Last updated: December 8th, 2023
Skip to section
You won’t be in business for long if you don’t pay employees correctly – and on time. Traditional accounting software and spreadsheets are guaranteed to land you in hot water, as they’re poor at handling complex payroll management.
You need the best payroll software system for your business size, business model and workforce to help you relieve the administrative burden associated with Australian and international payroll calculations.
Don’t waste another workday scrolling through endless payroll software reviews on G2 and TrustRadius.
Here are my top 7 cloud payroll solutions for Australian businesses as of December 2023.
1. MYOB Simple Payroll.
Best payroll software for Australian SMBs with 4-50 employees.
MYOB has served the Australian market since the 1980s and offers more than 50 business management products, including payroll software, accounting software and workforce management tools.
ATO’s recent policy changes have made it impossible for businesses to hire employees in Australia without a digital payroll system. MYOB filled the need with its Simple Payroll product.
MYOB Simple Payroll Overview.
For context, MYOB offers three tiers of payroll products:
- Advanced Payroll (for businesses with more than 50 staff).
- Simple Payroll (for businesses with 4-50 staff).
- Payroll Only (for businesses with less than 4 staff).
Each plan also offers add-ons for specialised customisations. The primary accounting and payroll solution functions in these plans include:
- Invoicing.
- Expenses.
- Tax and GST.
- Payroll.
- Timesheets and rosters.
- Bank account connection.
- Job tracking.
- Payment processing.
- Financial reporting.
- Inventory management.
- Multi-currency transactions.
- Cashflow management.
Key Features At A Glance.
Premium features vary, but the basic functionalities for MYOB plans include:
- Single Touch Payroll: Create STP reports and send them directly to the Australian Tax Office (ATO).
- Auto Updates: MYOB updates automatically based on changes in tax legislation and payroll.
- Automatic Superannuation: Calculate superannuation, annual leave, and payroll taxes automatically with just a few clicks.
- Remote Onboarding: Get new employees up to date using the Team app for a smooth and fast onboarding process.
- Efficient Payroll Processing: Manage staff pay, timesheets, payslips and rosters, and other payroll data easily.
Additional features include:
- Unlimited bank connections.
- Invoicing capabilities.
- Inventory tracking.
- Advanced reporting.
Pros.
MYOB is a powerful online payroll solution that offers multiple plans and optional upgrades.
Businesses can easily scale their plan features up or down based on unique needs, making MYOB a popular and sophisticated cloud-based solution for payroll and other accounting processes.
Clients can securely move payroll data from the most popular automatic payroll systems to MYOB, including Reckon, Xero, and QuickBooks Desktop.
- Suitable for individuals up to enterprise-level organisations.
- Multiple plan options and prices.
- Easily scalable features.
- Free 30-day trial available.
- Affordable Payroll Only plan.
- Free migration service.
- 90-day money-back guarantee.
Cons.
MYOB is one of the most versatile payroll software suites on the Australian market, but most of the best features in its plans are optional and require more money to access.
In addition, its Payroll Only plan is bare-bones and can only process payroll for up to four employees.
Users also report that customer service support is poor and difficult to reach, forcing them to go online and search forums and help boards for troubleshooting.
- Plan options are too complex.
- Expensive price point.
- Premium features cost more.
- Poor customer service support.
- Base-level payroll plan has a four-person limit.
- Frequent, time-consuming system updates pause functionality.
The Verdict.
The company has created a toolkit that your business will never outgrow.
For organisations of all sizes and fast-growing businesses, MYOB is an excellent choice for payroll software and other management solutions.
One similar alternative is Xero, which has comparable features. While MYOB offers an edge in terms of payroll service features, Xero has more functionalities for invoicing and accounting processes.
However, MYOB does provide comprehensive payroll solutions, despite its relatively high price point for features that other software offers for free.
But, if your business is growing fast and has frequently changing needs, MYOB is arguably the best payroll solution.
