For Australian and New Zealand Companies
COMPLIANCE & PAYROLL
REGULATIONS IN ANZ
Payroll in Australia and New Zealand is highly regulated, with strict requirements for taxation, leave entitlements, and superannuation. The right payroll software must support:
✓ Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2 reporting in Australia
✓ Payday Filing compliance in New Zealand
✓ Award Interpretation & Compliance for modern awards and enterprise agreements
✓ Superannuation Guarantee (SG) compliance and automated contributions
✓ Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) and Payroll Tax calculations
✓ Leave entitlement calculations (Annual, Personal, Long Service Leave, etc.)
✓ Multi-country payroll support for businesses operating across ANZ
✓ Employee Self-Service (ESS) portals for payslips and tax declarations
This guide is designed to provide an introduction to the top Payroll Software Vendors in Australia and New Zealand.
It is to help you narrow down the shortlist of Vendors that may be best suited to your company.
2025
PAYROLL
SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS GUIDE
HOW TO USE
THIS GUIDE
UNDERSTANDING YOUR
VENDOR OPTIONS
Many of the vendors listed in this guide offer a suite of payroll solutions or modules to address your specific objectives.
Given the variety of available options, conducting a rapid business process mapping and improvement exercise before selecting a payroll solution is often worthwhile.
This approach helps ensure you choose a payroll system that best aligns with your operational requirements, meets both current and future business needs, and delivers maximum benefits for your organisation.
OPTIMISING PAYROLL MANAGEMENT
FOR A MODERN WORKFORCE
INTEGRATED SOLUTION VS
BEST-OF-BREED
The decision to implement an integrated payroll solution versus a best-of-breed system depends on business needs and operational complexity. A fully integrated solution may be preferable for companies seeking seamless workflows across payroll, HR, and workforce management, while a best-of-breed approach might be more suitable for organisations with specialised payroll needs.
Understanding key business requirements first will help identify the most suitable payroll software. Conducting a market scan and functional fit analysis will refine the selection process and shortlist the best candidates.
CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT OF
CORE PAYROLL SYSTEMS
SMC'S SELECTION
RESOURCES & SERVICES
WE PROVIDE EXPERT SELECTION SERVICES TO HELP YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAYROLL SOLUTION WHILE REDUCING EFFORT AND RISK.
Business Requirements
- Refined through numerous projects for ANZ organisations.
- Helps prioritise key payroll functionalities.
- Facilitates vendor evaluation based on business needs.
Software Comparison Report
- Identifies product strengths and weaknesses instantly.
- Offers a functional fit analysis to expedite decision-making.
SMC Selection Accelerator Pack
- Includes SMC's proven selection methodology.
- Provides a shortlist of vendors, functional requirements, RFP/RFQ templates, and demo scenarios.
- Helps secure optimal commercial deals.
SMC Led Selection
- For organisations seeking expert guidance in selecting the best payroll solution.
- Ensures the best functional and commercial outcomes.
EMBRACING DIGITAL
TRANSFORMATION IN PAYROLL
Payroll management is a critical function for businesses in Australia and New Zealand, ensuring compliance with tax laws, superannuation regulations, and workplace awards.
Payroll software can help organisations streamline pay cycles, automate calculations, and integrate with other human capital management (HCM) solutions.
Many payroll systems also integrate with workforce management (WFM) and human resource management (HRM) platforms, enabling businesses to manage employee attendance, leave entitlements, and superannuation contributions efficiently.
This guide focuses on integrated payroll solutions tailored for Australian and New Zealand businesses. For a shortlist of standalone workforce management or rostering software, please refer to our WFM & Rostering Guide.
"There are many software choices on the market. It's a daunting task to evaluate them all and select the best-fit solution for your situation and needs.
Finding truly independent analysis and insights is key to reducing the risk of making the wrong decision.
Our guide contains nuggets of our market research and real-life experience to help short-list suitable solutions and expedite your project. I hope you like it."
Jamon Johnston,
CEO and Founder
Solution Minds Consulting
PAYROLL SOLUTIONS
BUYERS GUIDE
This guide is an introduction to the best payroll software solutions in Australia and New Zealand.
CHOOSING AN
IMPLEMENTATION PARTNER
- Selecting the right implementation partner is as crucial as selecting the payroll software itself. Many vendors have preferred partners for deployment, but it is essential to evaluate:
- • The partner’s experience in the payroll industry.
- • Knowledge of Australian and New Zealand payroll regulations.
- • Track record of successful payroll system implementations.
- • Post-implementation support and training services.
CASE STUDIES &
HOW SMC HELPED THESE CLIENTS
Challenge:
Managing HR and Payroll for 2,000 staff, including complex award interpretation.
Solution:
Business process mapping, requirements analysis, system selection for HR/Payroll and Workforce Mgt. Plus successful implementation lead by SMC.
RAPIDLY EVALUATE SOFTWARE &
IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERS
SMC helps businesses navigate the payroll software selection process with expert guidance and a proven methodology. As well as providing client-side resources to ensure the implementation is a success.
Reach out today to learn more about our services and how we can support your payroll transformation journey.
"The SMC team brought a wealth of knowledge to our decision making and implementation, which has saved us significant time, energy and expense."
Keith Smith | Executive Sponsor - Activ Foundation
- SMC CAN HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS!
We have evaluated the top payroll solutions available in Australia and New Zealand and compiled a comparison table for easy reference.
This guide is provided by SMC to support and inform our valued users. Updated annually, it reflects our commitment to delivering relevant and useful information. While we strive for accuracy and reliability, SMC does not guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the content and is not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from its use. If you have questions or need further clarification, please reach out to SMC for assistance.
FINDING THE RIGHT PAYROLL SOLUTION
PAYROLL SOFTWARE
FEATURES TO CONSIDER
Payroll software should provide the following key features to support compliance and operational efficiency:
✓ Automated Tax and Compliance Updates – Ensures payroll remains compliant with changing tax laws.
✓ Award Interpretation & Pay Rules Engine – Automates calculations for shift penalties and overtime.
✓ Time & Attendance Integration – Links with rostering and timesheet solutions.
✓ Superannuation & Salary Packaging – Enables automatic contributions and salary sacrifice arrangements.
✓ Multi-Entity Payroll Processing – Handles payroll across multiple business units or countries.
✓ Employee Self-Service Portals – Allows employees to access pay information and manage leave requests.
✓ Payroll Reporting & Analytics – Provides insights on wage costs, compliance, and payroll trends.
✓ Integration with Accounting & ERP Systems – Syncs payroll data with financial management platforms.
Challenge:
Navigating a complex payroll structure with multiple employment types and pay conditions.
Solution:
Implemented a new payroll system integrated with HR and ERP platforms.
Challenge:
Compliance with payroll regulations across different Australian states.
Solution:
Defined requirements and selected an enterprise-wide payroll and time & attendance system. Currently leading the implementation of this new enterprise platform.
The payroll landscape in Australia and New Zealand is evolving rapidly due to advancements in digital technology, regulatory changes, and employee expectations. Organisations must embrace automation, compliance, and integration to enhance efficiency and reduce errors.
A well-implemented payroll solution ensures businesses stay compliant, streamline payroll processing, and improve employee satisfaction through enhanced transparency and self-service capabilities.
