Managing human resources and payroll effectively is crucial for Australian businesses navigating complex employment laws, Fair Work regulations, and Single Touch Payroll (STP) compliance requirements. The right HR and payroll software can streamline operations, reduce administrative burden, and ensure regulatory compliance while scaling with your business growth.
This comprehensive guide will explore Australian businesses’ top 10 HR and payroll software solutions, examining their features, pricing, and suitability for different organisational needs.
1. Sentrient HR and Payroll Software
Sentrient is an Australian-based HR and compliance software solution tailored for small to medium businesses and larger organisations. With 600+ organisations across Australia and New Zealand using the platform, Sentrient is a reliable all-in-one solution that efficiently manages core HR tasks. The platform emphasises simplicity, reliability, and Australian compliance.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive payroll processing with Australian compliance
- Employee onboarding and offboarding workflows
- Performance management and review systems
- Leave management and tracking
- Compliance monitoring and reporting
- Document management and storage
- Learning management system
- Employee self-service portal
- AI-powered automation features
Integrations:
- Accounting software integration
- Third-party HR tools
- Australian banking systems
- ATO integration for STP compliance
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- User-friendly all-in-one with payroll, compliance, and engagement tools
- Affordable and scalable, it’s perfect for small businesses that plan to expand to medium-sized businesses over the next few years
- Strong Australian compliance features
- Excellent customer support
- Intuitive interface
Cons:
- Limited global payroll capabilities
- Newer platform compared to established competitors
Best Suited For: Small to medium-sized Australian businesses seeking an all-in-one HR and payroll solution with strong compliance features and scalability options.
Pricing: Contact Sentrient for custom pricing based on business size and requirements. Free demo available.
2. Employment Hero
Employment Hero is a comprehensive Australian HR, payroll, and benefits platform designed to simplify employee management for businesses of all sizes. Employment Hero is a powerhouse platform that combines HR, payroll, recruitment, and employee engagement tools.
Key Features:
- Complete payroll processing with STP compliance
- Employee benefits marketplace
- Performance management
- Recruitment and onboarding tools
- Time and attendance tracking
- Learning management system
- Employee engagement surveys
- Superannuation management
Integrations:
- 100+ third-party integrations
- Xero and MYOB accounting software
- Various banking institutions
- ATO integration
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- An excellent all-in-one solution for Australian businesses
- They’re super focused on ensuring you comply with Australian employment laws
- The employee benefits platform can boost team morale
- Comprehensive feature set
- Strong Australian compliance focus
Cons:
- Some of the fancier features might be on higher-priced plans. Customer support can sometimes be a bit hit-or-miss.
- It can be overwhelming for smaller businesses.
Best Suited For: Medium to large Australian businesses looking for a comprehensive HR and payroll solution with strong employee benefits integration.
Pricing: Plans start from approximately $10 per employee per month, with enterprise pricing available.
3. ELMO Software
Elmo Software provides software-as-a-service, cloud-based human resource (HR) and payroll solutions for organisations in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. Elmo’s payroll software caters to Australian businesses with Australian compliance capabilities. Its payroll solution integrates with broader HR functions.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based HR and payroll processing
- Learning management system
- Performance management
- Recruitment and onboarding
- Workforce analytics and reporting
- Employee engagement tools
- Compliance management
Integrations:
- Microsoft Office 365
- Various accounting systems
- Third-party learning platforms
- Australian banking systems
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- It can offer a scalable solution for growing businesses or large organisations
- Comprehensive feature set
- Strong analytics capabilities
- Established Australian presence
Cons:
- Elmo has limited global payroll capabilities
- It can be complex for smaller organisations
- Higher price point
Best Suited For: Medium to large Australian organisations requiring comprehensive HR management with strong analytics and reporting capabilities.
Pricing: Contact ELMO for custom enterprise pricing based on modules and user count.
4. BambooHR
BambooHR is a global HR software provider offering cloud-based solutions for small to medium-sized businesses, with specific features adapted for the Australian market.
Key Features:
- Employee database management
- Applicant tracking system
- Performance management
- Time-off tracking
- Electronic signatures
- Custom reporting
- Employee onboarding
- Mobile app access
Integrations:
- 100+ third-party integrations
- Popular accounting software
- Payroll providers
- Benefits administration tools
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Strong onboarding capabilities
- Excellent customer support
- Comprehensive reporting features
Cons:
- Limited native Australian payroll features
- Requires third-party integration for full payroll functionality
- Higher cost for smaller teams
Best Suited For: Small to medium businesses prioritising HR management over comprehensive payroll functionality.
