.
Drag-and-drop rostering with AI-driven staff suggestions based on availability, skills, and award compliance
RosterElf is a cloud-based rostering and timesheet management platform designed for shift-based industries like aged care, offering drag-and-drop scheduling, mobile clock-in/out, and automated award compliance. It integrates with payroll systems such as Xero, MYOB, and KeyPay to handle aged care-specific calculations for penalty rates, overtime, and allowances under Australian awards. While strong in rostering efficiency, it relies on integrations for full payroll processing rather than native end-to-end payroll.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop rostering with skill-matching
- Mobile app for real-time timesheets and GPS-verified clock-ins
- Automatic compliance with Aged Care Award interpretations
Cons
- Limited native payroll capabilities, heavy reliance on integrations
- Reporting and analytics lack depth for complex aged care needs
- Support response times can be inconsistent for larger users
Best For
Small to medium aged care facilities in Australia needing affordable, mobile-first rostering with basic payroll integration.
Pricing
Starts at $4.90 per active rostered staff member per month, with volume discounts and no lock-in contracts.
Conclusion
The reviewed aged care payroll software solutions cater to diverse operational needs, with KeyPay leading as the top choice for its seamless Australian awards compliance, focus on shift workers, and penalty rate precision. Tanda impresses with integrated rostering and payroll for streamlined healthcare operations, while Deputy excels in scheduling and time-tracking for shift-based facilities—each offering distinct strengths to meet varied organizational requirements. For a comprehensive, award-aligned platform, KeyPay stands out as the definitive selection.
Explore KeyPay to experience its dedicated compliance, shift management, and accuracy, and elevate your aged care payroll efficiency today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
