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Top Canadian Payroll Software

13 Best Payroll Software in Canada for 2025

The best Canadian payroll software services, with in-depth info on their features, pricing, drawbacks, and more.

Emmanuel Smith
Written by
Emmanuel Smith
Human capital management researcher
Contributing Experts
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Last Updated: Dec 30, 2024
TOP
Best for robust global payroll offerings
Deel
4.4
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.5
Product  Score
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TOP
Best for robust global payroll offerings
Deel
4.4
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.5
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
SMB-centered payroll software known for simplicity
Rise People
4.1
Popularity Score
4.0
User Score
4.0
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
SMB-centered payroll software known for simplicity
Rise People
4.1
Popularity Score
4.0
User Score
4.0
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Highly sought-out HRIS and payroll, ideal for Canadian SMBs
Rippling
4.2
Popularity Score
4.2
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Highly sought-out HRIS and payroll, ideal for Canadian SMBs
Rippling
4.2
Popularity Score
4.2
User Score
4.1
Product  Score
Learn More
Over 3 million HR leaders trust our advice

Top Canadian Payroll Software

Deel

: Best for robust global payroll offerings

Rise People

: SMB-centered payroll software known for simplicity

Rippling

: Highly sought-out HRIS and payroll, ideal for Canadian SMBs

ADP

: Top option for payroll processing speed and accuracy

Multiplier

: Hire and pay employees in 150+ countries without a local entity

Ceridian

: Payroll software provider with quality HCM products

QuickBooks

: Known for good track record and dependability

Wagepoint

: Great for teams prioritizing accessibility and user-friendliness

Payworks

: Canada-focused payroll tool with responsive customer support

Wave Payroll

: Affordable payroll software option, best for <50 employees

Humi

: Simplified Canada-run payroll, HR, and benefits for SMBs

Knit People

: Flat-rate payroll software tailored for Canadian small business

Push Operations

: All-in-one payroll solution for restaurant owners

PapayaGlobal

: Highly recommended for streamlined global payroll and benefits

Introduction to Payroll Vendors for Canadian Businesses

As a business set up in Canada, it is only wise you are critical of the payroll vendor you choose to handle one of the most important aspects of your business. According to recent payroll statistics, costing organizations up to 70% of total business costs, improper handling of your labor costs can have severe impacts on your bottom line.

Choosing one that is not built to understand Canadian legislation around payroll can be dire for your business in the long run. On the other hand, well-rounded Canadian payroll software will benefit your business in many ways. It saves time, streamlines the whole process, and keeps you posted on the latest country laws and regulations.

The good thing is, you don’t have to do all the hard work of looking for one that will best suit your business and ensure compliance with Canadian provincial laws; we have done a good part of the work for you. We put in hours of research to bring you a list of the best payroll vendors for a variety of Canadian businesses—big, small, freelance, etc.

We will also discuss what you need to look out for before committing to a particular software and some pitfalls to avoid, and we will answer some commonly asked questions about the topic, so stick around until the end.

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Our Criteria: Here's How We Chose The Top Canadian Payroll Software

When selecting the best Payroll Vendors for Canadian Businesses, we talked to Canada-based business owners and HR professionals in many industries to see how they were handling payroll. We also spoke to the product teams at each shortlisted software company, had demos, and got feedback from their clients.

Payroll vendors needed to excel on numerous fronts to make the final cut, and on the following three more heavily: Canadian legislation compliance, customer support, and reporting capabilities.

  • Canadian Legislation Compliance: Our priority was ensuring vendors adhere to Canadian payroll legislation in an outstanding fashion. We rigorously assessed their capability to handle complex regulations, tax requirements, and statutory deductions unique to Canada.
  • Customer Support: We focused on vendors providing exceptional assistance to Canadian businesses. The chosen solutions offer reliable support channels to swiftly address queries, ensuring seamless payroll operations and prompt issue resolution.
  • Reporting Capabilities: Software products with comprehensive reporting features tailored for Canada were easy to earmark. Rest assured, the tools below provide diverse customizable reports, empowering businesses with insights for managing costs, compliance, and workforce optimization.

We also tried to pick tools with modern-looking UX and simple workflows that are easy and intuitive to figure out for both the payroll manager and the small business owner. For more insights into how we come up with these lists, read our general criteria for evaluating HR tech vendors.

Related HR Software Categories

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Compare the Top Canadian Payroll Software

Popularity Score
Best for
Key Differentiator
Pricing
Free Trial
Customers
Users Score
Product Score

Deel

Trending Now
4.4
EOR/Contractor balance in Canada and beyond
Scalable solution for easy payroll in multiple currencies
Starts at $49 per month for Contractors, $599 for EOR
No
35,000+ companies
4.6
4.5

Rise People

Trending Now
4.1
SMBs looking for cost-effective HR, payroll, and recruiting
Also provides a financial management module for employees
Starts at $8/month
Yes
Undisclosed
4.0
4.0

Rippling

Trending Now
4.2
Canadian SMBs looking for an HRMS + payroll
HRMS, payroll, in-house EOR, and more in a single hub
Starts at $8/mo for the HCM suite
Yes
16,000+ companies
4.2
4.1

ADP

Trending Now
4.0
Companies with an employee count in the thousands
International & local payroll services for large teams
Custom Pricing
Yes
35,000+ companies
4.0
4.1

Multiplier

Trending Now
4.3
Teams hiring in APAC and EMEA
Multi-currency payments in over 150 countries
Starts at $40 per contractor, or $400 for EOR
No
N/A
4.3
4.4

Ceridian

Trending Now
4.8
Teams with a data-driven approach to payroll
Provides updates on regulatory demands in real time
Custom Pricing
Yes
5,000+
3.8
4.5

QuickBooks

Trending Now
4.1
SMBs with basic payroll and accounting needs
Straightforward, cost-friendly, easy to use, & good support
Starts at $31/mo
Yes
29,000,000+ companies
4.0
4.0

Wagepoint

Trending Now
4.1
Canadian-based businesses with no overseas employees
Canadian focus, ease of use, extremly intuitive UX
$20/month + $2/employee/mo
Yes
25,000+
4.6
4.6

Payworks

Trending Now
4.1
Companies looking for a Canada-focused payroll & HR tool
Specialized payroll services + ATS, benefits & more modules
$20.90/month + $2/employee/mo
No
25,000+
4.4
4.4

Wave Payroll

Trending Now
4.0
Small businesses (1-9 employees) in all Canada except Quebec
Lots of free features, Canadian and US SMB-oriented, top UX
$20/month + $6/employee/mo
Yes
4 million
4.2
4.1

Humi

Trending Now
4.0
SMBs (5-500 employees) looking for an HR & payroll tool
Canada-run payroll, HR, benefits, performance, & more
Starts at $8/user/mo
No
4,000+
4.4
4.4

Knit People

Trending Now
4.1
Canadian SMBs and accountants looking for an everything tool
Strong focus on automation and compliance management
$40/month + $6/employee/mo
Yes
1500+
4.8
4.3

Push Operations

Trending Now
4.1
Businesses with hourly employees and headcounts 50+
Accounting focus for service sector SMBs in the US & Canada
Starts at $5/mo
No
1,000+ companies
4.5
4.2

PapayaGlobal

Trending Now
4.3
Teams of all sizes focused on EOR multi-country hires
Modern UX and quick to add new features, EOR specialty
Starts at $30 per month for contractors, $599 for EOR
Yes
600+ companies
4.5
4.4
Phil Strazzulla
HR Tech Expert, Harvard MBA, Software Enthusiast

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Detailed Reviews of the Best Payroll Vendors for Canadian Businesses

Deel

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Deel
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.4 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5

Why we picked Deel

Deel has a robust global payroll offering that of course covers Canada as well as 150 other countries for companies that need to pay contractors and employees internationally.