Pricing: Plans start from approximately $8 per employee per month, with advanced features on higher tiers.
5. Rippling
Rippling is the modern, full-service, all-in-one HR software built for Australian and global companies. The platform combines HR, payroll, and IT management in a unified system.
Key Features:
- Global payroll and HR management
- IT device and app management
- Benefits administration
- Time and attendance tracking
- Workforce analytics
- Automated workflows
- Employee onboarding and offboarding
Integrations:
- Integrates with over 500+ other apps – talk about connectivity!
- Major accounting platforms
- IT management tools
- Banking systems
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
High-speed payroll processing (they claim 90 seconds—wow!). Modular pricing means you only pay for what you truly need. This is fantastic if you want deep integration across HR, IT, and finance. Seriously impressive automation for onboarding.
Cons:
The pricing can get a bit complex as you add more modules. There is no phone support (it’s all live chat and their knowledge base). There can be a steeper learning curve if you go for highly customised workflows.
Best Suited For: Australian businesses of all sizes seeking comprehensive HR, payroll, and IT management integration.
Pricing: Custom pricing based on modules selected, starting from approximately $8 per employee per month.
6. HiBob
HiBob offers a modern, intuitive HR platform called Bob, designed for mid-market companies focusing on employee experience and engagement.
Key Features:
- People analytics and insights
- Performance management
- Employee onboarding
- Time-off management
- Compensation management
- Culture and engagement tools
- Survey and feedback systems
Integrations:
- Slack, Microsoft Teams
- Popular accounting software
- Various HR and productivity tools
- Australian payroll providers
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Modern, intuitive interface
- Strong employee engagement features
- Excellent people analytics
- Mobile-first approach
Cons:
- Limited native Australian payroll functionality
- Higher price point
- Better suited for tech-forward companies
Best Suited For: Mid-market companies with 200-2000 employees, prioritising employee experience and engagement.
Pricing: Contact HiBob for custom pricing, typically around $15 per monthly employee.
7. Work.it
Work is an Australian-designed workforce management platform that simplifies HR processes for local businesses and offers strong compliance features.
Key Features:
- Australian payroll processing
- Time and attendance tracking
- Leave management
- Employee scheduling
- Compliance monitoring
- Performance tracking
- Mobile workforce management
Integrations:
- Australian accounting software
- Banking systems
- Third-party HR tools
- Mobile applications
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Built specifically for Australian businesses
- Strong compliance features
- Competitive pricing
- Local support
Cons:
- Limited global capabilities
- Smaller user base
- Fewer third-party integrations
Best Suited For: Small to medium Australian businesses requiring workforce management with strong local compliance.
Pricing: Contact Work.it for pricing information based on business requirements.
8. EnableHR
EnableHR specialises in employment law compliance and HR advisory services, offering software solutions backed by legal expertise for Australian businesses.
Key Features:
- Employment law compliance tools
- HR document templates
- Policy management
- Employee relations management
- Legal advisory support
- Workplace investigation tools
- Training and development resources
Integrations:
- Popular HR software platforms
- Document management systems
- Communication tools
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Strong legal compliance focus
- Expert HR advisory support
- Comprehensive policy templates
- Australian employment law specialisation
Cons:
- Limited payroll functionality
- Higher cost for comprehensive features
- More focused on compliance than general HR
Best Suited For: Businesses requiring strong employment law compliance and legal advisory support.
Pricing: Contact EnableHR for custom pricing based on services needed.
9. HappyHR
HappyHR is an Australian cloud-based HR software that simplifies HR processes for small to medium businesses and emphasises user experience.
Key Features:
- Employee database management
- Leave and absence tracking
- Performance management
- Document management
- Employee self-service
- Basic reporting features
- Mobile access
Integrations:
- Australian payroll providers
- Accounting software
- Communication platforms
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Simple, easy-to-use interface
- Affordable for small businesses
- Australian-focused features
- Good customer support
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Basic reporting capabilities
- Fewer integrations than competitors
Best Suited For: Small Australian businesses seeking simple, affordable HR management.
Pricing: Plans typically cost $5 to $10 per month per employee.