There’s some consolation in the versatility of the add-ons for this accounting software, which makes it easier to collate management tools, but the costs can add up quickly.
| How Does MYOB Simple Payroll Stack Up? | Score |
|---|---|
| Price | 5/5 |
| User Interface | 5/5 |
| ATO Compliance Features | 5/5 |
| Scalability | 5/5 |
| Customer Support | 3.5/5 |
| Reporting | 4/5 |
| OVERALL | 4.6 |
2. Papaya Global.
Best payroll software for global multinational companies.
Papaya Global earns a spot in this review as one of the best global payroll software in Australia.
Since its inception in 2016, Papaya Global has grown to offer a comprehensive solution for HR, finance, and payroll management.
With sophisticated AI-powered software, 21 locations around the globe, a 99% client retention rate, and a staggering $3 billion in payroll under its administration, Papaya continues to lead the global payroll management industry in Australia and around the world.
Papaya Global Overview.
Papaya boasts the world’s first Payroll OS, with a single platform that includes features and tools for hiring, onboarding, full-service payroll processing, finance and project accounting, data reporting, and analytics – all in over 160 countries.
As every country uses different rules, policies, and methods to process payroll and related logistics, international organisations can have a tough time managing these critical tasks.
Important!
Fortunately, Papaya Global takes care of everything, collecting secure payroll data and other important information before compressing it into one standardised dataset, simplifying complex global payroll processes into a more manageable format.
Key Features At A Glance.
As an all-inclusive cloud-based solution and global payroll software, the Papaya Global platform can handle all aspects of managing an international workforce.
The core elements of its platform include:
- Payroll and accounting software.
- Data collection and analytics.
- Embedded payments.
- Employee onboarding and management.
- Employer of Record services.
- Tailored enterprise-level solutions.
Papaya Global offers advanced features and tools to streamline payroll processes for companies with foreign-based employees, including:
- AI-based data verification.
- Budget and time tracking.
- Compliance monitoring.
- Employee benefits administration.
- Customisable approval chains.
- Automated payslip distribution.
- Self-service capabilities.
- Payroll tax filing and management.
Even better, Papaya Global supports a wide range of third-party integrations, generates real-time reports and data, and provides enterprise-grade security.
Papaya’s global payroll solution and payments platform includes several different plans. The base plan is a payroll platform license, starting at $3 per month per employee.
The top-level Global Expertise Services start at $250 monthly, better suited for enterprise-scale professional services firms and other international organisations.
Pros.
Papaya Global is the best payroll software for international companies and other global enterprises.
However, Papaya Global simplifies all the complexities within international payroll systems.
Plus, it’s suitable for all sized entities, from small and medium businesses to large-scale and global organisations.
- Flexible plans and transparent pricing.
- Suitable for small businesses to global enterprises.
- Comprehensive global payroll solutions in 160+ countries.
- Extensive range of third-party integrations.
- Ensures compliance with international payroll systems.
- Convenient cloud-based payroll platform.
- Offers Employer of Record services.
Cons.
Papaya Global is excellent for international organisations. However, small and medium businesses in Australia that don’t utilise a foreign workforce should look for payroll software catering to locally based companies.
Furthermore, its self-service features are slightly limited, restricting basic employee capabilities. When payroll system errors occur, the rebooting process is slow and time-consuming.
Is Your Payroll Software Secure?
Remote employees can compromise the security of your payroll software by logging in from hotel, cafe and airport Wi-Fi hotspots. We picked the best VPNs in Australia to secure your digital business tools.
One additional drawback hides in the fine print: If you want to terminate your contract with Papaya Global, the company requires a 12-month notice before releasing your organisation.
Finally, it can take three months to integrate Papaya Global and go live.
- Outdated and poorly designed interface.
- Unsuitable for locally based small businesses.
- System performance can be slow and error-prone.
- Contract termination requires a 12-month notice.
- Self-service features need improvement.
- Complex integration requires three months to go live.
The Verdict.
