2012 Review of Thomson Reuters – Accounting CS Payroll

Users may track due dates and other payroll compliance information through the built in tax calendar. This tax calendar details the due dates, forms and other information specific to the current client being processed. The information is automatically populated based on the client setup and through updates provided throughout the year.

Integration/Import/Export: 4.75 Stars

Accounting CS Payroll integrates directly with a number of products within the Thomson Reuters CS Professional Suite. In addition to the direct integration with Accounting CS for accounting purposes, W-2 and 1099 information is automatically imported into UltraTax CS. All payroll runs and various reports processed with each payroll may also be archived in FileCabinet CS. New for the current release is the ability to generate invoices in Accounting CS and have them sent directly to Practice CS for recording accounts receivable and delivery to clients.

Accounting CS Client Access is available through NetClient CS and allows clients to collaborate with their accountants on a variety of accounting and payroll related issues. All accounting and payroll data entered by the client integrates directly with Accounting CS.

Time information may be imported from a variety of third party timekeeping solutions through text and XML file formats. Additionally time and employee data may be imported from Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks.

A number of strategic partners also integrate with Accounting CS Payroll to provide direct deposit, background checks, payroll debit cards and a number of other functions.

Help/Support: 5 Stars

In addition to traditional desktop help options, Accounting CS Payroll includes access to an online knowledgebase from the home screen dashboard. Phone and email support are available through per incident charges or a variety of support contracts. Product training is recommended for the most efficient use of the solution and is available as web-based, onsite or classroom style training options.

Pricing for each is dependent on need and may be customized to meet customer training requirements. A new user feedback feature added this year is the Accounting CS Ideas Community.

This feature is a collaboration effort between the Thomson Reuters staff and other Accounting CS users that allows sharing notes and suggestions about the product as well as custom designed reports.

Client Self-Service Features: 4.75 Stars

Strong remote access features are offered through the available NetClient CS portals, including remote payroll data entry, remote check printing and employee self service options, which allow time entry, viewing paystub history and W-2 information. Employees can also update personal and W-4 information.

Any data entry or updates made are immediately available for import into the system for payroll processing. NetClient CS is simple to setup and maintain and many features are automatically setup as employees are added.

Additionally, NetClient CS may be branded specifically to the accounting firm, which may generate additional business and may be accessed through any device capable of running a web browser. An iPad/iPhone app is currently in development to allow employees and clients to interact with the Employee Self-Service features and should be available later this year.

Summary & Pricing

Accounting CS Payroll is designed specifically for accountants in public practice to process payroll for multiple companies. Public accountants are provided the necessary tools to perform a variety of accounting functions. As with most products in the Thomson Reuters CS Professional Suite, Accounting CS Payroll may be purchased as a traditional desktop or network solution or as a hosted solution.

Pricing for the Accounting CS Payroll starts at $2,400 and allows for processing payroll for up to 20 companies. Additional payroll processing may be purchased in five-client bundles. Renewal pricing is offered as a minimal percentage of the initial purchase.

2012 Overall Rating: 4.75 Stars