PROS

  • Customer support is one of Deel’s standout qualities. With around-the-clock in-app assistance and an industry-leading onboarding speed of 2-3 days, users gain access to local payroll specialists across various jurisdictions.
  • This support is especially valuable for contractors navigating the complexities of establishing themselves as LLCs.
  • The platform integrates with widely used business software like Quickbooks, Bamboo HR, and Greenhouse, among others. Custom integrations are available too.
  • Deel's self-service approach is empowered by tech-enabled features. Our user research underscores the ease of setup; identity verification consistently takes less than 24 hours and sometimes mere minutes.
  • The platform generates invoices automatically. This works for both the company and the contractor or employee's side.
  • Excellent 24/7 customer service with fast onboarding (2-3 days) and local payroll experts in each jurisdiction.
  • Deel HR is free for companies of all sizes.
  • Seamless integration with platforms like QuickBooks, BambooHR, and Greenhouse, plus custom integration options.
  • User-friendly, self-service features enable quick setup; identity verification often takes under 24 hours.
  • Automated invoices simplify payments, provided they're in English.

CONS

  • Certain features, such as onboarding automation, are offered only as add-ons.
  • The platform's flexibility in modifying contracts or service agreements is limited, often necessitating the use of addendums to accommodate changes.
  • A $5 fee is charged per payout, which can accumulate over time, impacting cost-effectiveness, particularly for businesses managing frequent payouts.
  • Currently, Deel's invoice generation is exclusive to English, which could pose constraints for organizations requiring multi-language invoicing capabilities.
  • Key features like onboarding automation are add-ons, which may increase costs.
  • Limited flexibility in modifying contracts or service agreements; changes often require an addendum.
  • Invoices cannot be generated in languages other than English.

Deel Review

If you're looking for a Canadian payroll solution, Deel is a great option. Their offering will facilitate paying both contractors and employees in Canada. They also have a free HRIS that they recently launched in 2023. This HRIS offering includes the basic employee of record functionality, in addition to onboarding, employee engagement, and a host of other features.

Deel canadian payroll software

If you're looking to pay employees in Canada, Deel will set up a local entity for your business, which allows you to compliantly pay employees. They will also take care of payroll taxes, necessary filings, benefits, and basically everything else you need to stay in compliance and keep your employees happy.

They also have a contractor offering in case you have non-employees that you need to pay and don't want to worry about the paperwork!

Deel Customers

35,000+ organizations, including Brex, Google, and Duffel.

Deel Pricing

Deel offers multiple payroll solutions at various price points: 

  • Deel Payroll ($29/employee/month) for businesses with existing entities
  • Deel U.S. Payroll ($19/employee/month) for U.S. companies needing payroll, tax calculations, and compliance
  • Deel Contractor ($49/month) for compliance, payments, and contractor management in 150+ countries
  • Deel EOR ($499/month) for international hiring without an entity
  • Deel US PEO ($89/employee/month) for HR, payroll, and benefits administration for US companies.

Best For

Companies expanding their operations both within Canada and internationally will find Deel's payroll software an excellent fit.

Deel in action
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Rise People

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Rise People
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4 / 5
Product Score
4 / 5

Why we picked Rise People

Excellent customer support.

PROS

CONS

Rise People Review

Rise people is also a 100% Canadian payroll software company. Though relatively young in the industry, they have made a tremendous impact and have helped many Canadian businesses manage employee engagement and payroll. 

The software is easy to use and everything is laid out perfectly so you can customize your screen to suit your preferences.

Rise People Customers

  • Timecode Lab
  • Annex Pro
  • Crohn’s and Colitis Canada
  • CF Canadian Financial

Rise People Pricing

You will need to contact Rise People to get a quote on their packages. For small businesses that have less than 20 employees and just want to run payroll, you can get Rise Lite for free.

Best For

Small and medium-sized businesses in Canada that want HER together with their payroll, but do not want the hefty and expensive packages Ceridian and ADP provide.

Rise People in action
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Rippling

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Rippling
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.2 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5

Why we picked Rippling

When it comes to Canadian payroll, Rippling can be an excellent choice because of their localized offering. Also, as a part of their recently-launched global payroll product, this portion of their broader HR suite could have you hiring people in Canada within minutes.

PROS

  • Operates in CAD straight out of the box
  • Strong workflow automation capabilities
  • Wide analytics possibilities
  • Holistic view of company outflows— headcount costs included
  • All-in-one platform for employee management + PEO services offered, and even a suite of other IT products 
  • With 500 integrations, it’s very likely that they integrate with other key tools from your tech stack.
  • Operates globally with any currency
  • Workflow automation
  • Analytics opportunities
  • Provides a holistic view of company outflows—headcount costs included

CONS

Rippling’s payroll offering is not available as a stand-alone tool. Getting the core HR platform is necessary in order to access it.

  • Total buy-in to Rippling is essential 
  • Very SMB-oriented, in case you’re a larger company. 
  • New features tend to be buggy in ways that tech teams are not accustomed to fixing

Rippling Review

Started by Zenefits alumni, Rippling focuses on supporting organizations of all sizes to streamline HR and IT, and Finance busywork with one tool. Their payroll offering, while adjacent to their broader HR tool, has grown to be able to handle international scenarios of many kinds.

As a US-based startup, a Canada-focused product was always in the cards for Rippling. While you can now use Rippling to pay people in hundreds of countries, the northernmost country in North America gets a tailored offering. You can hire Canadian employees in as little as 90 seconds, pay people in Canadian Dollars, and handle all related documents in English or Canadian French.

We’ve been well acquainted with the tool since around 2018, and we’ve had the chance to demo it and even use it as HR professionals several times since. One thing that has always stood out is the sleek design, great user interface, no-stress loading times, and great customer service.

Rippling Customers

Rippling Pricing

Rippling’s pricing starts at $8 per month per user and will vary depending on which modules you’d like to use (or if you want the whole platform) and for how many people.

Best For

Rippling in action
Reviewer's Rating
10/10

I help with recruiting and other HR stuff here at Tatem. While I am no longer a part of this as my role has expanded into marketing, I formerly used Rippling to manage employee payments, write, edit, and send employee contracts, get employee signatures on legal documents, make approved changes to employee and company profiles, and more. Now I just use it as a non-administrator employee and it's equally great. I also loved using the apps for insurance for Tatem.

What do you like about this tool?

It's incredibly easy to use and has a great customer experience. The customer support is excellent, always very responsive, and helpful. They have so many functionalities and features available, from insurance to legal documents.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Our founder used Rippling in his former company and had had a good experience with it. We tried Gusto due to all the hype, but it was a bit hard to use at first. We ultimately returned to Rippling due to its excellent user experience, customer support, and ease of use. It also just seemed to have more features and functionalities available.

What do you dislike about this tool?

Honestly, nothing. Maybe if I had to choose something, I'd say that their design could be a bit more modern or updated, and it'd be great if they had an easy to use mobile app.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Compared to Gusto, Rippling is much more straightforward. Gusto had very poor user experience for first-time users, but with Rippling, I didn't have to wonder what's next. I was able to hop on and begin using it as both an admin and employee.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Rippling is a tool that's comprehensive enough that it will cover every possible HR scenario imaginable. It works for teams of all sizes. It has a responsive support team which you’ll need.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

I feel like they've made product updates along the way to enhance their user experience and ensure there are no glitches. They really focus on creating an excellent, no-fuss UX.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

We're in technology (SaaS), but it could really be good for anything.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

A solopreneur or a one-person team.

