Gusto
Best All-in-One Payroll Software for Accountants
Overview
Gusto is a standout solution for accountants looking to manage payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance in one place. Designed with accounting professionals in mind, Gusto Pro helps you handle multiple clients by automating key workflows and surfacing advisory opportunities via custom reporting and AI insights. It’s particularly helpful for firms managing both simple and complex client setups, with flexibility to scale as you grow.
Gusto’s robust compliance coverage and frequent platform updates make it an adaptive tool for a changing regulatory environment. Their proactive support model is also praised by accountants for reducing troubleshooting delays.
Key Features
Gusto Pro dashboard with task prioritization
Built-in compliance in all 50 states
120+ international contractor support
Benefits admin included at no extra cost
Lifetime employee document access
100+ integrations (QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks)
Custom reporting and advisory tools
Client management dashboard
Partner support and community
Global hiring through remote integration
Pros and Cons
Pros
All-in-one HR, payroll, and benefits
Free CPE credits via Gusto Academy
Revenue sharing or client discounts
Fast direct deposit (next-day, 2-day)
Cons
Multi-state payroll and time tracking only in Plus and Premium
Benefits only available in 38 states + D.C.
Pricing
Simple: $49/month + $6/person/month
Plus: $80/month + $12/person/month
Premium: Custom pricing
Free Trial: Yes — free until first payroll run
Free Plan: No
Transform your payroll processes with Gusto, a platform that’s already the choice of over 500,000 businesses.
QuickBooks
Best for Combined Accounting & Payroll
Overview
If your firm already uses QuickBooks for accounting, adding QuickBooks Payroll may feel like a natural extension. With built-in automation, same-day direct deposit, and an error-free guarantee, QuickBooks is a solid choice for firms wanting everything under one roof. Its simple workflow and tight integration with existing financial tools save time and reduce the need to train team members on multiple platforms. The Accountant Toolbox also provides powerful batch processing and advisory dashboards to streamline monthly client work.
Key Features
Automated federal/state tax filing
Same- and next-day direct deposit
Free training and Accountant Toolbox
Dedicated dashboard for client firms
Employee self-service and benefits
Month-end client performance review tools
Marketing resources for partners
Client discounts for resellers
Pros and Cons
Pros
Seamless with QuickBooks accounting
Centralized tools for advisory and reporting
Strong support and user-friendly interface
Cons
Doesn’t integrate with non-Intuit accounting tools
Local taxes only on Premium & Elite plans
Cost adds up quickly for growing teams
Pricing
Core: $45/month + $6/employee
Premium: $80/month + $8/employee
Elite: $125/month + $10/employeeAccountants receive 30% off base + 15% off per-employee fees.
Free Trial: No
Free Plan: No
3. OnPay — Best for Small Firms & Solopreneurs
Overview
OnPay offers simplicity and affordability in a single plan. It's a great fit for small firms who want a flat-rate, all-inclusive payroll option with basic HR features and accountant perks. The platform is built to avoid the confusion of multiple pricing tiers, and it covers core needs like automated tax filing, onboarding, and pay schedule flexibility. With strong customer service and minimal learning curve, OnPay is ideal for smaller firms that prioritize value and straightforward tools.
Key Features
Unlimited payroll, PTO tracking, new hire reporting
Multi-state support included
Self-service portal for employees
Accountant dashboard + client discounts
Automated tax filing for all jurisdictions
Direct deposit or paper checks
Basic HR and document storage
Role-based user permissions
Lifetime employee access to pay records
Pros and Cons
Pros
Transparent, all-in pricing
Free payroll for your own firm
No extra charge for benefits admin
Cons
Limited accounting software integrations
Extra fees for mailing W-2s/1099s
Pricing
$40/month + $6/employee (flat rate)
Free Trial: Yes — 1 month free
Free Plan: No
Paychex Flex
Best for Serving Larger Clients
Overview
Paychex Flex is ideal for firms managing mid-size to enterprise clients. It scales well and offers robust compliance tools, workforce management, and accountant-specific features — but at a higher cost. It’s trusted by thousands of firms nationwide and includes add-ons for team management, learning, and onboarding. The AccountantHQ dashboard provides visibility across multiple client accounts, and Paychex's support for various employee types — including gig workers and salaried teams — makes it highly adaptable.
Key Features
Accountant HQ dashboard
Unlimited payroll runs
Extensive HR and hiring tools
Learning management system
Workforce analytics
Team scheduling add-ons
EAP and financial wellness tools
Mobile access for employees and admins
Time tracking and benefits add-ons
Pros and Cons
Pros
Scalable from SMBs to enterprise
Strong compliance support
Educational tools and analytics
Cons
Most features locked behind higher-tier plans
Expensive add-ons and limited transparency
Pricing
Starts at $39/month + $5/employee (Essentials)
Select & Pro plans require custom quotes
Free Trial: No
Free Plan: No
ADP
Best for Advanced Analytics & Reporting
Overview
ADP is a major player with customizable solutions that scale alongside your client base. ADP Run suits smaller businesses, while Workforce Now targets larger firms needing more advanced reporting and workforce management. ADP’s advisory tools and benchmarking data allow accountants to analyze payroll trends across clients, delivering deeper financial insights. Their partner program also includes dedicated accountant portals and marketing support to help firms grow and retain clients.
