The payroll software industry is varied and expansive. With a seemingly endless supply of vendors and programs it can often seem overwhelming. There is certainly no shortage of strategies for what to look for when shopping and other helpful articles. This one, however, will take a look at a few of some of the payroll software programs available and what features they have to offer.
ATF payroll
ATF (standing for ‘after the fact’) is the payroll aspect of Advanced Micro Solutions family of products also offering W2/1099 Form Filer, Magnetic Media Filing, Laser Generation,
The installation of this program is very simple and the price is comparably low and allows for multiple installations, either through actual PCs or through a network.
Though this program’s interface might leave something to be desired in the way of being pretty, it is a great deal for the price. It is also technically effective. For larger payrolls there are certainly other programs which might be better suited. However for small to medium jobs this program is an excellent choice for the price.
Abra Payroll
Abra has been around for over 20 years. It is one aspect of Best Software’s suite and regarded as its most comprehensive Payroll Software. There is also Abra HR, Abra Training, Abra Recruiting Solution, Abra Attendance, Abra Benefits Enrollment, and Abra ESS.
The program comes on a CD and a user’s guide. Under Sample Data you are allowed to play with the options of the program without any effects. The help menus are very extensive and technical, almost too technical. It has a nice audit capability.
One stand out trait of Abra Payroll is that it includes both federal and state reporting. This is a program best suited for smaller and mid size companies.
CPA Payroll
CPA Payroll is bundled with a larger program, CPA Accounting Manager suite by Best Software. For installation there is a 15 minute demo video available for you to download and watch. The tutorial covers the most frequently used options through the guise of a sample client.
There is a 6 step process for getting started:
- client setup
- fiscal periods
- payroll options
- chart setup
- checking account
- payroll setup.
Payroll setup gives 7 defining available options. One odd aspect of this program is its inability to recognize the ‘alt/tab’ toggle button to switch between programs without the use of the mouse. One nice aspect of it is that you have the option to leave with clients a limited version of the program in order that they can enter time and print checks. This program allows for the conversion of up to 10 different packages for importing outside software information.
While there are many available options for correcting inaccurate information from clients regarding payroll, this program is best suited for single pay periods with either salaried or hourly pay types.
PRS Payroll solutions
This is actually one payroll software program of the two that Creative Solutions has to offer. The other, which is PCS (Payroll Compliance Solutions), is for after the fact processing of payroll and handles also several of the federal employment tax forms.
The installation of this program is not complicated at all. Licenses are distributed electronically when you purchase the package. It comes with a smaller guide to get you started as well as a larger tutorial manual. There is an electronic tutorial with integrated slides and narration and also a specific payroll tutorial in the help tab. It also has sample clients to offer realistic scenarios with which to become accustomed to the software. You can even use the samples as models for creating real accounts with real clients sharing similar characteristics.
Payroll Solutions has not only a broad range of features, but also flexibility. It might be a good idea to issue training for this program to fully take advantage of the considerable scope of the capabilities offered. It has the ability to handle very complex payroll scenarios with some additional sub-programs such as employee web reporting, direct deposit, and electronic filing which are available for an extra fee.
Though this is obviously not a comprehensive review of even a fraction of available payroll software programs available on the market today, it is a review of some of the more popular programs in the industry. Hopefully this review will help on the path to choosing a payroll software program that is right for your company. This should not serve as a substitute for a demo of the product as hands on experience with the program you are considering using is always the best way to decide if it is appropriate for your needs.
Before deciding on which payroll software to take read this review and get a better picture of what you are buying and which features are available.