ADP

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ADP
Learn More
Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5

Why we picked ADP

Besides payroll, ADP Workforce provides other HR add-ons and tools that are available when you need them and sync seamlessly between each other.

PROS

  • Native, all-in-one technology suite for recruitment, payroll, and compliance.
  • 17 RPO service centers in 14 countries and provide services in 42 different languages.
  • Dedicated team of AIRS-certified recruiting professionals.

CONS

  • Technology options outside ADP’s dedicated HR tools are limited.

ADP Review

ADP is a trusted platform for just about anything HR, with over 70 years of experience (since 1949). They provide HCM solutions in anything related to employee management, talent management, payroll, etc. Due to their global reach, they offer payroll services both locally (within Canada) and internationally.

ADP is an all-in-one, easy-to-use system for just about any business with any number of employees. This is evident in their payroll packages designed according to business size. 

With ADP Workforce, you can either get the Essential package, Enhanced package, Complete package, and the HR Pro - each with varying tools and add-ons of course. And if you feel the need to upgrade, you can easily switch between these packages.

ADP Customers

  • Signature Aluminium Canada Inc.
  • pt Healthcare Solutions Corps
  • Intertape Polymer Group

ADP Pricing

ADP offers tailor-fitted prices for their services depending on the number of employees you have and the size of our business. They generally do not give out the prices on their packages outright, so you would have to request a quote to get an idea.

Best For

ADP is a good choice for just about any company of any size looking to get a quality payroll solution without compromising on the price.

ADP in action
Reviewer's Rating
5/10

I typically use it every week. I use it to check my bi-weekly pay stub and access payroll info. We also use it to post job applications and advise HR of vacancies. Previously it was used to submit performance reviews which were done quarterly or semi-annually depending on the role (now using PATI). I would also use it to review the organizational chart for contact info when needed. I also found the quick links and HR/benefit information to be very useful and would frequently login just to find links and information about other company resources.

What do you like about this tool?

I really like that all the HR resources are essentially located in one place, especially with links embedded to external sites (eg. benefit provider). I also really like that I can access all my payroll info online in one place. The organizational chart feature is also really helpful for identifying the reporting structure for areas of the business I was less familiar with and help me connect with the appropriate team member on cross-functional projects.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We bought ADP to cut back on internal payroll costs, provide employees with online access to their payroll info, avoid manually mailing out paper T4's every year, consolidate HR information and links into 1 platform, streamline data entry requirements for the payroll team, help move employee calls and inquiries to the ADP team, free up internal payroll/HR time, and streamline HR recruiting and tracking request. I have been personally using it for around 2 years now I believe.

What do you dislike about this tool?

The login process always feels very cumbersome with the multiple authentication steps and 2FA. The performance review functionality was extremely tedious - there were a lot of different screens and it wasn't easy to locate reviews or edit them - it just seemed much more complicated than it needed to be and a lot of my managers struggled to complete their reviews even with instruction manuals. I also wish there was a way to inquire about any payroll discrepancies directly - employees would have to email me (with no visibility as a District Manager) and I would have to forward payroll and it always seemed to slow down the efficiency, especially when the answer was something simple.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

More functionality and works as a total company website as opposed to just a payroll viewing platform. Much more visually appealing and easy to navigate than some other platforms (like some SAP ones I've seen)

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

How much functionality you want out of the platform - just access to paystubs or a fully integrated HR platform. Customization options - for example we could add custom fields like t-shirt size for team events and/or self-declaration options (eg. covid vaccination status)

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

We're still relatively new to the platform, so it's hard to say what is an ADP change or just an organizational learning, but I have seen the addition of new self-declaration fields in the employee profile. The benefits section and external links continue to expand as well. We struggled with the performance review section, but I believe this is now being worked on in the backend by our L&D team.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

For a large organization looking to streamline HR / payroll operations, particularly if trying to move away from paper-based payroll/pay stubs.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Likely a smaller organization that just doesn't have the need for such a complex, integrated system

Multiplier

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Multiplier
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.3 / 5
User Score
4.3 / 5
Product Score
4.4 / 5

Why we picked Multiplier

Multiplier excels in compliance and detailed reporting. For a long time, we’ve been impressed with their unique expertise in providing HR and payroll services in APAC, and other regions in EMEA. Recently, they’ve amassed more expertise in the Canadian market.

PROS

  • Strong compliance with Canadian employment laws, including automatic tax deductions and province-specific rules.
  • The new interface balances simplicity and functionality.
  • Detailed reporting of payroll costs, tax filings, and benefits allocation.
  • Choose between a contractor setup, EOR, and PEO services for Canadian employee hiring and management.
  • Offers tools for subsidiary setup and company registration.
  • Multi-currency payments in local currencies
  • Multi-lingual contracts made instantly
  • Compliance, payroll, onboarding, and timesheets, all in one platform

CONS

  • No free plan is available.
  • The payroll product’s pricing is undisclosed.
  • Customer support can be inconsistent, with some users reporting delayed responses to critical inquiries.
  • Limited integrations. As of Summer 2024, Multiplier only integrates with BambooHR, Personio, Workday, and HiBob for HCM-type tools, although they are working on adding more.

Multiplier Review

Multiplier’s focus on compliance with Canadian employment laws shone brightly in our tests. It’s such a relief to find a tool that removes the headache of managing work hours, employee benefits, and all those tricky compensation requirements.

During testing, we found the system’s ability to automatically apply relevant tax deductions, such as Employment Insurance and Canada Pension Plan contributions, to be particularly useful. Moreover, the system factored in province-specific requirements— like British Columbia’s vacation pay rules. There's just no guesswork involved, and that’s a huge win!

Compared to Ceridian’s Powerpay, which has strong compliance features but can feel a bit daunting for smaller businesses, we like Multiplier’s interface better for its intuitive design while still delivering all the tools needed to stay compliant, from background checks to contract generation and employee classification.

Regarding reporting, Multiplier provides quite a few tools for tracking payroll data, tax filings, and employee benefits. We liked how easy it was to generate reports on payroll costs, tax deductions, and benefits allocation. While they are not as powerful as what you get from ADP, they feel more robust and actionable compared to low-cost solutions like PaymentEvolution.

Beyond payroll, you can use this vendor’s EOR and PEO services for more comprehensive support with hiring and managing employees in Canada. And if you seek tools for subsidiary setup and company registration, this vendor has got you covered there, too.

Let’s also talk about customer support. Though our experience with the vendor’s support rep was positive (they replied to our email on the same day), that wasn’t the case for some of the users we spoke with. They mentioned it took days to sort out their questions on matters like payment setups and employee contract clarifications, which definitely isn’t ideal.

Multiplier Customers

Multiple clients include Technology Aloha, SOCRadar, and Akra, but the exact number is undisclosed.

Multiplier Pricing

Multiplier offers global payroll management and immigration solutions with custom pricing. Its Employer of Record (EOR) services are priced at $400 per employee per month, while Contractor Management costs $40 per contractor per month.

Best For

Global and remote teams that prioritize compliance and robust payroll tools over free-tier solutions.

Multiplier in action
Reviewer's Rating
7/10

I'm in the platform daily, and it's become second nature. Most mornings start with checking new applications. Multiplier also makes it super easy to post jobs and track candidates.

