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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
7/10

We mainly used it for W2 and 1099 payroll, onboarding, offboarding, and reporting. For an added fee, you can utilize some of their workflow automation tools to optimize some of the more manual workflows.

  • Domestic U.S. payroll: Rippling is recommended for a predominantly salaried workforce. There is a very basic timekeeping system that we utilized for our hourly non-exempt workforce for time off tracking and 1099 contractors. The salaried payroll is very easy to use; however, the state registration for payroll can be a bit complex. Reaching a payroll support person can also be a bit of a headache, especially during a payroll crunch, but there are also many helpful payroll support people. You can utilize chat, or they can call you to resolve issues. One of the biggest challenges we have faced was opening a payroll ticket and taking days, up to weeks, for it to close if it was a complicated issue. You do not get a dedicated customer support representative so definitely take that into consideration.
  • International payroll: International Payroll: International Payroll is not supported, however, you can store HR Information for international employees. It's a bit more of a hassle to keep their information and turn off their payroll info, but helpful for having a full scope of the employee base.
  • Onboarding / offboarding: The integration for onboarding with greenhouse ATS was a bit clunky. Names and basic information would transfer over from Greenhouse, but you would have to search the name on the Rippling end. Creating the onboarding packet was not too difficult, the user interface is pretty basic, but easy to set-up and administer for e-signature. Offboarding can be done in advance of a departure, and access points, notifying IT, etc. can be set up in an easy to use workflow. Departed employees can still access a limited version of their employee portal to see their W2s and Paystubs via Rippling after they've departed the company which is extremely useful.
  • Laptop Inventory Management: We originally had paid for this service as we were a small HR team of 2 with no IT department at first. It's helpful to have as a service, but unfortunately it over promises and under delivers. There are frequent inventory shortages for laptops, so the best thing to do is purchase in bulk or purchase laptops to have on-site and send them out to new employees outside of the system. If you have your own IT department, in-house is a better way to go since this does cost a significant amount of additional charge.
What do you like about this tool?
  • I liked that Rippling provides robust reporting across their different functionalities.
  • Rippling does a great job at making a user-friendly interface to navigate.
  • I like that it has all the bells and whistles you need for a small to medium sized business.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

We started off using Gusto as our Payroll/HRIS. Our team grew from under 50 to about 110 in 6 months. Unfortunately, we quickly outgrew Gusto's Benefits, Reporting, and HRIS capabilities.

A nearly all-in-one system is difficult to find. Coming from Gusto, we knew we wanted to keep our benefits, payroll, and HR information in one system, with great functional reporting across these data points. This cross functional data helped us create great reports that helped us visualize our YoY growth, retention rates, benefit enrollment data, headcount, and much more.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • They nickel and dime every part of the platform, so you'll end up with hidden costs for unlocking parts of the platform that are usually included in others, and you'll end up with a larger cost than you originally thought. Ask for an upfront detailed overview of the costs of all the modules.
  • Subpar customer service with not a lot of dedicated support.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

Overall, it's a good competitor for small to medium-sized HRIS solutions because it includes HRIS/Payroll capabilities. They extend into all facets of HCM, but they do payroll, benefits, and reporting best. I appreciate they delve into different avenues, but a perfect all-in-one is impossible, so it's best to stay with what you're best at. In terms of an "all-in-one" solution, if your team is under <500 employees, it's a decent solution. The platform and company is still growing, so be patient with changes and bugs. But overall, 7/10 experience utilizing Rippling. They do listen to customers, advocate for change within the system, and move quickly.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?
  • Budget - Rippling can start off inexpensive, but when you add the bells and whistles, it can get quite expensive. Make sure to ask what each module costs independently.
  • Payroll Audience - If your population includes a significant population of hourly time keeping needs, this may not be the best platform. You can also integrate various time tracking tools as well.
  • All-in-One - Unfortunately, there still isn't a perfect solution. It's important to know which modules to prioritize. If you care about your payroll, HRIS, and benefits admin in one, this is a good system for a small to medium-sized company.
  • Customer Support - If you need significant customer support, Rippling may not be the best fit. It was a challenge getting a hold of our reps at times. For payroll support, you don't get a dedicated person so it can be a challenge. If you prefer to have white-glove service here, this may not be the best unless things have changed.
  • App Integrations - Rippling is a closed environment, meaning you cannot create your own integrations. However, they do have a lot of APIs available for many of the largely popular apps/tools. Most of our tech stack was already aligned to what we used within Rippling so it wasn't too difficult, but it's a serious point to consider for things like your accounting system, time tracking system, expense management, etc.
How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Since the time we started utilizing Rippling, they have implemented significant changes to their platform. They added PEO services, global payroll, LMS, pulse surveys, and a few other new functionalities. They truly are innovating to become the all-in-one mid-enterprise platform.

