Zenefits Payroll: Independent Overview, Features, Pricing

HRIS SOFTWARE  >  PAYROLL SOFTWARE

Zenefits Payroll

Download Full Guide

OVERVIEW

FEATURES

PROS & CONS

USER INTERFACE

ALTERNATIVES

PRICING

Overview

  Zenefits Payroll is an integrated payroll solution designed to simplify and automate the payroll process for small to medium-sized businesses. As part of the broader Zenefits platform, which includes HR, benefits administration, and time tracking, Zenefits Payroll seamlessly connects your payroll with the rest of your HR operations, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing errors. This comprehensive integration allows businesses to manage employee information, benefits, and payroll all in one place, streamlining workflows and ensuring compliance with tax regulations.

Zenefits Payroll is particularly appealing to businesses looking for a modern, cloud-based solution that is easy to use and can grow with their needs. With features such as automatic tax filing, direct deposit, and detailed reporting, Zenefits Payroll aims to take the complexity out of payroll management, allowing business owners and HR professionals to focus on what matters most: their people. Whether you're paying salaried employees, hourly workers, or contractors, Zenefits Payroll provides the tools you need to ensure accurate and timely payments, all while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations.

Zenefits Payroll Features

Seamless Integration with HR and Benefits

Zenefits Payroll is not just a standalone payroll system; it’s part of the larger Zenefits ecosystem, which includes HR management, benefits administration, compliance tools, and time tracking. This tight integration means that when you update employee information—such as a change in salary, address, or benefits enrollment—it’s automatically reflected in the payroll system. This reduces the chances of discrepancies and ensures that your payroll data is always accurate and up-to-date. Additionally, any changes to employee benefits, such as health insurance deductions or retirement contributions, are automatically factored into payroll calculations, further streamlining the process.

Automated Payroll Processing

Zenefits Payroll automates the complex and time-consuming aspects of payroll processing. For example, the software automatically calculates gross pay, deductions (such as taxes, benefits, and garnishments), and net pay. Once these calculations are done, you can review and approve the payroll with just a few clicks. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses with multiple pay schedules or a mix of salaried and hourly employees, as the system can handle varying pay periods and rates without manual intervention.

Automatic Tax Filing

One of the standout features of Zenefits Payroll is its ability to automatically file federal, state, and local payroll taxes on your behalf. The software calculates the correct amounts for withholding, submits these amounts to the appropriate tax agencies, and even files the necessary forms, such as Form 941 for quarterly payroll taxes or Form W-2 at year-end. This automatic tax filing feature greatly reduces the administrative burden on your team and minimizes the risk of errors or late filings, which could result in penalties.

Direct Deposit and Flexible Payment Options

Zenefits Payroll supports direct deposit, allowing employees to receive their pay directly into their bank accounts. This feature is convenient for both employers and employees, as it eliminates the need for physical checks and ensures that employees are paid promptly. For businesses that prefer or require alternative payment methods, Zenefits also supports the issuance of paper checks and pay cards. The flexibility in payment options allows you to cater to the diverse needs of your workforce.

Contractor Payments

Zenefits Payroll is not limited to just W-2 employees; it also supports payments to 1099 contractors. This feature includes the ability to track contractor payments and generate 1099 forms at the end of the year. The system keeps contractor payments separate from employee payroll, ensuring that tax reporting and compliance are handled correctly for both types of workers. This is particularly useful for businesses that rely on a mix of full-time employees and independent contractors.

Time and Attendance Integration

Zenefits Payroll integrates seamlessly with Zenefits’ time and attendance tracking features, allowing you to automatically pull in hours worked, including regular time, overtime, and paid time off (PTO). This integration ensures that employees are paid accurately for the time they’ve worked, reducing the risk of errors associated with manual time entry. Additionally, the software can track overtime according to federal and state regulations, ensuring compliance and proper compensation.

Compliance Management

Staying compliant with ever-changing payroll laws and regulations can be challenging, but Zenefits Payroll helps manage this with built-in compliance tools. The software is automatically updated to reflect changes in tax laws, wage laws, and other payroll-related regulations. It also handles complex scenarios like multi-state payroll, where employees work in different states or locations, ensuring that the correct state and local taxes are applied. Zenefits also supports compliance with ACA (Affordable Care Act) reporting requirements, making it easier to manage your obligations under this legislation.

Detailed Reporting and Analytics

Zenefits Payroll offers powerful reporting and analytics tools that allow you to gain insights into your payroll operations. You can generate a variety of reports, including payroll summaries, employee earnings, tax liabilities, benefit deductions, and more. These reports can be customized to suit your specific needs, and they can be exported to formats like Excel or PDF for further analysis or sharing with stakeholders. This feature is invaluable for businesses looking to make data-driven decisions, manage budgets, and ensure transparency in payroll processes.

Employee Self-Service Portal

The employee self-service portal is a key feature of Zenefits Payroll, allowing employees to access their payroll information anytime, anywhere. Through this portal, employees can view and download their pay stubs, W-2 forms, and other payroll documents. They can also update their personal information, such as bank account details for direct deposit or changes in tax withholding status. The self-service portal not only empowers employees but also reduces the administrative workload on HR teams, as employees can handle many routine tasks on their own.

PTO and Leave Management

Managing paid time off (PTO) and leave can be complex, but Zenefits Payroll simplifies this with integrated PTO tracking. Employees can request time off through the self-service portal, and managers can approve or deny requests with just a few clicks. The software automatically updates the employee’s leave balance and adjusts payroll accordingly. This feature ensures that PTO is tracked accurately and that employees are paid correctly for any leave taken, whether it’s vacation, sick leave, or other types of time off.

Onboarding and Offboarding

Zenefits Payroll streamlines both the onboarding and offboarding processes. When a new employee is hired, their information is automatically added to the payroll system as part of the onboarding process, ensuring that they are paid correctly from their first paycheck. Similarly, when an employee leaves the company, the offboarding process handles final paychecks, including any owed PTO or other final payments, and ensures that all necessary tax forms are filed. This automation reduces the risk of errors and ensures that these processes are handled efficiently.

Mobile Access

Zenefits Payroll can be accessed via mobile devices, offering flexibility and convenience for business owners and HR professionals. The mobile app allows you to run payroll, view reports, and manage employee information on the go, ensuring that critical payroll tasks can be completed even when you’re away from the office. This mobile functionality is particularly useful for businesses with remote teams or for managers who need to approve payroll while traveling.

Customer Support

Zenefits offers robust customer support to help users navigate any issues they encounter with the payroll system. Support is available through various channels, including email, phone, and live chat. In addition, Zenefits provides a wealth of online resources, including how-to guides, FAQs, webinars, and community forums, where users can find answers to common questions and learn how to make the most of the software. This strong support network ensures that users have the help they need to manage their payroll effectively.

Pros

Comprehensive Integration

One of the standout features of Zenefits Payroll is its seamless integration with the broader Zenefits platform, which includes HR, benefits, time tracking, and compliance tools. This integration reduces the need for manual data entry, ensures that payroll is always up-to-date with the latest employee information, and streamlines many administrative tasks. For businesses already using Zenefits for HR and benefits management, the integrated payroll system provides a cohesive experience that enhances efficiency.

Automatic Tax Filing

Zenefits Payroll automatically calculates, withholds, and files federal, state, and local taxes. This includes handling quarterly tax filings and end-of-year tax forms like W-2s and 1099s. The automatic tax filing feature significantly reduces the administrative burden on businesses and minimizes the risk of errors or late submissions, which can lead to penalties.

User-Friendly Interface

The platform is designed with ease of use in mind. Its intuitive interface allows users to navigate payroll tasks without a steep learning curve. The payroll process is straightforward, with clear steps for running payroll, reviewing employee information, and generating reports. This user-friendliness makes it accessible even to those who are not payroll experts.

Employee Self-Service Portal

Zenefits Payroll includes a self-service portal that empowers employees to access their payroll information, including pay stubs, W-2s, and direct deposit details. Employees can also manage their own personal information and request PTO through the portal. This feature not only enhances the employee experience but also reduces the administrative workload on HR teams.

Compliance Management

Zenefits Payroll is designed to help businesses stay compliant with various payroll regulations. The software automatically updates to reflect changes in tax laws, minimum wage rates, and other relevant regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance. The platform also supports ACA (Affordable Care Act) compliance, which is crucial for businesses with specific healthcare reporting requirements.

Time and Attendance Integration

The payroll system integrates seamlessly with Zenefits’ time and attendance tracking tools. This integration ensures that employee hours, including regular time, overtime, and PTO, are accurately reflected in payroll calculations. It eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces the potential for errors in payroll processing.

Scalability

Zenefits Payroll is scalable and can grow with your business. Whether you’re adding new employees, expanding to new locations, or facing more complex payroll needs, the platform can accommodate these changes without requiring significant adjustments or additional software.