Papaya Global is undoubtedly one of the best payroll software in this review for businesses requiring global payroll services and management solutions.
From its centralised platform and tools for automated payroll processing to employer-of-record services and advanced data and resource management, Papaya Global boasts an impressive range of tools.
Papaya Global offers more robust functionality and easier scaling than Deel.
There’s some consolation in the versatility of the add-ons for this accounting software, which makes it easier to collate management tools, but the costs can add up quickly.
| How Does MYOB Payroll Only Stack Up? | Score |
|---|---|
| Price | 5/5 |
| User Interface | 5/5 |
| ATO Compliance Features | 5/5 |
| Scalability | 5/5 |
| Customer Support | 3.5/5 |
| Reporting | 4/5 |
| OVERALL | 4.6 |
3. ELMO.
Best payroll software for Australian businesses with more than 50 staff.
For over two decades, ELMO has provided HR and payroll software solutions for medium businesses and large-scale enterprises.
ELMO offers end-to-end solutions covering the entire employee lifecycle, such as HR software and performance management, although we’re reviewing its Payroll module.
ELMO Overview.
ELMO allows businesses to directly integrate employee data and management tools into its payroll processing system.
Important!
You can use ELMO as a comprehensive HR software suite or opt exclusively for its cloud-based payroll solution with a centralised dashboard and portal.
With its SuperStream and Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 compatibility, your organisation can deliver a compliant payroll every single time.
ELMO also offers advanced payroll data analysis and reporting, a streamlined employee database, and support for multiple payroll cycles.
Key Features At A Glance.
Compared to other HR and payroll software like MYOB, ELMO offers some standout features:
- Automate Complex Payroll Termination Calculations: Create custom termination rules for standard payroll processing calculations like retirement and redundancy.
- Employee Self-Service Portal: ELMO’s cloud-based platform supports self-service payroll processes for managers and employees. Managers can approve requests, customise access, etc.; employees can easily submit timesheets, leave requests, and payslips.
- Enhanced Compliance: In addition to its STP2 compliance, ELMO automatically updates in response to legislative changes regarding tax filing, payroll laws, and other ATO regulations.
Additional payroll processing features include:
- Direct deposit.
- Pay calculation.
- Payroll history and data.
- Payroll tax filing and time tracking.
- Reimbursement and resource management.
- Payroll analysis and auditing.
- Benefit plan administration.
Pros.
The primary advantage of ELMO is its capabilities as a complete HR and payroll software solution for medium businesses, large-scale organisations, and global enterprises.
However, ELMO’s payroll-only module holds its own with key features like self-service, secure payroll data processing and analysis, advanced reporting tools, and STP integration and compliance updates.
- End-to-end HR and payroll solution for medium and large businesses.
- Cloud-based system with a single dashboard.
- Manager and employee self-service modules available.
- Standard and ad-hoc payroll processing tools.
- Customisable permissions and controls.
- Automatic compliance updates and STP/SuperStream integration.
Cons.
At its core, ELMO is an HR software. While its cloud-based solution for payroll management is nothing to sneeze at, its features become limited without the full HR suite integration.
ELMO isn’t suitable for small businesses and start-ups, only medium, large, and global-scale enterprises, and it has a very expensive price point.
In addition, many users agree ELMO has a clunky, outdated interface and a steep learning curve.
Problems like a complex and time-consuming migration/installation are also commonplace, with poor customer service support further compounding those issues.
- Doesn’t support small businesses.
- High price point.
- Payroll module has limited features.
- Confusing dashboard and interface.
- Poor-quality customer service support.
- Implementation is long and difficult.
The Verdict.
ELMO is not the best software for small and growing businesses to automate payroll processing and other business processes.
Compared to powerful payroll software like MYOB, Xero, and Papaya, it is even more apparent that ELMO, despite being cutting-edge HR software, doesn’t quite measure up when it comes to payroll management and processing.
Of course, large businesses usually have enough room in their budgets to afford the entire suite of HR and payroll software ELMO offers.
