Introduction
Managing payroll for employees across multiple countries comes with unique challenges. You need software that handles complex global compliance requirements, supports various currencies and payment methods, and gives visibility into payroll worldwide. In this blog, we evaluate the 15 leading multi-country payroll solutions based on key criteria like functionality, ease of use, support and more. Our goal is to help you find the best option for your international payroll needs.
Methods of Evaluation
To evaluate each solution, we considered factors like the number of countries supported, user experience, integration capabilities, reporting and analytics tools, compliance expertise and customer reviews. We also looked at more subjective criteria like the strength and popularity of the brands as indicated by metrics like backlinks, traffic and keyword trends. High scores in these areas suggest greater mindshare and likelihood of long-term viability. Vendors that excelled across these weighted criteria while also offering competitive pricing made our list of top recommendations.
1. Xero Payroll
Xero Payroll is a cloud-based multi-country payroll solution developed by Xero, an online accounting software leader. As one of the largest global online accounting platforms, Xero aims to provide small and medium-sized businesses with integrated accounting and payroll software to manage their financial operations.
Pros: Key advantages of Xero Payroll include:
– Integrated accounting software reduces time spent on data entry and reconciliation
– Real-time payroll insights from any device with an internet connection
– Multi-country coverage simplifies payroll for businesses with an international workforce
Cons: A potential disadvantage is the monthly subscription pricing model which requires ongoing costs compared to one-time desktop payroll solutions.
Pricing: Xero Payroll pricing starts from $40 USD/employee/month for basic payroll and $55 USD/employee/month which includes additional features like performance reviews and leave management.
Some key stats about Xero Payroll include:
– Processes payroll for over 1 million employees globally
– Covers over 200 tax jurisdictions worldwide for international payroll needs
– Integrated with Xero’s online accounting platform for holistic financial management
2. BambooHR
BambooHR is a leading multi-country payroll and HR software that helps organizations streamline and automate routine HR tasks. Founded in 2008 and based in Lindon, Utah, BambooHR serves over 25,000 customers worldwide across all industries. The software offers a comprehensive HRIS platform combined with best-in-class payroll capabilities for both domestic and international employees.
Pros: Some of the key advantages of BambooHR include:
– Advanced HRIS and payroll management system that streamlines HR tasks.
– Intuitive dashboard that provides a unified view of employee data for tasks and reports.
– Excellent support and regular product updates to enhance functionality.
– Robust compliance features to simplify management of global payroll regulations.
– Powerful workflow tools and customizable forms for streamlining processes.
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that BambooHR has a robust set of features that may be overkill for some smaller businesses and teams. The software is best suited for mid-market to enterprise-sized organizations with international operations and complex HR/payroll needs.
Pricing: BambooHR offers flexible pricing plans starting at $6 per employee per month for basic HR features. Additional payroll processing fees apply depending on the country. The software also offers customized enterprise pricing for large organizations with specialized needs.
Some key stats about BambooHR include:
– Processes payroll for over 1 million employees across 140 countries.
– Serves over 25,000 customers worldwide across all sizes and industries.
– Over 15 years of experience providing HR and payroll software.
– Integrates with over 300+ other apps including Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Slack.
– Provides support in 9 different languages.
3. Infosys People Experience Suite
Infosys People Experience Suite is a holistic HR and talent management software from Infosys. With clients in over 50 countries, Infosys has proven expertise in implementing their solutions across multiple countries and regions simultaneously. The software seamlessly integrates with various ERP systems like SAP SuccessFactors and Oracle Fusion HCM.
Pros: Some key advantages of Infosys People Experience Suite include:
– Holistic solution to manage the entire employee lifecycle from hire to retire
– Proven track record of global multi-country payroll deployments
– Strong integration capabilities with major ERP systems
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that as a larger enterprise software, implementation timelines and costs tend to be higher compared to some specialist players.
Pricing: Infosys People Experience Suite pricing is typically quoted based on the number of employees, countries, modules needed and level of customization required. For a standardized implementation across 5 countries with core HR and payroll modules, starting pricing is usually $500,000-$750,000 initially and $150,000-$250,000 annually thereafter.
Some key stats about Infosys People Experience Suite include:
– More than 50 countries currently using the solution
– Over 30 years of experience in HR technology and consulting
– Supports payroll in over 90 countries globally
4. Workday
Workday is a large enterprise resource planning (ERP) software provider headquartered in Pleasanton, California. In addition to HR, finance, and planning applications, Workday offers a robust global payroll module that can help companies manage multi-country payroll needs. With over 6,000 customers worldwide, Workday supports global payroll requirements in over 190 countries.