Mobile Access

The mobile-friendly design of Zenefits Payroll allows business owners and HR professionals to manage payroll tasks on the go. The mobile app offers access to key payroll functions, such as running payroll, viewing reports, and managing employee information, providing flexibility and convenience.

Cons

Higher Cost for Small Businesses

While Zenefits Payroll offers a comprehensive set of features, it may be more expensive than other payroll solutions, particularly for very small businesses or startups with limited budgets. The cost of the full Zenefits platform, which includes HR, benefits, and payroll, can add up, especially if you don't fully utilize all of the integrated features.

Limited Customization

Zenefits Payroll is designed to be a turnkey solution, which means it offers a streamlined, consistent experience across users. However, this can also mean limited customization options for businesses with unique or highly specific payroll needs. Larger companies or those with complex payroll structures might find the lack of advanced customization a drawback.

Dependence on Zenefits Ecosystem

Zenefits Payroll works best when used in conjunction with the entire Zenefits platform. While this integration is a strength, it can also be a limitation. If your business uses different HR or benefits management systems, integrating those with Zenefits Payroll might not be as seamless, leading to potential data silos or the need for manual data synchronization.

Learning Curve for Full Platform

While the payroll system itself is user-friendly, the full Zenefits platform can be complex, particularly for businesses that are new to integrated HR and payroll solutions. Users may need time to fully understand and leverage all the features available in the Zenefits suite, especially if they are transitioning from a simpler or more fragmented system.

Customer Support Concerns

Some users have reported mixed experiences with Zenefits’ customer support. While the platform offers a variety of support resources, including online guides and community forums, the quality and responsiveness of direct support can vary. For businesses that require immediate or personalized support, this could be a potential drawback.

Limited International Payroll Capabilities

Zenefits Payroll is primarily designed for U.S.-based businesses, focusing on U.S. tax laws, compliance, and payroll regulations. This makes it less suitable for companies with a significant international presence or those that need to manage payroll across multiple countries. Businesses with global operations might need to look for additional solutions to handle international payroll needs.

Lack of Advanced Reporting

While Zenefits Payroll provides useful standard reports, businesses that require highly advanced or customized reporting capabilities might find the reporting features somewhat limited. Companies that need detailed analytics or specific financial reports may need to export data to external tools for further analysis, which could add an extra step to the process.

Zenefits Payroll User Interface

The user interface (UI) of Zenefits Payroll is designed with a focus on simplicity, accessibility, and efficiency, making it easy for users to navigate and manage their payroll tasks. Here's a detailed description of the key elements and design aspects of the Zenefits Payroll user interface:

Dashboard Overview

Upon logging into Zenefits Payroll, users are greeted by a clean and intuitive dashboard that serves as the central hub for all payroll activities. The dashboard provides an at-a-glance view of important payroll metrics, upcoming tasks, and notifications. It is designed to be minimalistic, reducing clutter and allowing users to focus on the most critical tasks. Key information, such as the next payroll run date, pending approvals, and payroll summaries, is displayed prominently.

Navigation Menu

The navigation menu, typically located on the left-hand side or across the top of the screen, offers quick access to various sections of the payroll system, such as "Employees," "Payroll Runs," "Reports," "Tax Filing," and "Settings." The menu is collapsible, which helps in maximizing screen space, especially when working on detailed tasks. The structure of the menu is logical and straightforward, allowing users to find what they need with minimal clicks.

Payroll Processing Workflow

The payroll processing area is designed to guide users through the payroll process step by step. Each stage of the payroll run—such as entering or reviewing employee hours, applying deductions, and finalizing payments—is clearly laid out with easy-to-follow instructions. The interface uses a combination of drop-down menus, checkboxes, and input fields to collect necessary data, ensuring that users can complete payroll tasks without needing to navigate away from the current screen.

Employee Management

In the "Employees" section, the interface presents a list of all employees, displaying key details like name, position, and pay frequency. Each employee can be clicked on to view or edit their detailed profile. The profile page is organized into tabs for different categories of information, such as "Personal Information," "Pay Details," "Benefits," and "Tax Information." This tabbed layout makes it easy to navigate between different types of data without losing your place.

Reports and Analytics

The reporting section features a clean and functional design, with options to generate various standard payroll reports. Users can select the type of report they need from a drop-down menu, and the interface provides simple filters to customize the report based on date range, employee group, or other criteria. The generated reports are displayed in a clear, tabular format with options to export the data to Excel, PDF, or other formats. The simplicity of the design ensures that users can quickly create and interpret reports without unnecessary complexity.