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

I believe Rippling is great for companies under 500 employees with a predominantly salaried workforce. This tends to be more common in tech centered environments. Also when you have a lean team around Payroll/HR, it can be a great system to utilize.

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

A predominantly hourly non-exempt workforce. I think the platform would not be great for 500+ or <50 employees. It would be expensive for <50 employees, and be too manual for 500+, even with its workflow automation because of the integrations not working properly.

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
6/10

I managed payroll, processed employee benefits, tracked time and attendance, and handled talent management functions. ADP's interface allowed me to easily navigate and input relevant data. This helped streamline day-to-day tasks.

Additionally, the reporting features helped me generate valuable insights into workforce analytics and compliance. Overall, ADP served as a comprehensive tool that supports our organization in various HR management aspects.

What do you like about this tool?
  • I appreciate ADP's user-friendly interface to simplify complex HR processes.
  • ADP's robust reporting capabilities provide valuable insights for strategic decision-making.
  • The scalability of ADP allows seamless adaptation to the evolving needs of our growing organization.

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

One of the primary reasons ADP was selected was its reputation as a reliable HR solution provider. The platform is known for its ability to streamline payroll processes, manage employee benefits effectively, and ensure compliance with changing regulations.

Additionally, ADP's scalability was a crucial factor. It accommodated the evolving needs of our workforce and provided the flexibility to handle increased employee numbers.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • I find occasional glitches in the user interface of ADP frustrating.
  • The limitations in customization options can be restrictive for our specific needs.
  • There's a concern about potential increased costs as our organization grows with the continued use of ADP.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

ADP user-friendly interface makes HR tasks more accessible for our team, and the reporting features provide insights into workforce analytics. Also, the customer support from ADP has been consistently responsive and helpful.

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

Consider the tool's functionality to ensure it aligns with your HR needs, evaluate scalability for future growth, and assess integration capabilities with existing systems. You will need to scrutinize compliance, security, and the total cost of ownership. Additionally, research the vendor's reputation, inquire about the product's upgrade plans, and take advantage of trial periods to assess real-world performance before making a final decision.

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

ADP has evolved to meet user needs by enhancing its user interface and expanding its features to address a broader range of HR requirements. This would include payroll processing, benefits administration, and talent management. ADP's scalability has improved, accommodating the diverse needs of both small businesses and large enterprises. The platform's increased integration capabilities enable seamless connectivity with other systems, enhancing overall workflow. Over time, ADP has embraced mobile accessibility, allowing users to manage HR tasks remotely, reflecting its adaptability to changing work dynamics.

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

In my experience ADP is adaptable to the specific needs of growing companies. It is an excellent choice for users seeking a comprehensive HR solution, encompassing payroll processing, benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, and talent management. The platform is beneficial for those who prioritize user-friendly interfaces that require robust compliance features and reliable customer support. ADP is a valuable and supportive HR management solution.

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

ADP may not be an ideal fit for very small businesses with basic HR needs. Its comprehensive features may be more robust than necessary. Additionally, companies with an existing HR software system that is deeply ingrained in their processes may face challenges transitioning to ADP. Highly specialized industries with unique HR requirements might also find ADP less tailored to their specific needs.