Pros: Key advantages of Workday’s global payroll module include its ability to handle complex global compliance needs through automated tax and regulatory updates, seamless integration with other Workday applications, robust tax and filing capabilities, and the company’s expertise in serving large enterprise customers with multi-country payroll needs.
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that Workday is targeted more towards large enterprises versus small-to-medium sized businesses due to its high implementation and subscription costs.
Pricing: Workday pricing is typically subscription-based starting at around $65 per user per month. Implementation, configuration, and ongoing support costs are additional. Workday sales representatives can provide customized quotes factoring in the required modules, number of users, and any additional services needed.
Some key stats about Workday’s global payroll capabilities include: supports payroll in over 190 countries to help ensure global compliance; seamlessly integrates payroll data with other HR and finance apps like Workday HCM, Financial Management, and Planning; deep domain expertise in complex payroll requirements like statutory benefits, filings, and taxes across multiple geographies.
5. Paychex Flex
Paychex Flex is a comprehensive multi-country payroll and HR software developed by Paychex, a leading provider of payroll, human resource, and benefits outsourcing solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses. The software allows companies to manage payroll for employees across multiple countries with accuracy and ease.
Pros: Some key advantages of Paychex Flex include:
– User-friendly design making it suitable for companies of all sizes
– Expert guidance and support for correctly handling complex international payroll rules and regulations
– Integrations with other HR and accounting software for a seamless experience
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that the pricing can be more expensive compared to some other options for very large multinational companies with thousands of employees globally.
Pricing: Paychex Flex pricing starts from $89 per month for the basic package. Additional fees apply based on the number of employees, types of payroll services required etc. The software offers different package options for small businesses and enterprises.
Some key stats about Paychex Flex include:
– Manages payroll for over 650,000 clients across 100+ countries
– Processes over $1 trillion in annual payroll
– Has over 1,400 payroll experts providing support
6. SAP SuccessFactors
SAP SuccessFactors is a leading global human capital management (HCM) solution, offering comprehensive payroll and HR functionality across 190 countries. Founded in 2001, SAP SuccessFactors has helped thousands of large multinational enterprises manage their global workforce.
Pros: Key advantages of SAP SuccessFactors for global payroll include its best-in-class HR solution tailor-made for multinational companies, ability to compliantly handle complex global payroll regulations, and dedicated expert support for setup and ongoing global implementation needs.
Cons: A potential disadvantage is the solution’s enterprise-level pricing which may be out of reach for some smaller multinational organizations.
Pricing: SAP SuccessFactors pricing starts at $125 per user per month for basic payroll and HR functionality. Additional modules, custom configurations, and implementation support are separately scoped and priced based on company size and requirements.
Some key stats about SAP SuccessFactors’ payroll and HR solution include: compliance with payroll regulations in over 190 countries, management of global payroll for over 2,500 large enterprises, and support for over 50 languages and 130 currencies.
7. Zenefits
Zenefits is a leading multi-country payroll and HR software. Founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, Zenefits offers an all-in-one People Operations Platform to help companies manage their entire employee lifecycle from hiring to retirement. Their payroll capabilities support payments across 200 countries allowing companies to pay their global workforce with ease.
Pros: Some of the key advantages of Zenefits’ payroll software include:
– All-in-one HR and payroll platform for simplifying people management processes.
– Flexible billing plans based on the number of employees to suit different business needs.
– Intuitive software design making setup, onboarding and administration simple and streamlined.
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that the pricing tiers may be prohibitive for very small businesses with fewer than 10 employees needing only basic payroll functionality.
Pricing: Zenefits offers pricing tiers starting from $6 per employee per month for Essentials (up to 10 employees) all the way to customized enterprise plans for very large companies. Other tiers include Premium ($8 per employee), Elite ($10 per employee) and Visionary (custom priced).
Some key stats about Zenefits’ payroll capabilities include:
– They process payroll for over 20,000 companies across the globe.
– Supports payroll in over 200 countries around the world.
– Has tools to manage complex global payroll requirements like taxation, withholdings, and compliance.
8. Paycor
Paycor is a leading provider of Human Capital Management (HCM) software. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Paycor focuses on developing solutions tailored specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. With over 30 years of experience, Paycor has grown to serve over 24,000 customers across the United States and process payroll in over 100 countries worldwide.
Pros: Some of the main advantages of Paycor’s multi-country payroll software include:
– Comprehensive HCM solution that handles all HR needs like payroll, benefits administration, talent management and more
– Intuitive and flexible cloud-based platform that can be accessed securely from any device
– Extensive experience processing payroll and managing HR requirements in over 100 different countries
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that as a more full-featured HCM solution, Paycor may have more capabilities than some very small businesses need, though it can also grow with a company as needs expand.