Key Features
Accountant Connect platform
Over 700 integrations
Advanced analytics + benchmarking
Payroll, time tracking, HR, and benefits
Compensation and performance tools
Customizable reporting modules
Learning and development platforms
Document management
Secure mobile app
Pros and Cons
Pros
Great for data-driven advisory
Scales well with client growth
Extensive education and support
Cons
Complex pricing
Many tools reserved for premium plans
Pricing
Starts at $62/month (average reported); firms may pay significantly more depending on size
Free Trial: Yes — 3 months on select products
Free Plan: No
Remote
Best for Global Payroll & Compliance
Overview
Remote enables firms to support clients in over 200 countries with contractor payments, global payroll, and compliance. It’s especially strong for EOR services and misclassification protection. With centralized insights into local labor laws and tax requirements, Remote ensures accuracy and legal compliance in each jurisdiction. Their platform includes onboarding and localized contracts to help clients remain competitive internationally while reducing liability.
Key Features
Contractor pay in 200+ countries
EOR in 80+ countries
Employee & contractor time tracking
Localized contracts & benefits
Self-service onboarding tools
Cross-border document management
Holiday and PTO compliance by country
Risk classification assessment tools
Multi-currency payroll and invoicing
Pros and Cons
Pros
Great for cross-border clients
Owned global entities = faster support
Fully integrated HR tools are free
Cons
No accountant dashboard
Limited international payment options
Pricing
Contractors: $29/month
EOR: $599–$699/month
Global payroll: $50/employee/month
Free Trial: Yes — HR tools free until first payroll
Free Plan: No
Patriot Payroll
Best for DIY Tax Filing
Overview
Patriot Payroll is a budget-friendly option with native accounting software and a DIY tax filing option for firms who prefer a hands-on approach. This platform is especially useful for firms that want full control over tax reporting while still automating pay runs and generating standard forms. It’s not ideal for scaling businesses, but it provides strong value for solo CPAs and bookkeeping firms with tight budgets.
Key Features
Unlimited payroll runs
DIY or full-service tax options
GL-integrated accounting software
401(k) and workers’ comp available
Mobile-friendly payroll dashboard
Downloadable 1099s and W-2s
Basic HR and role-based access
Two-day direct deposit options
Pros and Cons
Pros
Extremely low cost
Fully mobile-friendly interface
Advanced user permissions
Cons
Local tax filing not included in basic plan
Limited integrations and no benefits admin
Pricing
Basic: $17/month + $4/employee (no tax filing)
Full Service: $37/month + $4/employee
Add-ons: HR ($6 + $2/employee), time tracking ($6 + $2/employee)
Free Trial: Yes — 60 days
Free Plan: No
Compare All
| Pricing | Free Trial | Free Plan | Best Use Case | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | Accounting firms needing all-in-one payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance for multiple clients | ||
 | $45–$125/mo + per employee | Not listed | Accountants already using QuickBooks who want payroll tightly integrated with accounting | |
 | $39/mo + $5/employee; higher tiers are custom-priced. | Firms serving larger or more complex SMB clients | ||
 | Custom pricing | (select plans) | Accounting firms needing advanced analytics, benchmarking, and enterprise scalability | |
 | $29/mo contractors; $599/mo EOR | (30 days) | (contractors) | Firms supporting clients with international payroll and compliance needs |
 | $17–$37/mo + per employee | (30 days) | Budget-focused firms that prefer hands-on payroll and tax filing |
| Pricing | Free Trial | |
|---|---|---|
| Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | |
| $45–$125/mo + per employee | Not listed |
| $39/mo + $5/employee; higher tiers are custom-priced. | |
| Custom pricing | (select plans) |
| $29/mo contractors; $599/mo EOR | (30 days) |
| $17–$37/mo + per employee | (30 days) |
FAQ
Which accounting software is best for payroll?
Gusto and QuickBooks are top choices — Gusto for all-in-one HR/payroll integration and accountant tools, QuickBooks for seamless sync if you're already using their accounting software.
What software do most accountants use?
QuickBooks dominates the small business accounting space, but many firms now use Gusto, OnPay, or ADP for payroll because of their features and customer support.
Can you use Excel for payroll?
Technically, yes, but Excel lacks compliance, automation, and filing support, leaving room for costly errors. Software built for payroll is more efficient and accurate, particularly when it comes to calculating withholdings, generating reports, maintaining audit trails, and ensuring tax compliance throughout the year.
Is QuickBooks Payroll free for accountants?
No, but accounting pros receive significant partner discounts and incentives, including marketing tools, priority support, and dedicated training resources to grow your practice.
How should accountants choose payroll software?
Choose software that fits your client base: look for integrations, a client dashboard, custom reports, and partner perks like discounts or revenue share. Also consider features like automated compliance tracking, employee self-service, and support availability when making your decision.