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
8/10

I interact with the platform daily to manage and oversee various aspects of employee engagement across our international operations. Key workflows include onboarding new international crew members, handling global payroll in compliance with local regulations, and managing employee benefits packages. Additionally, we use Multiplier to maintain compliance documentation for our global staff, ensuring that all personnel operate within the legal frameworks of their respective countries. This tool is vital for supporting our global workforce efficiently and effectively.

What do you like about this tool?
  1. Global Compliance Ease: Multiplier simplifies compliance with international labor laws, making it much easier to manage our diverse global workforce.
  2. Efficient Payroll Processing: It streamlines payroll operations across different countries, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
  3. Robust Employee Management: Multiplier provides comprehensive tools for onboarding, benefits management, and maintaining employee records, enhancing HR operations.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

LMC adopted Multiplier to streamline the complexities of managing a diverse, international workforce. With crews and support staff based globally, we needed a solution to handle payroll, compliance, and employee management across different countries. Multiplier was introduced over two years ago to address these challenges effectively. It has been instrumental in ensuring compliance with local labor laws, simplifying payroll processes, and managing employee benefits efficiently. The ability to onboard international employees without setting up local entities has been particularly beneficial, enhancing our operational flexibility and reducing administrative overhead.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  1. Complex Interface: The user interface can be complex and less intuitive, requiring a steeper learning curve for new users.
  2. Limited Customization Options: Some features lack the flexibility to be fully customized to meet the specific needs of our global operations.
  3. Response Times: Customer support response times can be slow, especially during critical payroll and compliance deadlines.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

Multiplier stands out primarily due to its comprehensive handling of international labor compliance and the ability to manage payroll and HR functions across multiple countries without the need to establish local entities. Unlike other HR platforms that focus primarily on either payroll or compliance, Multiplier integrates these services seamlessly, which is particularly beneficial for companies like Liberty Maritime Corporation that operate globally. Its one-stop solution for international employment management makes it preferable for businesses looking to expand or maintain a global workforce.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?
  1. Global Compliance: Ensure the tool efficiently manages compliance with international labor laws, crucial for companies operating across borders.
  2. Integration Capabilities: Look for a platform that seamlessly integrates with your existing HR and payroll systems to streamline processes.
  3. Scalability: The tool should grow with your business, handling increases in employee numbers and geographic expansion without performance issues.
How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

The platform has significantly improved its user interface to simplify navigation and reduce complexity. Additionally, it has expanded its customization options to better cater to the diverse needs of various industries and enhanced its integration capabilities with other HR tools for a more cohesive user experience.

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

It is ideal for businesses expanding internationally that need to onboard, pay, and manage employees across multiple jurisdictions efficiently. This makes it valuable for companies in industries such as technology, shipping, and consulting, where flexibility and compliance are critical.

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

Multiplier may not be a good fit for smaller organizations or startups that operate solely within a single country and have minimal international employment needs. These organizations might find the platform's comprehensive features for global compliance and payroll management more complex and costly than necessary for their limited scope of operations.

Ceridian

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Ceridian
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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
7/10

As an HR leader working in the COE, I used Ceridian as an administrator. I had access to add and remove reports, run reports for North America, Canada, and Mexico, and control benefits administration - including open enrollment, life event changes, reconciliations, etc. I used Ceridian as the main HRIS for the company I was employed in at the time.

What do you like about this tool?

I loved that the platform reached our global audience and that our employees could manage their own data in the system. I also liked the reporting functions and how easy it was to make benefit changes in the system from an administrative view.

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

We chose Ceridian because it was one of the only systems that had the global support we needed. We needed a robust system that would allow our employees to manage their data in the US, EMEA, Canada and Mexico, as well as hone into reporting functions easily for our COE. I used Ceridian for almost 4 years, managing benefits, reporting, and employee data. I trained my team how to use it, so they could emulate this training at their respective locations.

What do you dislike about this tool?