The real lifesaver is how it handles all the paperwork for new hires. Come payroll time (which used to be my least favorite week), everything just works. The reporting features have also been clutch for our quarterly planning sessions, giving us clear insights into our global workforce.

What do you like about this tool?

First off, Multiplier takes the guesswork out of international compliance - no more frantic Googling about employment laws! The dashboard is a game-changer; I can finally see everything about our global team in one place without jumping between twenty spreadsheets. What really seals the deal is the payroll system - hitting one button and knowing everyone's getting paid correctly, no matter where they are.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

The decision to get Multiplier came from a real headache we were facing with international hiring. We were drowning in paperwork trying to manage people across different countries, and the breaking point came when we realized we'd need to set up legal entities in each one.

After hearing good things about Multiplier from a colleague, we took the plunge. Six months in, I can't imagine handling our global team without it - no more late nights figuring out compliance issues for different countries.

What do you dislike about this tool?

I've got to be honest, the price tag made me wince at first, especially since we're scaling up. The interface can be a bit of a maze sometimes; just yesterday I spent ages trying to find a specific report.

Support response times can be frustrating too - while the team is helpful when they get back to you, sometimes you're left hanging. We've also run into snags with some of the more obscure markets we're trying to hire in.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Here's the thing about Multiplier - they've really nailed the balance between contractors and full-time employees, which most other platforms struggle with. The big difference is they actually understand local nuances instead of just checking boxes.

Their pricing is refreshingly straightforward too - no surprise fees lurking in the fine print (learned that lesson the hard way before). The local support in each market has helped us navigate tricky situations that other providers probably wouldn't have caught.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Take it from someone who's been through this - look beyond the flashy sales pitch. Dig deep into their compliance coverage in your target markets and think about your growth plans.

Make sure you understand ALL the costs involved - not just the base subscription, but currency conversion fees and support costs. Don't forget to check how it'll play with your existing systems - we learned that one the hard way.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Multiplier keeps getting better. When we first started, the reporting was pretty basic, but they've really stepped up their game. Last month they added some smart automation tools that have saved us hours.

They seem to actually listen to feedback too - they recently overhauled the compliance monitoring system after users kept asking for better alerts.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

If you're running a growing company with international plans, you'll love Multiplier. It's perfect for those "I can't believe how much time I used to spend on this" moments in managing global teams.

The sweet spot seems to be mid-sized companies that are serious about international expansion but don't want to build out massive legal and HR teams in every country.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Let's be real - if you're just operating in one country, Multiplier would be overkill. Small startups might find it overwhelming (and expensive) if they're just dipping their toes into international hiring.

If you need super specialized payroll solutions in specific markets, the standardized approach might not work. And if you're on a tight budget, there are probably simpler solutions out there that might be a better fit.

Ceridian

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Ceridian
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.8 / 5
User Score
3.8 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5

Why we picked Ceridian

Ceridian allows you access and audit payroll data anytime you want during the pay cycle.

PROS

CONS

Ceridian Review

Ceridian provides an innovative cloud-technology payroll and HR solution in their Dayforce platform. Dayforce makes it possible for you to manage all your HR and Payroll transactions in one single database. 

Most users commend the flexibility of the system as it allows you to access and audit payroll data at any time during the pay cycle, allowing more time for reviews and a more accurate payroll documentation.

Ceridian Customers

  • The BlueMan Group
  • Harley Davidson inc.
  • Air Canada Jazz

Ceridian Pricing

Dayforce payroll tool starts at $10.00 per employee per month.

Best For

Ceridian Dayforce is a good option for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to grow and will need the flexibility to opt for other HCM options in the future. It can also be used by large corporations.

Ceridian in action
Reviewer's Rating
8/10

I used Ceridian for about 2 years and was a power user, as well as part of the implementation team. The main workflows were new hire onboarding, promotions with secondary approvers, leave of absence management, scheduling, attendance and offboarding. Considering that we used to do all of these processes using a paper form, the platform helped us save a lot of time and work more efficiently.

What do you like about this tool?

We selected Ceridian primarily due to the level of customization that could be done. The secondary factor was value - what we received for the cost. The third advantage was that it was easy to use and train users in a decentralized workforce.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Our organization was paper-based with numerous tools and systems that didn't communicate with one another. The goal was to gain efficiency and make it easier for managers at the 200+ locations to manage workflow for the onboarding, maintenance and offboarding of over 4000 employees. Ceridian eliminated employee paperwork, consolidated payroll, HRIS, benefits, and time and attendance, not to mention the ease of approving employee changes such as promotions, transfers and terminations.

What do you dislike about this tool?

Some of the items I wish were improved with Ceridian have to do with support. During implementation, you have a high level of support but afterwards, you need to get into the ticketing system to get support and it takes a long time to resolve issues through it. The reporting feature is difficult and requires significant training, there is nothing intuitive. If you need help with a report or changing a config in your system, everything has an additional cost.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Ceridian had a skilled implementation team that was higher performing than some others I've worked with in the past. They took time to understand detailed requirements and worked with us side by side to get the customizations in. It was overall a positive experience.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

I'd suggest that you consider how your current processes can be streamlined and not just design workflow with how it's done today. Look at existing tools that might be able to be eliminated for cost savings. Lastly, make sure that you have $ in your budget for an HRIS administrator to oversee and manage the system post-implementation.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

I've seen many changes and expect that they will continue to evolve. The introduction of mobile access was a game changer, especially for a workforce like ours where the employees did not use the desktop application often. There is also a forum where users can make suggestions and the dev team will look there for features to build out in future releases. I expect that with the increased use of AI, that the tool will leverage that to improve the already efficient processes.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

I would suggest this tool for a large organization. Cerdian is not the least expensive option out there, but if you need customization and can eliminate other tools, or benefit from the integration, you'll see some savings. It is a great solution for a high turnover workforce such as hospitality as it's easy to use and handles the volume with ease.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

I'd not suggest this to a small business or company shopping on a budget. If you don't need a lot by means of customization or integrations, there are less expensive options available. I'd also not recommend this to a company that doesn't have the budget to assign a full time HRIS Manager to it. Depending on the size of the company, it may even require additional staff to support it.

QuickBooks

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QuickBooks
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Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4 / 5
Product Score
4 / 5

Why we picked QuickBooks

Quickbooks is easy to use and it integrates with just about any other accounting, financial, and HR software.

PROS

  • Unlimited pay runs, auto full-service payroll, and same-day deposits included.
  • Supports unscheduled payrolls and automatic year-end tax filings.
  • Reminders for tax readiness provided.
  • Pricing transparency. 30-day free trial available.

CONS

  • No employer app.
  • More expensive than some competitors like Patriot.
  • Limited third-party integrations.
  • No global payroll features.

QuickBooks Review

Quickbooks is perhaps the most popular accounting software in the market, revered by many for its dedication to providing accounting software suites that help businesses manage clients, finance, and inventory. They also offer a comprehensive payroll solution to business organizations.

Intuit’s Quickbooks is characterized by its simplicity and friendly interface. Plus, they offer a 30-day free trial.

QuickBooks Customers

QuickBooks Pricing

You pay a $20 monthly base subscription rate for Quickbooks payroll and $3 extra for each employee you add.

Best For

Small businesses that just want to get their payroll done without the bells and whistles of an HCM software suite.

QuickBooks in action
Reviewer's Rating
10/10

We use Quickbooks for all of our invoicing needs, as well as for AR reporting when needed. We can also keep track of all of our contacts in the vendor section which makes it an easy place to go if we need information.