Pricing: Paycor offers flexible pricing plans tailored for organizations of all sizes. Basic payroll processing starts at $45 per employee per month. Comprehensive HCM suites with additional modules like benefits administration, recruiting, and talent management have higher per employee rates. Free quotes and demos are available on Paycor’s website.
Some key stats about Paycor include:
– Over 24,000 customer businesses
– Processes payroll for over 500,000 employees each pay period
– Supports payroll processing in over 100 countries globally
– 30+ years of experience developing HCM solutions
9. Insperity
Insperity is a leading provider of global payroll and human capital management solutions. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, Insperity offers a comprehensive suite of HR outsourcing and business solutions through its Premier Performance model to help growing organizations succeed. With over 4,000 employees, Insperity provides award-winning service to thousands of businesses across the United States and globally.
Pros: Some key advantages of Insperity’s global payroll and HR services include:
– Co-employment and HR services provider – Insperity takes on the employer responsibilities freeing up clients to focus on their business
– Robust global payroll capabilities – Insperity provides accurate payroll and HR in over 50 countries worldwide
– Dedicated support account managers – Clients receive personalized assistance from dedicated Insperity specialists
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that Insperity’s co-employment model means the company takes on the legal employer responsibilities which shifts some control from the client to Insperity
Pricing: Insperity pricing is based on a co-employment model where clients pay a services fee, typically a percentage of payroll, to offload HR responsibilities. Specific rates can vary based on the number of employees and location but generally range between 15-25% of payroll costs per employee.
Some key stats about Insperity include:
– Services over 100,000 businesses employing over 2 million people across the United States
– Processes over $30 billion in payroll annually
– Operates in over 50 countries globally
10. Ceridian Dayforce
Ceridian Dayforce is a leading global HCM software developed by Ceridian. Dayforce offers robust payroll, HR, benefits, and workforce management capabilities to companies operating in multiple countries worldwide. With over 30 years of experience, Ceridian Dayforce helps thousands of organizations manage their global workforces.
Pros: Key advantages of Ceridian Dayforce include:
– Robust international payroll capabilities to handle global compliance requirements easily
– Advanced analytics and reporting features to gain insights into a distributed global workforce
– Excellent support team for helping clients across all regions of operations
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that Dayforce is a more expensive solution compared to some other multi-country payroll providers due to its comprehensive features and robust support.
Pricing: Ceridian Dayforce pricing is customized based on the number of users, regions, payroll runs, and other requirements. Clients should request a live demo and quote from a Ceridian sales representative for accurate pricing information.
Some key stats about Ceridian Dayforce include:
– Processes payroll for over 4 million employees across over 50 countries
– Supports payroll in over 100 currencies
– Over 1,000 HR/benefits/time/payroll professionals on the Ceridian support team
– Deploys advanced analytics and reporting tools for cross-border workforce insights
11. Kronos Workforce Central
Kronos Workforce Central is a leading multi-country payroll and workforce management solution developed by UKG. With over 45 years of experience, Kronos Workforce Central handles payroll, time and attendance, scheduling and HR for organizations operating in over 190 countries.
Pros: Key advantages of Kronos Workforce Central include:
– Powerful workforce management platform that streamlines scheduling, time tracking and payroll
– Integrated platform that can automate payroll runs while ensuring compliance with regulations in any country
– Robust solution built for enterprise-scale organizations with thousands of employees globally
Cons: A potential disadvantage is the complexity of the platform which requires implementation and ongoing support from certified implementation partners. The solution may not be suitable for very small businesses with simple requirements.
Pricing: Pricing for Kronos Workforce Central starts from $7 per employee per month for basic time and attendance tracking. Full workforce management suites including HR, payroll, scheduling and analytics range between $15-30 per user per month depending on the number of users and required functionality.
Some key stats about Kronos Workforce Central include:
– Processes payroll for over 40 million employees globally
– Manages scheduling and time tracking for thousands of organizations worldwide
– Compliant with regulatory requirements in over 190 countries
12. Unit4 Workforce Management
Unit4 Workforce Management is a leading multi-country payroll software that helps organizations streamline and automate complex payroll processes globally. With over 30 years of experience, Unit4 Payroll supports payroll in over 120 countries with capabilities including tax calculation, payment processing, and regulatory reporting.
Pros: Some key advantages of Unit4 Workforce Management include:
– Powerful and scalable platform that can support large global organizations
– Advanced analytics and business intelligence tools to gain insights from payroll data
– Global tax and compliance expertise to ensure payroll accuracy across multiple jurisdictions
Cons: A potential disadvantage is the high setup and licensing costs which may not be suitable for smaller businesses with simpler payroll needs.
Pricing: Unit4 Workforce Management pricing varies based on the number of countries, employees, and specific modules needed. Contact Unit4 sales for a customized quote.
Some key stats about Unit4 Workforce Management include:
– Processes payroll for over 1,500 customers worldwide
– Supports payroll in over 120 countries with regular tax updates
– Handles payroll for over 500,000 employees globally
13. FreeAgent
FreeAgent is a leading multi-country payroll and accounting software for small businesses. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, FreeAgent offers integrated payroll and accounting solutions to help simplify financial admin for businesses in the UK, Australia and South Africa. It aims to provide a powerful yet easy-to-use platform through which users can manage all their bookkeeping, payroll, taxes and more in one place.
Pros: Some key advantages of FreeAgent include:
– Integrated payroll and accounting tool allows users to manage both sets of tasks from a single platform
– Compliant with UK, Australia and South African taxation and payroll regulations, taking the hassle out of navigating different compliance requirements
– Affordable pricing packages tailored for small businesses with simpler payroll and bookkeeping needs
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that FreeAgent may not be as full-featured as some of the more expensive dedicated payroll or accounting software packages aimed at larger organizations. As an integrated solution, some specialized functionality could be lacking for very complex needs.
Pricing: FreeAgent offers affordable monthly pricing packages starting from £12+VAT per month for sole traders up to £48+VAT per month for teams of up to 5 users. It also offers a free 14-day trial to help businesses evaluate if it meets their needs before committing.
Some key stats about FreeAgent include:
– Over 100,000 users globally
– Processes payroll for over 50,000 employees monthly
– Integrated accounting and payroll support for UK, Australia and South Africa
– Named one of the UK’s best small business accounting software by Forbes and Entrepreneur magazines
14. Visma
Visma is a leading European provider of HR and payroll software headquartered in Oslo, Norway. Founded in 1988, Visma has a specialized focus on the Nordic region and provides HR and payroll software for businesses of all sizes across Denmark, Finland, and Norway.
Pros: Some key advantages of Visma’s payroll and HR software include:
– Complete HR and payroll platform with modules for time & attendance, benefits, talent, and more
– Specialized capabilities and compliance features for the Danish, Finnish, and Norwegian markets
– Robust platform that can scale from small businesses to large enterprises
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that Visma is primarily focused on the Nordic market so may not be as suitable for organizations operating in other regions.
Pricing: Visma offers flexible pricing models depending on company size and modules needed. Pricing generally starts at $100/user per month for basic payroll and HR functionality.
Some key stats about Visma:
– Serves over 25,000 customers globally
– Processes payroll for over 1 million employees every month
– Over 3000 employees worldwide
– Named a ‘Leader’ in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Cloud HCM Suites for 1000+ Employee Enterprises
15. Tipalti
Tipalti is a leading global payables automation solution that helps companies simplify international payments and compliance. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, Tipalti serves over 1,400 customers across major industries like software, eCommerce and more. The company’s cloud-based platform has automated payables in over 190 countries and supports over 50 currencies.
Pros: Some key advantages of Tipalti include:
– Fully automated global payroll and payments solution
– Expert knowledge of international tax regulations and compliance needs
– Reduces financial workload and administrative costs of global payroll
– Single interface to manage international payroll across multiple countries
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that set up and implementation requires working with Tipalti experts to onboard clients onto their platform correctly. This means the initial set up process may take time to fully transition over to their automated systems.
Pricing: Tipalti pricing is based on monthly subscription plans that scale based on the number of payees. Plans start from around $1,000/month for up to 500 payees and go up to $10,000/month for 5,000+ payees. Additional pricing options are available for larger global payroll needs.
Some key stats about Tipalti include:
– Processes over $30 billion in annual payments
– Has automated payroll for over 1 million payees globally
– Supports payroll in over 190 countries worldwide
– Handles payments in over 50 different currencies
Conclusion
Whether you’re a small business with contractors abroad or a global enterprise, finding the right payroll partner is crucial. We hope this evaluation of the 15 leading options provides a sense of each provider’s strengths to help you choose. For most organizations, especially those with payroll needs across multiple regions, the top options that consistently rose to the top were Xero, BambooHR, Workday and SAP SuccessFactors based on their robust compliance engines, user-friendly platforms and dedicated support.