Ceridian is not the most user-friendly interface. It is not impossible to use, but for anyone who struggles with tech, it can be a challenge. Companies with large populations may also find it easy to get analysis paralysis, as all of the reports can be overwhelming and hard to sort through. Lastly, it only gets easier with practice, so if you are not on this platform often it will not get easier to navigate. One truly must familiarize themselves with it in order to understand how to navigate it.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

What sets Ceridian apart is its global capability and reporting functionality. I have yet to come across another platform that can store the amount of data this can and pull it together in the same way Ceridian can.

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

The size and location of their organization/employees, data analytics, user interface and price.

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

I think they are trying to make a dashboard more user-friendly but otherwise, I think they know their strength and lean into that.

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

Large global organizations

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

Small businesses operating on a local scale.

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

First and foremost, we utilize the invoicing functionality to create and send professional invoices to our clients. This feature allows us to track payments, send reminders, and easily manage our accounts receivable.

In addition, QuickBooks helps us with tax tracking by enabling us to categorize income and expenses appropriately, making tax preparation more efficient. This feature ensures that we have accurate records and can easily generate reports for tax purposes.

Another important aspect of our QuickBooks usage is the mileage and expense tracking. We utilize the built-in tools to record and categorize our business-related mileage and expenses, ensuring that we have a comprehensive record for reimbursement or tax deductions.

The reporting capabilities are vital to our organization as well. We leverage the various reporting options available to gain insights into our financial performance, monitor cash flow, track profitability, and make informed business decisions based on real-time data.

Finally, QuickBooks serves as our central hub for transaction tracking. We record and categorize all our financial transactions, including sales, purchases, and payments, in order to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records.

What do you like about this tool?
  1. QuickBooks integrates seamlessly with other business tools and software
  2. It allows us to customize our needs and only pay for what we use
  3. It integrates with other vendors to help us streamline processes
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

I have used it for almost 3 years and tried different versions. I chose QuickBooks because it provides a user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, industry recognition, seamless integration capabilities, and scalability options—all of which contribute to efficient financial management and supports the organization's needs.

It is easy to switch between versions as business needs change (add or remove payroll option, etc). One of the primary reasons we selected QuickBooks is its widespread adoption and industry recognition. QuickBooks is widely regarded as a leading accounting software solution, trusted by millions of businesses worldwide. This reputation reassured us of its reliability and stability.

It offers scalable options that can accommodate our organization's growth and evolving needs. As we expand, QuickBooks provides the flexibility to add additional features or upgrade to more advanced versions to support our changing requirements, ensuring long-term viability for our financial management system.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  1. There are so many versions and it's hard to find directions for the one that we use at that time
  2. It is nearly impossible to talk to a human being
  3. During the sales process they will give you as much attention as you need but as soon as you are in, you are pretty much on your own
How is this tool different than their competitors?
  1. Quickbooks offers many different options and they will cater to your business needs (just make sure you do your due diligence at the beginning before they close the deal)
  2. EVERYONE knows about Quickbooks so it's easy to use and clients have no problem paying you via QB
  3. However, many other similar tools will offer live support or even a dedicated account manager. Even though it may cost a little more but this might be a dealbreaker to some businesses.
What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?
  1. Know exactly what you need it to do for you and clearly specify it during the sales process. Make sure you do not overpay for something you will not use
  2. Make sure you stay within budget and pay attention to special pricing as most plans will offer discounted costs but only for the first few months.
  3. Check that your bank and other third-party vendors will integrate with QB. While a lot of them do, not all.
How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

They evolve all the time by adding new versions to accommodate everyone's needs (last time I checked there were 45).

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

Small to Medium, independent contractors, startups.

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

This helps us explain it better to readers of the review, and proves you are a customer of the product with access to the tool

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
4/10

To pay employees. Complete any federal and provincial deductions. Send CRA what's needed. Offer employees a pay stub.

What do you like about this tool?
  • Simple user interface.
  • Inexpensive compared to others.
  • Canadian company.

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

To pay employees in Canada. Wanted something easy to set up, quick to set up and inexpensive.

