Ten years ago, small business owners had two options when it came to finding a good payroll accounting software solution. They could go to their local accounting firm, which would prepare the bi-weekly or monthly payroll at their high hourly fee. The other option was to pick up a computer software solution from an electronics retailer and struggle through the learning curve of setting it up and running payroll for the first time. Payroll was frustrating because there was no simple yet affordable payroll accounting software solution for small business owners. That is, until the internet and software as a service (SaaS) changed everything.

Around 2000, a new breed of payroll accounting software solution began to appear online. Small firms with talented developers realized that using the power of the internet they could combine the support of the brick and mortar accounting firm with the speed and relatively low cost of off-the-shelf software into a web service that handled payroll accounting better than any other solution on the market.

The 3 Biggest Advantages of Online Payroll

1. Simplicity

Business owners no longer have to take time out of their day to visit their accounting firm. There also is no need for software training or complex manuals. The internet allows for real-time support as well as a service that can be updated over time. When online payroll accounting software solutions first appeared online they were a little awkward to use and buggy, but over the years they have been streamlined thanks to user feedback and advances in web technologies. Now you'd be hard-pressed to find a simpler solution on the market.

2. Flexibility

Since no two businesses are the same, these online payroll services made it easy to customize the software to meet your needs. If as the business owner you prefer direct deposit of payroll checks over printing paper checks, you can do so. Maybe you like to keep a close eye on everything and want email alerts when it is time to complete payroll for the pay period. The many features that online payroll provides is far more robust and flexible than any other payroll accounting software solution available.

3. Low Cost

Perhaps the greatest part about the internet is the economies of scale. With much less infrastructure and fixed costs, online companies are able to deliver goods and services and lower rates. Whereas an accountant might charge $1,500 to $2,000 a month for their services and off-the-shelf software (including yearly updates, training and support calls) could run you as much as $750 to $1,000, the top-of-the-line online payroll accounting software solution charges just $65 per month. And that is with all the bells and whistles included!



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