PayCycle, an Intuit Company — PayCycle 2009 for Accounting Professionals

DATA ENTRY & KEY FEATURES:
The web-based system provides secure log-ins to authorized users, who can be
assigned to client payrolls and/or in-firm payroll functions. When logged into
the professional version, PayCycle displays a client selection list, along with
options for accessing account functions. This entry page also offers a link
to client to-do lists, such as due date reminders and processing functions.
These to-do items are also listed when opening a client, with the screen offering
links to payday processing functions, taxes & forms, reporting, and setup
tasks, through which users are guided.

Once employers and employ-ees are set up, the system almost runs on autopilot,
reminding users when to run a payroll, automatically filling in payroll data
for salaried staff and allow-ing entry of data for other em-ployee types, including
hourly, commissioned, tipped, and 1099 contractors. The single screen view of
all employees in a payroll run simplifies what data entry is left and offers
quick drilldown to an employee’s deductions, pay histories and other detailed
information. Payrolls can be set to any frequency, and employees of the same
business can be set into groups of a different frequency.

The program allows multiple pay rates per employee, including overtime, double
OT, bonuses, allowances, reimbursements and per diem. Benefits functions include
accruals management for sick and vacation pay, taxable and pre-tax insurance
programs, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts and 401Ks. Direct
deposit is included in the program, with paychecks depositable into two accounts
per employee and the option to pay part of net by paper check. PayCycle’s
tax compliance system helps automate payment and filing, with easy access to
forms and reports and alerts that notify the user by email as to pending deadlines.

Client portals allow professionals to let their clients perform some tasks
themselves, such as running payroll and viewing reports, with an online system
that displays the accounting firm’s brand. Printed paychecks can also
be produced at the client’s location, if desired. PayCycle offers a client
employee portal that let’s workers log in and view historical pay stubs.

REPORTING CAPABILITIES:
Electronic filing and payment is available for federal wage and employment reporting,
as well as to all states that accept e-filing. The system can also produce signature-ready
forms for all jurisdictions, including 940, 941, 944, W-2s and 1099s. PayCycle’s
reports screen provides an array of output options grouped into categories for
employees, contractors and employer reports, which include tax liability details,
tax and wage summaries, work-ers’ compensation, benefits, total pay, billing
summaries and the check register. Reports can be saved to Excel format.

INTEGRATION/IMPORT & EXPORT:
PayCycle can export transaction data into QuickBooks, Quicken, Peachtree and
Money. The program does not offer direct import of time data.

RELATIVE VALUE:
With great alerts and notifications, PayCycle takes a lot of the worry out of
payroll management, especially for practitioners managing many small clients
with different state filing issues. Likewise, the system streamlines many of
the data-entry functions and provides good reporting tools. Client-side and
employee portals are also a good benefit to the employer and help keep the firm’s
brand-ing and value noticeable.

2009 Overall Rating: