Square Payroll Review: Simplifying Payroll for Square Users
Square Payroll integrates well with other Square apps and checks most of the boxes for paying your staff, especially if they're hourly workers. It's not as deep or customizable as the competition, though.
A Match Made in Payroll Heaven
Square Payroll may have started off slow and simple, but it has certainly ramped up its development over the last couple of years. As a standalone payroll service, it can handle both hourly and salaried workers. However, it truly shines when used in conjunction with other integrated Square apps, such as Square POS, Team Management, and Shifts. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good integration? It's like a match made in payroll heaven.
Competent Yet Pricey
While Square Payroll may be a great fit for those already using other Square services, it may not be the best option for everyone. At $35 per month plus $6 per worker per month, it's on the pricier side compared to other online payroll services. OnPay, for example, offers more capabilities and customization for a similar price. However, if you're new to the payroll game, Gusto may be a better fit with its user-friendly interface and helpful guidance.
Getting Started with Square Payroll
Signing up for Square Payroll is a breeze with their free trial and interactive demo. Unfortunately, they do not offer the option to import historical data from another payroll application. But fear not, their onboarding specialists are available to help you get set up. Plus, their step-by-step setup wizard is easy to follow, unlike some other payroll services that may leave you feeling like you need a degree in payroll management.
Working with Employee Records
Square Payroll allows you to invite employees and contractors to enter their own personal data, making your life a little easier. While their employee records may not be as detailed as some competitors, they still offer enough flexibility to handle things like PTO and benefits. And let's be real, who doesn't love a little extra PTO?
Running Payroll Made Easy
One of the best features of Square Payroll is its deep integration with other Square apps. This means you have multiple options for entering hours, including tracking and importing hours from Square Shift and POS. And who doesn't love options? You can also manually enter hours or import them from a supported third-party time-tracking application. The site also offers limited customization for earnings types, such as PTO and overtime. Overall, it may not be as robust as other payroll services, but it gets the job done.
Not Just Your Average Payroll Service
Aside from its integration with other Square apps, Square Payroll also offers some unique features. For example, it seamlessly integrates with Cash App, a mobile payment app, allowing employers to send pay directly to employee accounts. Plus, their mobile app, Teams, offers the convenience of managing payroll on-the-go. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a good app?
So-So Reports
While Square Payroll may not offer the most robust reporting options, it still gets the job done. You can export reports as Excel files or PDFs, but customization options are limited. However, they have recently partnered with Mineral to offer HR resources and support, which may be a game-changer for some businesses.
Safe and Secure
Security is a top priority for Square, and their payroll service is no exception. They use a proprietary system to ensure that no unencrypted payment data is ever transmitted. Plus, they undergo regular stress-testing and have a strong commitment to information security governance.
The Verdict
In conclusion, Square Payroll is a solid option for businesses already using other Square apps or those with primarily hourly workers. It may not offer as much depth and customization as some competitors, but it gets the job done. If you're looking for a payroll service with more bells and whistles, there are certainly better options out there. But for those who value simplicity and convenience, Square Payroll may just be the perfect fit. So go ahead, give it a try and see if it's the right payroll solution for your business.