What do you like about this tool?
  • User-friendliness is the main pro we find when using Quickbooks.
  • It’s been very easy to train my HR employees how to send and receive invoices.
  • It’s linked to our bank.
  • It gives the option for people to pay via ACH when sending out invoices (easy for them to pay with a touch of a button).
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

When my organization was looking for options to help quickly get out invoices to our clients they thought Quickbooks would be the perfect solution. We have now successfully been using Quickbooks for 10 years for our invoicing needs as well as AR reporting which helps our HR team run smoothly.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • Sometimes it runs slow if more than one user are in the software at a time.
  • Connectivity issues will happen at times which could make it frustrating to use when you are in a hurry.
  • You have to add in other apps to be able to use all the functionality of Quickbooks and pay further pricing.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

The only other software we have tried in the past was NetSuite, and we ultimately decided to go with Quickbooks due to its pricing and ease of use. NetSuite did have more functionality but overall we liked the way Quickbooks worked with our company’s needs.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

They should figure out what they specifically want to use the tool for, and make sure they do their research and pick the correct type of Quickbooks so they can easily work through what they need to get done.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

The website itself has changed over the years but in a good way! We feel it is super easy to navigate and works for our business needs.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Really any corporate type of business that needs to send invoices out to customers, our organization does staffing and recruiting and we rely on Quickbooks to be able to send out invoices to clients.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Maybe manufacturing companies or just very small, less than 10 person companies might not benefit from QuickBooks online.

Wagepoint

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Wagepoint
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Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.6 / 5

Why we picked Wagepoint

Wage point boasts a particularly intuitive design and user-friendly interface, great for the average user.

PROS

CONS

Wagepoint Review

Wagepoint is a Canadian payroll software company founded in 2012. It has everything you need to pay your employees and contractors while staying compliant with payroll regulations. 

This software was built with the small business owner in mind as it is evident in the simplistic design that can be operated by just about anybody.

Wagepoint Customers

  • Quickbooks
  • Xero
  • Slack

Wagepoint Pricing

The price for WagePoint’s payroll software is a monthly base fee of $20 and an additional $2 per employee.

Best For

Wagepoint works well for sole proprietors, startups, and any small business with less than 100 employees.

Wagepoint in action
Reviewer's Rating
9/10

It is as simple as logging in to the administrator page and making a list of employees on the verge of payment. We use this software monthly to meet employees' payments

What do you like about this tool?

It is a quick made that is fairly charged and can be used by all businesses in the USA, we have found it more easy than the recent tools we have been using. This is not limited to the number of payments made a day

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

The manual payment gateway was too delayed before the discovery of this tool. I am the finance manager at the company but it was really hard for me to meet the payment of all the workers in a day one day time but now I can pay in minutes, I am a new user of this tool and I have used it for 2 years

What do you dislike about this tool?

Charges are high at times of small payments and this makes it a bit hard to meet. This tool has a slow support team. This tool loads very slowly on the network.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

It’s easier to administer for our employees

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

It is unlimited in the number of users for the meantime and can be used by all employees because it is easy to use

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

It can now work in African countries than before and the support team has been improved

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Financial institution

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Logistics

Payworks

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Payworks
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Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4.4 / 5
Product Score
4.4 / 5

Why we picked Payworks

Payworks makes it easy and seamless to switch from any payroll provider. Plus, it generates lots of customizable and shareable reports.

PROS

CONS

Payworks Review

Payworks inc. is a Canadian company that provides total workforce management solutions, HR tools, and of course, cloud-based payroll for Canadian organizations. Established in 2000, they have since made a name for themselves as Canada’s trusted payroll solution provider. 

Payworks especially stands out for its excellent understanding of Canadian tax laws. Unlike most small business payroll solutions, Payworks also processes Quebec payroll. Making it an excellent choice for any Canadian business.

Payworks Customers

  • Meridian Farm Market
  • Standard Motors
  • Oxford Learning Centre
  • Statoil Canada

Payworks Pricing

The price for Payworks’ payroll software is a monthly base fee of $20.90 and an additional $2 per employee.

Best For

Small businesses, corporations, and franchises especially.

Payworks in action
Reviewer's Rating
7/10

I primarily use Payworks to set up and manage payroll schedules, process salaries and payments, handle human resources operations, and manage tax matters. I also use this tool as a filing system for employee records, onboarding, offboarding, benefits, and other administrative tasks.

This tool provides resources and job aids for HR processes and manages employee compensation and their journey within the company. Its self-service feature makes it easy for employees to review their portal, where they can access their pay stubs, request time off, add overtime, and bank their time.

What do you like about this tool?
  • Payworks offers a one-stop-shop for queries regarding payroll, HRM, compensation, and employee management systems and records, which makes the processes efficient and effective and reduces the need for multiple HRM tools.
  • It provides real-time data for employees and the company, allowing you to customize any report related to payroll, compensation, time off, overtime, and banked time.
  • It ensures compliance with labor laws and provides security measures to protect both employees' and the company’s confidential information.
  • Payworks is user-friendly; you don’t need to be an HR expert to navigate through the tool.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We wanted an accurate payroll system for our company’s HRM, compensation, and employee management processes that would reduce our administrative tasks and improve efficiency and accuracy. We needed a tool that helps us comply with provincial and federal labor laws.

Prior to Payworks, we were completing all the tasks manually, which was time-consuming and often prone to human errors. This tool has provided us with a one-stop-shop platform that simplifies the process, provides accurate data, complies with labor laws, and increases the efficiency and effectiveness of our HR operations.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • Sometimes, it is challenging to integrate Payworks with other systems and software, which impacts workflow and data management.
  • Some of the reporting features may not always be customizable to meet the employer’s needs, which could affect work effectiveness.
  • Some features under the Human Resources tabs are underutilized, as there is an opportunity to make them more customizable to cater to clients' needs.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

The biggest value-added feature is having a dedicated case manager for your company, which makes a significant difference in utilizing this tool to its fullest. The ease of use helps reduce training time and errors. Even if you don’t have an HR expert on your team, they help you understand the processes and impacts of the tool. They provide many resources and articles with step-by-step guidance to address any HR-related queries. It also offers reporting and analytics tools that provide valuable insights into workforce metrics, payroll data, and HR trends.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

When buying a tool, one should always consider a user-friendly platform that can be a one-stop shop for both employees and employers. It should offer features that meet specific HR needs. Investing in a good platform that reduces data duplication and improves efficiency across the board is essential. Lastly, employee confidentiality is very important, and thorough research should be done before making a decision that may impact personal and confidential information.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Payworks continues to refine its processes and operating systems to remain a user-friendly tool for all. This tool has consistently enhanced its features to keep up with changing provincial and federal regulations and laws. Its ongoing enhancements of HR operating systems aim to reduce the amount of extra administrative tasks, allowing employers to invest more in their company’s development and growth. I highly recommend this tool for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an HR solution.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Small to medium-sized businesses can certainly benefit from Payworks.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

In my opinion, Payworks may not be a good fit for large organizations with over 100 people.

Wave Payroll

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Wave Payroll
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Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4.2 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5

Why we picked Wave Payroll

It is very affordable, easy to use, and its accounting software is free to use as an add-on.

PROS

CONS

Wave Payroll Review

A subsidiary of Wave Financial, Wave Payroll is a management solution designed to simplify and automate payroll processes. It is primarily built for payroll but you can connect the software to the Wave accounting platform for heavy-duty accounting such as invoicing and receipt management.

Wave Payroll Customers

Wave Payroll Pricing

Wave payroll costs a $20 base fee per month and an additional $6 per active employee or independent contractor paid. Also, you get a 30-day free trial with Wave Payroll.