There’s some consolation in the versatility of the add-ons for this accounting software, which makes it easier to collate management tools, but the costs can add up quickly.
| How Does ELMO Stack Up? | Score |
|---|---|
| Price | 3.5/5 |
| User Interface | 3.5/5 |
| ATO Compliance Features | 5/5 |
| Scalability | 5/5 |
| Customer Support | 4/5 |
| Reporting | 4.5/5 |
| OVERALL | 4.3 |
4. Deel.
Best payroll software remote-first businesses.
Deel is another global HR and payroll solution for organisations of all sizes, from small businesses and start-ups to international enterprises.
While Deel’s primary function is as an HR and hiring solution, it offers an advanced payroll system available in over 90 countries.
Deel Overview.
Deel is a cloud-based solution and online platform utilising standard subscription-based pricing models like the other software systems in this review.
It has a single, user-friendly platform and a team of in-house payroll experts to simplify challenges like payroll tax filing, compliance, employee benefits, and other complicated business processes.
Key Features At A Glance.
A team of experts manages Deel’s payroll platform, a unique selling point that comparable software systems, such as Papaya Global, don’t offer. Critical processes this team handles include:
- Government declarations.
- Payroll tax filing.
- Complex calculations.
- Compliance management.
- Employee scheduling and time tracking.
- Automatic invoicing.
- Time off and expense requests.
In addition, Deel offers impressive payment flexibility, supporting over ten payment methods and 120+ currencies, allowing your organisation to process payroll anytime, anywhere, with just a click of the mouse.
It also integrates with other payroll software, like NetSuite, Xero, BambooHR, and QuickBooks.
Pros.
Deel stands out as an end-to-end solution for global payroll and HR services, with support in over 150 different countries.
Expert Tip.
Another strong selling point for Deel is its compatibility with organisations of all sizes, from small and medium businesses to enterprises, with easily scalable features.
However, arguably the best feature of Deel is that businesses with 200 or fewer employees can utilise its HR and payroll software for free.
Its central platform also includes org charges and a user-friendly employee database that makes international workforce management easier than ever, from time tracking and data analysis to leave requests and document collection.
- Global HR and payroll solution for businesses of all sizes.
- Free services for companies with fewer than 200 employees.
- Flexible payment options with support for 120+ currencies.
- Prevents payroll errors and ensures compliance.
- Offers services in over 150 countries.
- In-house team of payroll managers.
- Supports third-party software integrations.
Cons.
Like all the other software systems in this review, Deel has advantages and drawbacks. Like Papaya Global, Deel is best for businesses that hire foreign workers, not locally-based Australian companies.
Also, some users have experienced trouble transferring their money from Deel into other accounts, which is frustrating.
Some users had difficulty reaching the customer service department at all; others found themselves navigating the initial migration process all alone.
Important!
While Deel is free for small and medium organisations with 200 or fewer employees, larger businesses must pay. Plans start at $49 per month per person.
Even 300 employees would cost $14,700 per month, which is likely not feasible for small and growing businesses with limited capital.
- Larger companies have to pay a monthly subscription.
- Only suitable for organisations with a global workforce.
- Poor customer service support.
- Only enterprise businesses receive a dedicated support manager.
- Money transfers can be problematic.
- Outdated and clunky user interface.
The Verdict.
So, is Deel the right global payroll management software for your business? Compared to Papaya Global, Deel is a low-key option for outsourcing international accounting and payroll.
However, with services like tax filing, employee time tracking, contract compliance, one-click payroll, worldwide payments, third-party integration, and more, Deel comes neck and neck with Papaya Global.
If you don’t need advanced features and want to integrate with tools like Xero or NetSuite, then Deel is the way to go.
