2011 Review of SurePayroll for Accountants

SurePayroll for Accountants
877-954-7873
www.SurePayroll.com

 Best Fit: Clients or firms who want a robust, web-based payroll solution with strong features such as a mobile application, employee self-service portals and integration with numerous accounting software applications.

From the Sept. 2011 Review of Professional Payroll Programs

SurePayroll is a web-based payroll solution that provides convenient and accurate payroll services. The system is offered as a standalone product for clients or as an accounting professional resale opportunity. The payroll service navigation is intuitive, and data-entry is simple. SurePayroll was purchased by Paychex in early 2011 and will continue normal operations under the SurePayroll brand.

BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS:

SurePayroll is an outsourced web-based service that can be accessed through any modern Internet browser. The service currently employs several security features, including 256-bit SSL encryption for all transactions. In addition to the standard username and password, one security feature is the use of a secret ID number displayed on the screen upon signing in. This number is used as authentication for SurePayroll to discuss any details about clients or employees, and helps prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to confidential information. Whether accessed via web browser or mobile phone (via the vendor’s mobile app), users sign in to the service with the typical username and password combination.

SurePayroll provides access for an unlimited number of users. Accounting professionals may associate multiple client files to one login, making it easy to switch between companies. Role-based access restrictions can be placed on users and each company file, as needed. Once accessed, SurePayroll is easy to navigate. The menu structure is grouped into logical categories, such as reports, employees and company.

Payroll processing is quick and easy, and requires users to enter or import the hours worked for each employee and preview the results. Once the payroll has been previewed and approved, SurePayroll takes care of the remaining necessary processes. Support is provided for all federal, state and many popular local taxing jurisdictions. Unlimited client files may be setup, but the maximum number of employees allowed under each client file is 100. Direct deposit is included and supports up to three different bank and investment accounts. Prepaid debit cards and traditional checks are available for those without direct deposit capabilities.

SurePayroll offers basic human resource (HR) functions, such as employee demographics and employment anniversaries. Several best practice guides are also provided with the service, including guidelines for conducting interviews and hiring and termination of employees, as well as sample employee handbooks. SurePayroll has teamed up with many third-party vendors to provide background checks, behavioral assessments and skills testing. Each of these outsourced services is available for an additional fee.

REPORTING & MONITORING:

SurePayroll processes all payrolls, payments and reports on behalf of clients. All quarterly reports are archived online and, for now, no time limit has been placed on how long these will be available. Quarterly reports are stored in PDF format and can be viewed, saved or printed at any time.