10. BrightHR
BrightHR is a UK-based HR software provider offering Australian-compliant solutions for small to medium businesses, focusing on simplicity and affordability.
Key Features:
- Employee record management
- Holiday and absence tracking
- Document storage
- HR advisory support
- Mobile app access
- Basic reporting
- Compliance alerts
Integrations:
- Popular accounting software
- Payroll providers
- Third-party HR tools
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Simple interface
- Good mobile app
- 24/7 HR advisory support
Cons:
- Limited Australian-specific features
- Basic functionality compared to competitors
- Newer to the Australian market
Best Suited For: Small businesses seeking affordable, basic HR management with advisory support.
Pricing: Plans start from approximately $5 per employee per month.
Conclusion
Selecting the right HR and payroll software for your Australian business depends on various factors, including company size, budget, compliance requirements, and specific feature needs. Companies that want one cloud system to hire, pay, manage devices, and automate IT as they scale in Australia and overseas should consider comprehensive platforms like Rippling or Employment Hero.
For businesses prioritising Australian compliance and simplicity, Sentrient offers an excellent balance of features, affordability, and local expertise. Larger organisations may benefit from the comprehensive capabilities of ELMO Software or Employment Hero, while smaller businesses might find better value in solutions like HappyHR or BrightHR.
When evaluating options, consider conducting free trials or demos to ensure the software aligns with your business processes and user experience expectations.
Our Recommendations
Based on our analysis, here are our top recommendations by business category:
- Best Overall for Australian Businesses: Sentrient HR and Payroll Software – Offers the ideal combination of Australian compliance, user-friendly design, comprehensive features, and scalability at competitive pricing.
- Best for Large Enterprises: Employment Hero: Comprehensive feature set with strong Australian compliance and employee benefits integration.
- Best for Growing Businesses: ELMO Software: Scalable solution with robust analytics and comprehensive HR functionality.
- Best for Global Companies: Rippling is excellent for international businesses requiring unified HR, payroll, and IT management.
- Best for Compliance-Focused Organisations: EnableHR – Specialised employment law compliance with legal advisory support.
- Most Affordable for Small Business: HappyHR: Simple, cost-effective solution for basic HR management needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best HR and payroll software for small businesses in Australia?
Sentrient HR and Payroll Software offers affordable, Australian-compliant, and scalable solutions for small Australian businesses. It’s designed specifically for companies that plan to grow and provides enterprise-level features at an accessible price point.
2. How much does HR and payroll software cost in Australia?
Pricing varies significantly based on features and company size. Basic solutions start from $5-8 per employee per month, while comprehensive platforms can cost $15-25+ per month. Most providers offer custom enterprise pricing for larger organisations.
3. What features should I look for in Australian HR and payroll software?
Essential features include Single Touch Payroll (STP) compliance, Fair Work Act compliance, modern award interpretation, superannuation management, leave tracking, employee self-service, and integration with Australian banking and accounting systems.
4. Is cloud-based HR and payroll software secure for Australian businesses?
Yes, reputable cloud-based HR and payroll software providers implement robust security measures, including data encryption, regular backups, and compliance with Australian privacy laws. Look for providers with Australian data centres and ISO certifications.
5. Can HR and payroll software integrate with my existing business systems?
Modern HR and payroll solutions offer integrations with popular Australian accounting software like Xero and MYOB, banking systems, and other business applications. Check integration capabilities before making your selection.
6. How long does it take to implement HR and payroll software?
Implementation timeframes vary from a few days for simple solutions to several weeks for comprehensive platforms. Most providers offer onboarding support and training to ensure smooth transitions.
7. What’s the difference between human resource payroll software and standalone payroll systems?
Integrated HR and payroll software combines employee management, compliance tracking, performance management, and payroll processing in one platform. Standalone payroll systems focus solely on wage calculations and payments, requiring separate solutions for other HR functions.
8. Do I need separate software for compliance management?
Not necessarily. Comprehensive HR and payroll management software like Sentrient includes built-in compliance features for Australian employment laws, reducing the need for separate compliance tools while ensuring you meet all regulatory requirements.
Read More About HR Management:
- The Top 10 HR Policy And Procedure Management Software To Streamline Your HR Operations
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- Best HR Software for Small Businesses in Australia
- The Top 10 Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to Streamline Your Hiring Process
- How to Choose the Best HR Software for Your Industry: Retail, Construction, and Hospitality