There’s some consolation in the versatility of the add-ons for this accounting software, which makes it easier to collate management tools, but the costs can add up quickly.
| How Does Deel Only Stack Up? | Score |
|---|---|
| Price | 3/5 |
| User Interface | 5/5 |
| ATO Compliance Features | 4/5 |
| Scalability | 3.5/5 |
| Customer Support | 3.5/5 |
| Reporting | 4/5 |
| OVERALL | 3.8 |
5. Xero Payroll.
Good payroll program for small Australian businesses.
Xero is one of the best payroll software solutions in Australia, using AI-powered technology and automation to streamline every aspect of accounting and payroll.
It’s ideal for small businesses, bookkeepers, and accountants, with powerful functionalities including employee self-service, Single Touch Payroll, and automated online payroll.
Even better, it has a 30-day free trial that gives you access to all the premium features Xero offers.
Xero Overview And Key Features.
Xero takes the stress and hassle out of complying with ATO, giving your business capabilities like daily Single Touch Payroll reports, automated superannuation, leave and tax calculations, and digital payslips.
Once managers approve the leave, balances adjust automatically, which reduces admin workload and prevents time tracking and payroll errors.
The key features of Xero’s Payroll Only plan include:
- Payroll for one to four employees.
- Single Touch Payroll compliance.
- Employee self-service.
- Convenient mobile apps.
- Automated tax and leave calculations.
Pros.
While Xero is ideal for small and medium businesses, it’s not infallible.
Its Payroll Only plan offers more features than MYOB’s similar option, but if you want better features, you’ll have to pay more.
In addition, it has limits on bills and invoices, and users report that the payroll module can be cumbersome and slow.
Its customer service support also needs improvement.
- Versatile range of accounting and payroll plans.
- AI-powered automation technology.
- Ideal for small businesses and start-ups.
- Single Touch Payroll-compliant.
- 30-day free trial includes every premium feature.
- Plans easily scale up to 200 employees.
- Support programs for bookkeepers and accountants.
Cons.
- Advanced features cost extra with basic plans.
- Poor customer service support.
- Payroll Only module is clunky and outdated.
- System performance can be slow and laggy.
- Basic plans have limits on bills and invoices.
The Verdict.
For small to large businesses (up to 200 employees), Xero is one of the best cloud-based accounting and payroll software platforms.
Its AI-enhance automation technology boosts the efficiency and accuracy of payroll processes, including key selling points like user-friendly mobile apps, integration with over 800 business apps, and advanced reporting for finances and budgeting.
There’s some consolation in the versatility of the add-ons for this accounting software, which makes it easier to collate management tools, but the costs can add up quickly.
| How Does Xero Payroll Stack Up? | Score |
|---|---|
| Price | 4/5 |
| User Interface | 4.5/5 |
| ATO Compliance Features | 5/5 |
| Scalability | 4/5 |
| Customer Support | 5/5 |
| Reporting | 4/5 |
| OVERALL | 4.4 |
6. Employment Hero.
Good all-round Australian payroll program.
Another HR-payroll software combination is Employment Hero, which serves over 200,000 businesses worldwide and has over one million active users.
On average, users experience an 89% decrease in paperwork and an 81% improved payroll efficiency after implementing Employment Hero.
Overview And Key Features.
Employment Hero’s payroll and payments platform offers users an extensive range of tools that make every pay period easy to manage.
It has two plans: Payroll Standard ($5 per person per month) and Payroll Premium ($7 per person per month).
This ATO-certified software offers plenty of top-notch functionality and features, including:
- Time tracking and attendance.
- Customisable pay conditions.
- Automated calculations.
- Built-in Modern Awards.
- Employee scheduling and rosters.
- Single Touch Payroll reporting.
Another standout feature that the other software in this review doesn’t have is InstaPay. With InstaPay, workers can withdraw some of their week’s earned salary before payday.
Pros.
- Offers guided and managed payroll integration.
- Suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Transparent pricing structure.
- Bundle software deals available.
- Native integrations to MYOB, KeyPay, and Xero.
Cons.
- Limited scalability for growing businesses.
- Payroll and HR platforms need smoother integration.