Best For

Freelancers, small businesses, and sole proprietorships with very few employees (<50).

Wave Payroll in action
Reviewer's Rating
10/10

I use Wave Payroll to automate monthly payments to our employees. The tool helps me account for monthly labor spending and create financial reports for company executives. I integrate it with payment systems like Stripe and PayPal to collect payments from investors, partners, and clients. I also use it for auditing the Human Resources department and managing all banking activities.

What do you like about this tool?

The integration with PayPal and Stripe is seamless. The customer support team is responsive and helpful. The auto-syncing feature fetches bank statements and records in real time. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Our company faced the challenge of automating payouts to employees in different locations. Sending manual payments to each employee was tedious, and generating financial reports and tracking labor costs was difficult.

Wave Payroll helped us solve this by ensuring timely payments to all employees, regardless of their bank. The tool has streamlined our payment processes while maintaining thorough record-keeping.

Additionally, Wave Payroll enables us to collect payments from partners and clients. I have used the software for three and a half years, managing employee payouts as an HR business partner.

I have use the software for three and half years managing employees and their payouts as an HR business partner

What do you dislike about this tool?

The balance sheet and cash flow management modules need significant improvement as they are not user-friendly. The cost of the tool increases with more users, making it less scalable. It has limited integration with banks and payment processors, complicating auto payments to employees in other countries.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Wave Payroll offers more affordable pricing and supports both employee payroll and business accounting at the same price, unlike many competitors.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Consider the location of your employees, as the tool is best suited for those in the US and Canada. Evaluate the pricing of the tool relative to the number of users you plan to onboard.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

They have added more banks to the tool since we first implemented it.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Wave Payroll is ideal for Human Resources and Finance departments in bigger businesses.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Wave Payroll may not be suitable for smaller businesses or companies that only hire a few people in specific locations.

Humi

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Humi
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Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4.4 / 5
Product Score
4.4 / 5

Why we picked Humi

Humi lets HR managers improve benefits administration by centralizing information about benefits cards, health spends, employee profiles, and multi-level plans on a single platform.

PROS

CONS

Humi Review

Humi is designed to help small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) automate payroll and HR tasks. A peculiar feature of Humi is that you get your HR and payroll in one place, thereby eliminating dual entry.

The fully integrated system is easy to use and can literally run payroll in just three clicks.

Humi Customers

Humi Pricing

To get the price of their payroll package, you will have to reach out to get a quote as they do not disclose their prices.

Best For

Canadian SMBs with 5 to 500 employees

Humi in action
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Knit People

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Knit People
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Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4.8 / 5
Product Score
4.3 / 5

Why we picked Knit People

It is 100% Canadian and you can set up the platform to run your payroll on autopilot.

PROS

CONS

Knit People Review

Knit people is a Canadian payroll software company that provides simplistic HR and payroll solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Being 100% Canadian, Knit keeps up-to-date on tax and employment legislation in Canada, thereby helping you stay compliant with strict tax legislation in places like Ontario and Quebec. 

Unlike other systems, this Canadian payroll software performs some complex operations that are peculiar to Canadian businesses like WSIB reporting, ROE filing, and employee health tax (EHT) remuneration for companies that are in Ontario or have employees that reside in the province.

The software is also easy to set up and it features a very simple user interface.

Knit People Customers

Knit People Pricing

Knit people’s payroll software goes for a flat rate of $39.00 per feature per month.

Best For

Startups, small and medium-sized businesses, as well as accountants that manage payroll for their clients.

Knit People in action
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Push Operations

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Push Operations
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Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4.5 / 5
Product Score
4.2 / 5

Why we picked Push Operations

Push Operations offer an integrated solution with all your operations (payroll, time tracking, etc., in one tidy interface).

PROS

  • Seamless integration with POS systems
  • Proactively prevents break violations with timely alerts for enhanced compliance
  • Tailored reporting options to extract precise insights for informed decision-making
  • POS system integration
  • Eliminate break violations through proactive alerts
  • Customized reporting

CONS

  • Some of the users we consulted raised concerns about the intuitiveness of the interface, prolonged loading times, and occasional unexpected logouts from the platform.
  • Some users have reported issues like a confusing interface, long loading times, and the platform logging out randomly.

Push Operations Review

Push operations provide a fully integrated solution that allows you to utilize data from scheduling, time tracking, and other HR applications in your payroll activities. 

They offer robust features that are ideal for Canadian businesses of any type. However, due to their integrated functionality, they are specifically good for businesses with hourly employees. Note that Push Operations only offer payroll as an add-on. They are more of an HR product that caters to the needs of small Canadian businesses.

Push Operations Customers

Push Operations Pricing

Push Operations has three base plans - Starter, Pro, and Premium. The Starter plan costs $4 per employee per month, Pro costs $5 per employee per month, and Premium costs $8 per employee per month. To get payroll as an add-on, you have to pay an additional $6 per employee per month with any of these plans.

Best For

Businesses that have hourly employees and multi-locational businesses with 50 employees or more.

Push Operations in action
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PapayaGlobal

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PapayaGlobal
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Popularity Score
4.3 / 5
User Score
4.5 / 5
Product Score
4.4 / 5

Why we picked PapayaGlobal

Papaya Global simplifies payroll and benefits management for Canadian employees and contractors, regardless of location. Operating in over 160 countries, their EOR model ensures seamless operations.

PROS

  • Papaya ensures swift payouts within 72 hours across 160+ countries.
  • Personalized health plans for employees, tailored to their location, accessible through web and mobile platforms.
  • Transparent pricing with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
  • Dedicated customer success managers in your time zone for localized support.
  • Starter monthly fee is reduced to $12 per employee for full-service payroll.

  • Papaya Global packs the EOR services you need to do global payroll and employment compliantly in over 160 countries.
  • Automated payments in over 100 currencies, 80 of them directly to the worker's bank account through its global banking partners.
  • Dedicated customer support providing locations-specific knowledge regarding employment and payroll.
  • End-to-end payroll guaranteed payouts in 72 hours.
  • Offers four standalone solutions: data and insights, supplemental benefits & immigration support, payment services, and employee data management, making the platform more affordable and scalable.

CONS

  • Limited local entities in certain operational countries; no tax penalty guarantee available.
  • No provision for a free trial or plan.
  • Additional costs include setup, onboarding, cycle per employee, and year-end fees, along with a refundable deposit.
  • Limited integration options but access to free pre-built APIs and custom API integrations.

  • No free trial or free plan.
  • Doesn’t own entities in all the countries it serves. The platform forms relationships with existing local in-country partners to handle employment in a specific region on the client’s behalf.
  • BI analytics reports and global immigration services cost additional fees.
  • Charges extra fees for setup, onboarding, employee cycle, and tax filing. Also requires a refundable deposit.
  • Built-in integration options aren’t very robust. However, the platform does offer pre-built APIs, SFTP, and custom API integrations for free.

PapayaGlobal Review

Papaya Global is a good choice for Canadian businesses looking to pay workforces comprised of local and overseas employees. You can make sure to adhere to both Canadian and international regulations when it comes to payroll, benefits, and equity.

Their platform, which we’ve been following since early 2021, is one of the pioneering tools of the global payroll software industry. They put a software face on an employer-of-record model, making it a breeze to manage employees— and Contractors— in their 160+ jurisdictions.

The pricing, of course, varies with each scenario. That said, one of the things we appreciate about Papaya is that they have a fairly flexible offering. Regardless of your mix of Canadian and international employees, they can likely propose a package that suits your needs. The same goes for managing payroll across provinces.