Tax Filing and Compliance

The tax filing section is designed to be straightforward and informative. The interface automatically calculates and displays the necessary tax withholdings, filings, and due dates. Users can review and approve filings directly from this section, and any actions that need to be taken are clearly highlighted. This section also includes links to more detailed compliance information and resources, ensuring users are well-informed about their obligations.

Employee Self-Service Portal

Zenefits Payroll includes an employee self-service portal that is equally user-friendly. Employees can log in to view their pay stubs, W-2 forms, and update personal information like their direct deposit details. The portal is designed with the same minimalist aesthetic as the main interface, making it easy for employees to navigate and find what they need. The responsive design ensures that the portal works well on both desktop and mobile devices, providing flexibility for employees to access their payroll information anytime, anywhere.

Settings and Customization

The "Settings" area allows users to configure payroll options, such as pay schedules, benefits integrations, and tax settings. This section is laid out in a straightforward manner, with each configurable option clearly labeled and accompanied by brief explanations or help icons. The design ensures that even users who are not particularly tech-savvy can adjust settings without confusion.

Visual Design and Aesthetics

Zenefits Payroll’s visual design is modern, with a clean, uncluttered aesthetic. The color scheme is typically neutral, using shades of blue, gray, and white, which helps to keep the focus on the content rather than the interface itself. Icons are used sparingly and effectively, serving as visual cues to help users quickly identify actions or navigate to different sections.

Help and Support Integration

Throughout the interface, there are help icons and links to support resources. These are strategically placed to offer guidance where users might have questions, such as during payroll processing or when configuring tax settings. The integration of these resources ensures that users can get assistance without having to leave the task they’re working on.

Alternatives to Brightpay Payroll

BambooHR Payroll

BambooHR Payroll is a streamlined payroll solution designed specifically for small to mid-sized businesses that need efficient, user-friendly payroll management. Integrated with BambooHR's broader HR platform, it offers an intuitive, secure, and scalable way to handle payroll, automate calculations, and ensure compliance. Ideal for companies looking to simplify their payroll processes, BambooHR Payroll provides real-time insights and a seamless experience, making it easy to manage employee compensation accurately and efficiently.

Download Full Guide

SAP SuccessFactors Payroll

SuccessFactors Payroll is a comprehensive payroll solution tailored for large enterprises with complex payroll needs. Integrated with SAP’s SuccessFactors HCM suite, it offers a powerful, secure, and scalable platform for managing payroll across multiple locations and countries. Ideal for organizations that require advanced functionality and global compliance, SuccessFactors Payroll automates payroll processes, provides real-time analytics, and ensures accuracy and efficiency in managing employee compensation on a large scale.

Download Full Guide

Oracle Cloud HCM Payroll

Oracle Cloud HCM Payroll is a robust payroll solution designed for large enterprises that require advanced, scalable payroll management. Fully integrated with Oracle’s HCM suite, it offers a comprehensive, secure platform to manage complex payroll processes across multiple locations and jurisdictions. Ideal for organizations with diverse payroll needs, Oracle Cloud HCM Payroll automates payroll tasks, ensures compliance with global regulations, and provides real-time insights, enabling accurate and efficient management of employee compensation on a global scale.

Download Full Guide

Sage People Payroll

Sage People Payroll is a robust payroll solution tailored for mid-sized to enterprise-level organizations, especially those with complex, multi-location payroll needs. Integrated with Sage People HCM and built on the Salesforce platform, it offers a secure, scalable solution that simplifies payroll management, ensures compliance, and provides real-time insights, making it ideal for businesses seeking to streamline payroll operations across diverse jurisdictions.

Download Full Guide

Papaya Global Payroll

Papaya Global Payroll is an innovative payroll solution designed for businesses of all sizes that operate across multiple countries. Offering a fully automated, cloud-based platform, Papaya Global simplifies global payroll management, ensuring compliance with local regulations while handling complex payroll needs across diverse jurisdictions. Ideal for companies with a distributed workforce, Papaya Global Payroll provides seamless integration, real-time analytics, and centralized payroll management, making it easy to manage employee compensation accurately and efficiently on a global scale.

Download Full Guide

See More

Zenefits Payroll Pricing

Zenefits Payroll pricing depends on a number of factors such as the number of employees, the number of states and more. To get access to pricing, download our full guide now.

Download Full Guide