Payroll is one of those tasks that has to be right, but probably isn’t why you started your business. If running payroll feels like juggling deadlines, tax rules, and spreadsheets all at once, the right software can change everything. At Edgewater CPA Group, we help small business owners choose tools that make payroll simpler, not more stressful. Even if you’re not ready to invest in our payroll services, here are five strong payroll software options that we highly recommend. 
1. Gusto – Great All-Around for Growing Teams
Gusto is popular with small businesses for a reason. It’s user-friendly, handles automated payroll runs, files payroll taxes, and offers employee self-service portals. It’s a solid fit if you’re a small team, adding team members, offering benefits, or want an easy-to-navigate dashboard.
2. QuickBooks Payroll – Best for QuickBooks Users
If you already use QuickBooks for your bookkeeping, QuickBooks Payroll can be a natural next step. It syncs directly with your accounting, reducing manual entries and errors. It also handles direct deposit, tax filings, and year-end forms, making it a streamlined option if your books are already in QuickBooks.
3. Square Payroll – Ideal for Hourly & POS-Based Businesses
For businesses that already use Square for payment processing (think retail shops, salons, small restaurants), Square Payroll is worth a look. It pulls timecard data directly from your POS, which is a big win if you manage hourly staff. It’s straightforward and especially convenient if you already live in the Square ecosystem.
4. ADP Run – Scalable for Teams That Are Expanding
ADP Run is designed to grow with you. It’s a good option if you plan to add more employees or locations and want the flexibility to add HR tools later. It offers robust reporting, compliance support, and integrations with other business systems, which can be helpful as your operation becomes more complex.
5. Paychex Flex – Strong for Compliance & HR Support
Paychex Flex is a good fit if you’re worried about staying compliant with payroll laws and regulations. It combines payroll with HR tools, benefits administration, and time tracking. This can be especially helpful for businesses that are past the “just wing it” phase and need more structure.
Turn Payroll into a Strength, Not a Stressor
The best payroll software depends on your size, industry, and how fast you’re growing. The good news is, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Edgewater CPA Group can help you choose and set up the right system and also support you with tax prep, accounting, and bookkeeping so your finances stay on track year-round in Carmel, IN, and the surrounding areas. Schedule a consultation with our team today at (317) 386-7021.