2011 Review of Paramount Software Solutions, Inc. — Crest Payroll

Paramount Software - Crest Payroll
888-400-1613
www.ParamountSoftware.com

Best Fit: Companies and firms who want a sophisticated, web-based payroll product that integrates with their existing websites, as well as organizations that use Paramount’s other applications (eVault 365 DMS, Meridian MSP recruiting).

From the Sept. 2011 Review of Professional Payroll Programs

Crest Payroll from Paramount Software Solutions is a web-based payroll solution for accounting professionals that can be used to service clients of all sizes. Designed for easy use, Crest Payroll does not

require any formal training to process payroll. The application is currently undergoing significant interface and feature upgrades, and the next generation solution should be available to users in the upcoming months. Except where specified, the review focuses on the current generation offering.

BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS:

Crest Payroll is a web-based solution and may be accessed through most modern Internet browsers. Management has indicated that all data captured within the system is maintained in a secure, offsite location. The user sign-in process includes the user’s defined role (accountant, client or employee), an email user ID, password and a challenge text field. Navigation is done through logically categorized tabs at the top of the screen with additional options on the left part of the screen.

Crest Payroll opens to a dashboard view, which allows for the addition of new companies and details the status of any upcoming or outstanding payroll runs. Users may also initiate wizards to guide through the setup process for adding companies or employees. Integration with outside services, such as social network feeds, news and stock quote information will be added in the upcoming product revision.

Crest Payroll has programmed payroll to be a three-step process within the system. Users enter or import time, review ending results and end with processing the payroll. After these three steps are completed, Crest Payroll processes any necessary remaining items, including paying benefit providers and garnishments. Users may export current payroll data-entry screens to Microsoft Excel, which may then be forwarded to clients to populate and return. This data may then be imported into Crest Payroll to alleviate any data entry. As an alternative, employees may enter time through the employee portal, which integrates directly to the payroll entry screens. Each employee can have an unlimited number of earning and deduction codes, as well as have payroll costs assigned to locations and departments. Direct deposit is included and allows paychecks to be allocated to two separate accounts.

Crest Payroll offers human resource (HR) features, as well. Many of these features are the same as used by large enterprises, but are scaled to fit smaller businesses. All features may be accessed by the employee or client, and the HR features are not designed for collaborative use by the accounting professional. Functionality within the HR features includes expense reimbursement requests, timekeeping and time off requests. Clients may also store employee handbooks, safety and policy manuals, and other compliance documents. Paramount plans to incorporate electronic signature by employees to note the receipt and/or reading of company documents in a future release.