- Overly complicated implementation process.
- Data reporting tools need improvement.
- Few options for customer service support.
The Verdict.
Large and rapidly growing businesses may find that Employment Hero doesn’t offer the inherent scalability necessary to suit their needs. Another issue for users was the implementation process, which was unnecessarily confusing.
Furthermore, some users have reported that the integration between Employment Hero’s payroll and HR systems isn’t very smooth, mainly because of issues like inefficient workflow and deployment processes.
Employment Hero has cutting-edge features like InstaPay and built-in Modern Awards, making it a popular choice for businesses all over Australia.
| How Does Employment Hero Stack Up? | Score |
|---|---|
| Price | 4/5 |
| User Interface | 5/5 |
| ATO Compliance Features | 5/5 |
| Scalability | 3/5 |
| Customer Support | 4.5/5 |
| Reporting | 4/5 |
| OVERALL | 4.25 |
7. Access Micropay.
Another good Australian payroll solution.
Access Micropay is an Australian-based company offering HR management and payroll software solutions for all sizes and types of businesses, from small and medium to large enterprises and entities.
With native integrations, intuitive dashboards, cost-effective pricing, and extensive support options, Access Micropay is one of the best options for companies wanting to streamline and automate their payroll processes.
Overview And Key Features.
Over 5,000 Australian businesses trust Access Micropay to handle their workforce management and payroll needs.
With an emphasis on remaining up to date with current Australian legislation, Access Micropay will give your organisation peace of mind that it is fully compliant with its payroll, including:
- Single Touch Payroll Phase 2.
- SuperStream.
- Fair Work Modern Act.
- ISO 27001.
However, Access Micropay offers much more than that. Some of the best features of this payroll software include:
- Pre-built awards templates.
- Dynamic timesheets.
- Payroll analytics.
- Advanced data reporting.
- Flexible pay conditions.
- Multiple pay period calendars.
- Provision policies.
Pros.
- Ideal for businesses of all sizes and types.
- Caters to multi-entity organisations.
- Advanced functionalities for accounting and payroll.
- Supports API-based integrations.
- Employee self-service dashboard.
- Advanced data collection and reporting.
- Offers solutions for payroll consulting, outsourcing, training, and recruitment.
While Access Micropay offers some of the best payroll software in Australia, particularly for multi-entity organisations, it does have some drawbacks.
In addition, some users found that its interface had a bit of a learning curve, and it took a while to become familiar with the different features and functions. Finally, sometimes, the platform can have slow performance.
Cons.
- Limited customer support options.
- Poor response time from the help desk and customer support.
- Performance can be slow at times.
- Steep learning curve and confusing interface.
- No services for global payroll.
- No free trial.
The Verdict.
Unlike the other software in this review, Access Micropay offers comprehensive payroll services and solutions, including outsourcing, recruitment, training, and consulting.
Furthermore, it offers additional platforms and software systems that allow businesses to streamline the complete employee lifecycle, including HRIS, learning management, and more.
It eliminates the hassle and expense of multiple pay runs and reduces employee workload, manual data entry, and other tedious payroll processes that are unavoidable with multi-entity organisations.
There’s some consolation in the versatility of the add-ons for this accounting software, which makes it easier to collate management tools, but the costs can add up quickly.
| How Does Access Micropay Stack Up? | Score |
|---|---|
| Price | 4/5 |
| User Interface | 3.5/5 |
| ATO Compliance Features | 4/5 |
| Scalability | 4/5 |
| Customer Support | 4/5 |
| Reporting | 4/5 |
| OVERALL | 3.9 |
The Final Takeaway: Australia’s 7 Best Payroll Software Packages.
If your organisation is searching for the best payroll software in Australia, the first step is determining your overall needs. Are you a global entity?
Do you need services for HR and onboarding as well? How large is your business? Consider what features are a must and which ones you can pass. For more career and workforce management advice, contact us here at Arielle Executive.
Steven
Leave a Reply