PapayaGlobal Customers

Johnson & Johnson, Deezer, Wix, Fiverr, Microsoft, Intel, Toyota

PapayaGlobal Pricing

  • Full-Service Payroll service: Starts at $12 per employee per month, with flexible options based on operational needs.
  • Payroll Platform License service: Begins at $3 per employee per location for tech upgrades.
  • Data and Insights Platform License service: From $150 per employee per month, offering real-time analytics on payroll costs and headcount.
  • Payments-as-a-Service service: Starting at $3 per employee per month, delivering a dedicated workforce payment platform.
  • Global EOR plan: Ranges from $650 to $1000 per employee per month for comprehensive EOR management.
  • Contractor Management & IC Compliance plan: Tailored services for outsourced contractors, starting at $2 per contractor per month.
  • Global expertise services: Starting at $190 per month per employee, this lets you add the global health plan, immigration support, and global equity for employees.

Best For

Papaya Global is an excellent choice for Canadian businesses seeking to streamline global payroll and benefits operations, particularly for those with international hires within Papaya Global’s extensive country coverage.

PapayaGlobal in action
Reviewer's Rating
7/10

I primarily used Papaya Global to ensure we were hiring the right people globally while complying with local labor laws. It was invaluable when onboarding new employees, making sure everyone felt welcome and informed, no matter their location. The tool’s reporting capabilities were also extremely useful, particularly when reviewing compensation to ensure fair and competitive pay.

Additionally, it helped manage day-to-day HR tasks like monitoring employee well-being and managing benefits. It was essential in keeping everything organized and transparent across the company, regardless of where employees were based. I used it frequently, as it was like a Swiss Army knife for all HR tasks, especially for managing global operations.

What do you like about this tool?

I liked the main dashboard because it was user-friendly, allowing me to access important information quickly. Papaya Global integrated well with the client's existing HR tools, making it easier for everyone and ensuring smooth data flow. The reporting was accurate, providing the exact details needed for decision-making. Lastly, the tool had great scalability, adapting to the client’s needs as they grew without any issues.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

I used Papaya Global while working with a client as a freelancer in HR. They started using it because managing HR tasks across different countries was becoming overly complicated and time-consuming. They struggled to keep up with the various labor laws and maintain communication with their team spread around the globe. The tool was a lifesaver, providing a single platform to handle everything and keep everyone aligned.

Personally, I’ve been using it for about two years, and it has been incredibly helpful. It automates repetitive tasks that used to take up a lot of my time, all with the click of a button. It also integrates seamlessly with their other HR systems, allowing information to flow smoothly. It has saved both me and the client significant time and effort.

What do you dislike about this tool?

One major downside is that Papaya Global is quite expensive for what it offers. It doesn’t have enough advanced features to fully justify the cost. Additionally, it’s not very customizable, so it can be difficult to adapt it to specific business needs. While it automates some tasks, many actions still need to be done manually, which is disappointing considering the price. It also has a steep learning curve, so new users might struggle to get accustomed to it quickly, which can slow down adoption. Finally, customer support is not very responsive, which can disrupt workflows when issues arise.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Papaya Global stands out for its Employer of Record feature, which is especially helpful for managing legal compliance overseas. It effectively handles the regulatory challenges of working across different countries, providing peace of mind without the need for a large legal team. Although I haven’t used other tools, this one excels in handling international employment and compliance. The biggest advantage is the confidence it offers in ensuring compliance globally. Managing complex HR tasks across different countries is much easier with this tool, making it invaluable to our company.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

When considering a tool like Papaya Global, it’s crucial to assess your company’s global footprint and ensure the tool can handle payroll, legal matters, and hiring across multiple countries. It’s also important to choose a tool that works in locations where you don’t have an office, as this helps you stay compliant with local laws.

Usability is another key factor; a user-friendly tool will help your HR team get up to speed quickly and keep operations running smoothly. Lastly, verify that the tool integrates well with your existing HR systems to allow for seamless data transfer.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

By expanding to more countries, Papaya Global has stayed ahead of the competition. It now offers a broader range of services, helping companies manage global offices effectively. Over time, it has improved its legal compliance capabilities, which is critical when dealing with different countries' regulations. The tool has also become smarter with automation and reporting, streamlining processes and freeing up users to focus on more important decisions.

In addition, the platform has been enhanced to make navigation easier, even as it grows more powerful. This has made it a go-to choice for companies with employees spread across the globe.

Let's not forget about the look and feel of the thing. Papaya Global has put a lot of effort into making sure that using their platform is as easy as pie. It's all about making it simple to understand and navigate, even as it gets bigger and more powerful. This has turned it into a go-to choice for companies with employees scattered across the globe.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Papaya Global is ideal for large businesses that deal with complex salary management, especially when they operate in multiple countries. It’s perfect for companies with a diverse global workforce that need a robust system to comply with various labor laws and regulations.

Businesses that value seamless integration with existing HR systems and require advanced technology to handle complex tasks will find this tool especially beneficial. Even if a company doesn’t have offices in every country they hire from, this tool can manage payroll effortlessly.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Papaya Global might not be the best pick for companies with basic payroll needs because it could come with more bells and whistles than they actually need. If you're a small business with a tight wallet, the price might seem a bit steep, especially if you're not looking to manage payroll across different countries.

Plus, if your team isn't full of tech personnel or HR minded individuals, you might find it a bit tricky to use and might not get the most out of all its fancy features. For places like that, something simpler and easier on the budget might be the way to go.

Canadian Payroll Software Use Cases

Earlier on we mentioned that it is important to pay attention to the software you choose to run your payroll, hence the review of the payroll vendors above. However, we never really mentioned the general manner in which these payroll systems can be useful. Here are some use cases for a typical Canadian payroll software:

  • Recruiting support: Payroll systems can help in the recruiting process by providing support like background checks to improve your chances of making a good hire. 
  • Business management: Most, if not all, Canadian payroll software offer reporting and analytics which can provide insights that can be crucial in key business decision-making. 
  • Onboarding: Some Canadian payroll systems offer onboarding tools to help new hires acclimate with their new work environment.
  • Human capital management: Payroll software makes gathering employee data (personal, banking, financial, tax, etc.) much easier and well-coordinated.

Pro Tips on Payroll Vendors for Canadian Businesses

Pitfalls To Avoid When Buying Payroll Software for Canada

The main pitfall you need to be aware of in Canadian payroll software is the inability to process multi-provincial payroll. Many times, employers get into business with a payroll vendor only to find out they cannot run Quebec or Ontario payroll. The tax laws in these regions are strict and they change a lot. Only a few established payroll vendors like Ceridian and ADP, or fully Canadian vendors like Knit and Rise people have the resources to keep track of these changing laws in order to stay compliant.

For employees based outside of Canada, employer of record companies are a convenient solution.

Benefits and ROI of Using Canada-Specific Payroll Software

Payroll is a very complicated and exhausting process. It is even more complex in Canada, where the premiums and insurances to be deducted differ from province to province. If you resort to outsourcing your payroll, you should be ready to pay up to $200 per employee per year

Using payroll software and potentially employing the services of a professional employer organization can make a world of difference in your finances. Contrary to the $200 you have to pay per employee, a typical payroll software vendor will charge you, at most, $10 per employee per month. Totalling $120 per employee per year.  