What do you dislike about this tool?

Doesn't integrate with much. Very limited functions. Barely any features. Bare bones. Poor customer service, there's no number to call. And, they charge for help.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Simple, limited features, cheap.

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

If you have more than 5 employees, I'd recommend picking another provider.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?
What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Individual entrepreneurs.

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

Larger organizations.

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
5/10

We used Wave Payroll weekly to process payroll. However, we found it lacking in additional HR functions that other software provides. This limitation became increasingly problematic as our HR needs grew. The absence of comprehensive features forced us to look for alternative solutions. We needed a platform with more options to manage our HR tasks effectively.

What do you like about this tool?
  • It interfaced well with the bookkeeping.
  • The pricing was good with the per-person add-on, not paying for more than needed.
  • The interface was fairly easy to understand and navigate.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

The company invested in Wave Payroll a couple of years ago, hoping it would simplify our payroll process compared to our existing method. However, we only used it for a few months before switching to another solution. The software was slow and did not deliver the improvement we had anticipated. The lack of efficiency and unmet expectations led us to seek an alternative. Ultimately, Wave Payroll did not meet our needs as hoped.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • Wave Payroll lacks detailed reporting options, limiting payroll analysis.
  • It does not have the option to automatically run payroll.
  • There is no support for additional benefits, so we had to manually enter deductions.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

We switched to another software that had the option to run payroll automatically and offered more options for benefits deductions.

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

You should consider Wave Payroll if you're okay with manually running payroll and how in-depth the reporting needs to be. Also, consider if running non-cash benefits through payroll is important to you.

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

We didn't use Wave Payroll long enough to see any changes.

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

Small businesses that don't have bigger HR needs will find Wave Payroll helpful.

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

Anyone needing more automation or detailed reporting will not find Wave Payroll robust enough to suit their needs.

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
9/10

We started by using the payroll functions to consolidate our global payroll teams into a single platform that headquarters could manage. The success of this initiative led us to expand our use of Papayaglobal, incorporating additional functions such as global recruiting and the employer of record service. This allowed us to streamline our employee experience across all locations. Eventually, we added the employee portal feature, further enhancing the consistency and efficiency of our HR processes worldwide.

What do you like about this tool?
  1. The tool ensures compliance with employment legislation across different countries.
  2. It handles payroll functions, including currency and tax laws, specific to each country.
  3. The platform provides a unified experience for all employees globally, which can be managed from a central location.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

The organization I worked for needed to streamline its payroll and HR platform to cover all global locations. We were struggling to manage payroll efficiently while complying with various employment laws. The financial burden of maintaining multiple teams to oversee these functions was also a concern, as it was costly to ensure accuracy and compliance. Payroll was our primary focus, so we sought a platform that could handle these tasks without requiring a large, expensive team in each country. We have used this tool for several years now, with significant improvements in efficiency and cost savings.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  1. The primary support is via chat, which can be inconvenient during urgent situations.
  2. The cost might not be suitable for startups or small businesses.
  3. The learning curve is steep for large companies, requiring significant time to implement and integrate fully.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

Papayaglobal offers a globally integrated service that ensures compliance with employment and tax legislation. Compared to similar tools, it is user-friendly once you become familiar with it. The ability to manage all employee functions from headquarters on a single platform distinguishes it from others, making it a valuable investment.

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

Papayaglobal is ideal for large companies with multiple global locations seeking a unified platform for HR and payroll management. It is particularly beneficial if you want to manage these functions centrally while providing a consistent experience for all employees.

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

Papayaglobal has become more user-friendly and has expanded its support options. It now offers more integrations with other software, making it even more versatile and useful.

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

Papayaglobal is excellent for large, multi-location organizations. It is particularly useful for companies with global operations looking to consolidate HR and payroll functions into a single team at their headquarters.

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

Papayaglobal may not be suitable for startups or small businesses with limited locations. The cost may outweigh the benefits for smaller operations. However, it could be worth considering as part of a global expansion plan.

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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