Payroll systems also save you time. Quickbooks, for example, can save you up to 40 hours per month. Calculating these man-hours, you will be saving a lot of money that can be recycled into the business. Still on Quickbook, because it saves users up to 40 hours per month, you can potentially save $3,000 in tax savings. The same goes for other payroll software that is equally efficient.

Furthermore, payroll systems are constantly up-to-date with local and international laws on payroll and taxes. This protects users from lawsuits and fines resulting from non-compliance. 

Besides, as you keep expanding, you would want to conduct your payroll operations in-house and that is possible with the right payroll software. All in all, the right payroll systems can be a great investment in the short and long run.

Canadian Payroll Software Pricing Models

When it comes to Canadian payroll software, there are two major pricing models, and most times, vendors prefer to combine both models. So what are these two pricing models you ask?

  • Flat rate: In this pricing model, vendors charge you a fixed price per month or annually, depending on which you prefer. If you are going to be using vendors that charge a fixed rate, it is best you choose the annual plan because it always comes with a discount. And it is worth it in the long run.
    The good thing about this model is that you can run payroll for as many employees as you want without paying a dime extra. You can also bring in new hires without having to worry about incurring additional costs. This pricing model is fit for small businesses looking to grow and expand.
  • Per employee per month: This model is self-explanatory and just a few Canadian Payroll Software vendors offer this type of pricing model solely. Usually, this model comes with a fixed base price you need to pay per month, then an additional amount for the number of employees you choose to run their payroll. This model is fit for businesses that have a lot of contracted employees.

Key Features You Should Look Out For in Canadian Payroll Software

There are several payroll management systems in the market, each with its defining features and attributes. As an employer, human resource manager, or payroll officer, it is imperative you choose one that specifically addresses the needs of your business. In doing so, however, you must look out for these features in any Canadian payroll software you choose:

Compliance

One thing about Canada is that the law changes as you move from province to province, especially tax laws. For example, it is compulsory for employers to pay what is known as the employee health tax (EHT) in Ontario and British Columbia. This is not the case in other provinces. Whatever Canadian payroll software you choose, it must have an adept understanding of Canada’s provincial tax laws.

Tax Management

This is perhaps one of the most important features you should look out for. Your Canadian payroll software must be able to remit monthly, quarterly, or bi-monthly (depending on your preference) tax deductions to the appropriate agencies - the REVENU Quebec for the province of Quebec, and the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) for other provinces in Canada. The software must be able to calculate and deduct the three basic tax remittances accurately and according to recent rates. These deductions include income tax, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions, and employment insurance(EI) premiums.

Direct Deposit

The whole point of having a payroll management solution is so you can pay your employees on time and with ease while staying compliant. A direct deposit option eliminates the stress of going to cash a cheque in a bank, and you also save time and money by avoiding printing paychecks. 

Reporting

Your Canadian payroll software should be able to generate important reports when you need them. Reports like pre-post payroll journal, pay run audit report, cash requirement reports, and so on, ensure your pay run is error-free. Reports and analytics also provide insight into the financial aspects of the business.

Demo Questions to ask Your Canadian Payroll Software Providers

Payroll software vendors usually provide demos so you can get acquainted with their system before you commit. We recommend you schedule demos with several payroll vendors to arrive at the one that best suits your business and preferences. We have curated some questions you can ask during this process:

  • How much does your service cost for my business (number of employees)
  • Does your software allow for multiple users?
  • What additional service do you provide?
  • How will the pricing change when I want to scale?
  • Can your system generate a record of employment (ROE)? 
  • Can my employees view their pay statements and T4's online?
  • Does your system integrate with other business management tools? If so, what are they?
  • How much control do I have over the payroll process?
  • Does your software automatically submit my CRA, WCB, or WSIB remittances?
  • Do you handle Alberta and Quebec payroll? 
  • Do you handle international payroll?
  • What are the measures you have put in place to ensure you stay on top of Canada’s changing tax laws?
  • Does your software automatically upload the EFT file (Electronic Funds Transfer) to my company's bank?
  • What are your payment options?
  • What metrics have you used to prove the effectiveness of your solution, and where can I see these in my analytics dashboard?
  • Does your software allow for mid-month advances or special pay runs?
  • Besides Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions and Employee Insurance (EI) premiums, what other premiums, deductions, and contributions do you remit?

Implementation: How do You Get Started With the Best Canadian Payroll Software?

We have mentioned 10 different payroll systems in this review and all of them have their unique interface and functionality. No matter the differences, setting up and running with these Canadian payroll solutions typically follows the same procedure: 

  • Set up: The first thing you want to do with your payroll software is to set it up to run per your business policies. Policies around holidays (paid or not), general benefits (like accommodation, etc) should be inputted in the system so when the payroll is to be run, these policies will take effect. The setup stage also involves you inputting your business information (business name, location, business number, etc) into the system.  
  • Add Employees: The next thing you want to do is add employees. Most systems allow you to add employees to tabs where you can fill in all their necessary information and allocate a monthly salary. While filling the employee tabs, you will be required to collect their TD1 forms and add their tax codes. 
  • Run Payroll: After setting up your system and adding your employees, the next step is to pay them. Some payroll software can automate this process - all you have to do is input the pay frequency and necessary tax information, and the system will run the calculations, deduct the taxes, and pay the employee the net salary after all the deductions. We, however, advise you to manually control some aspects of this process. For example, when an employee has reached the maximum Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) annual contribution before the year runs out, you can “uncheck” this deduction to avoid inaccurate tax remittance which, in turn, affects the employee’s pay and payroll data. 
  • Make Remittance: Most Canadian payroll software will automatically calculate and deduct remittances from the wages you paid your employees. Some go a step further by actually filing and submitting these remittances to the CRA or REVENU Quebec, depending on your province.
  • File T4s/ T4As/ Releve 1s: At the end of the year, your payroll software will file your end-of-year summaries and distribute them to your employees. 

In most payroll software, customer success representatives, who are Canadian payroll experts, help with the aforementioned procedures. If you are a new business set up in Canada or perhaps you simply need help navigating the turbulent waters that are business payroll, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Others are self-service putting you solely in charge. Again, these payroll software vendors are here to serve your specific needs. Whatever your preference, there is always a solution for you.

FAQs

What is payroll software?

Payroll software is a cloud-based solution that provides automated payments to employees of a business organization. Payroll software helps with anything from filing taxes, generating reports, storing data, and so on. 

Why is Quebec’s payroll different from other provinces?

Canada’s system of government allows for different provinces to enact their own statutory laws. 

Unlike other provinces where you have to pay Canada Pension Plan (CPP), in Quebec, employees pay the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) and this differs in rates.

Moreover, while you submit remittances to the Canada Revenue Service (CRA) in other provinces, you submit to REVENU Quebec in the province of Quebec. 

What is the best Canadian payroll software for small businesses?

All the payroll software companies we mentioned here, such as Push Operations, Humi, Intuit, and Ceridian Dayforce, are great bets for most Canadian companies. For small businesses processing payroll in Canada, the following are even better:

  • WagePoint
  • Payworks
  • Wave Payroll
  • Rise People

Last Advice About Buying Canadian Payroll Software

If you’ve made it this far, you will likely choose a payroll solution that fits your business perfectly. That being said, we recommend you always follow SSAFE - Security, Support, Affordability, Features, and Ease of use. Once all those are in place, you are very likely to end up with a good deal.

As a final word, if your business involves hiring a lot of remote employees outside Canada, you will want to be compliant with international legislation in their respective regions. Choosing one of the best international payroll companies to run your payroll is your best bet. You get to pay your employees with ease without having to worry about whether or not you are breaking any laws.

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