1. Definitiv Evo - Best for complex Australian award rules and shift-based payroll

2. ADP Workforce Now - Best for large and multinational organisations requiring global payroll

3. MicrOpay Evo - Best for businesses needing scalable, compliant, and automated payroll

4. Rippling - Best for fast-growing businesses managing Australian and global payroll

5. Humanforce Payroll - Best for shift-based industries with workforce management and rostering needs

6. Employment Hero - Best for growing businesses seeking integrated payroll, HR, and employee tools

7. ELMO Software - Best for mid-sized businesses needing combined HR and payroll

8. Dayforce (formerly Ceridian) - Best for large organisations needing real-time payroll and workforce management

9. Workday Payroll - Best for enterprise organisations wanting unified HCM and payroll

10. Frontier iChris - Best for government, healthcare, and large Australian enterprises

Disclaimer: Information is based on publicly available data as of January 2026 and subject to change. Features, pricing, and capabilities should be verified directly with each vendor as offerings vary based on specific business requirements and configurations.

The Access Group is a trusted business partner with over 30 years of experience, serving more than 10,000 businesses across Australia. Our reputation is built on customer feedback, verified features, and in-depth industry research. We’re proud of our people and payroll software solutions. Our mission is to help businesses find the ideal solution from our portfolio that meets their unique needs and delivers the best business fit.

Compliance & Award Interpretation

At this scale, manual workarounds become unsustainable. The best payroll software should:

• Automatically apply modern awards across multiple employee types

• Accurately calculate penalties, allowances, and overtime

• Manage STP Phase 2 reporting to the ATO

• Stay current with Fair Work and legislative changes

• Handle complex scenarios such as broken shifts, sleepovers, and multiple EBAs

• Be ready for Payday Super (July 2026)

Scalability & Multi-Entity Support

Mid-to-large businesses need software that grows without disruption:

• Support for 50 to 2000+ employees without changing platforms

• Multi-entity and multi-location payroll processing

• Role-based access controls and approval workflows

• Robust audit trails and reporting

Integration & Ecosystem

At scale, disconnected systems create errors and inefficiencies:

• Integration with ERP, finance, and accounting systems

• Connections with workforce management, rostering, and time & attendance

• APIs to support custom workflows and third-party integrations

• Single source of truth for employee data

Support & Local Expertise

Complex payroll requires responsive, knowledgeable support:

• Australian-based payroll specialists

• Regular compliance updates

• Enterprise-level SLAs and dedicated account management

1. Definitiv Evo

Best for: Complex Australian award rules and shift-based payroll

Definitiv Evo excels at managing highly complex Australian payroll scenarios. Its configurable award engine, integrated workforce management, and AI-powered intelligence allow organisations to automate complex pay rules, gain real-time insights, and maintain compliance across multiple sites and awards.

Core Features:

• 100% configurable Award Engine

• AI-driven payroll intelligence (Copilot, Analytics, Feed)

• Time & attendance (GPS, photo, NFC clocks)

• Scheduling, rostering, and onboarding

• Real-time STP Phase 2 compliance

• Payday Super ready - processing with Beam integration

• Single database—one source of truth

• Real-time visibility into payroll costs

• Integration with ERP systems

• Employee self-service for payslips, leave balances, rosters and personal details

Pros:

• Purpose-built for complex Australian awards and multiple EBAs

• Reduces errors via unified payroll + workforce management

• Strong reporting and cost analysis tools

• All in one workforce management solution

• Secure AI enabled in App

• ISO-certified security

Cons: May be over-featured for simpler payroll environments

Best suited to: Mid-to-large Australian organisations managing multiple awards, sites, and complex labour costing where compliance and operational transparency are priorities.

Learn More

2. ADP Workforce Now

Best for: Large and multinational organisations requiring global payroll

ADP Workforce Now is an enterprise payroll and HR platform designed for large, complex organisations. Its saleable and supports high-volume payroll processing, multi-entity operations, and compliance tools across different regulatory environments.

Core Features:

• Support for multi-country and multi-entity payroll

• Compliance support tools for complex regulatory environments

• Payroll reporting and analytics

• Employee self-service for payslips and details

• Integration with ERP systems

Pros:

• Built for large and complex payroll environments

• Strong global and multi-country support

• Robust reporting and controls

• ISO-certified security

Cons:

• Higher cost than mid-market payroll tools

• More complex to implement and manage

Best suited to: Organisations with 200+ employees requiring highly scalable payroll with strong compliance across Australia and international operations.

3. MicrOpay Evo

Best for: Businesses needing scalable, compliant, and automated payroll

MicrOpay Evo is Australia's long-established payroll platform, now AI-enabled to automate complex payroll processes, deliver intelligent analytics and insights, and support compliance across Australian and New Zealand payroll environments.

Core Features:

• STP Phase 2 compliant payroll processing

• Award interpretation and compliance automation

• Superannuation processing with Beam integration

• AI-assisted payroll insights and analytics

• Integration with broader business systems

Pros:

• Proven reliability and scalability for complex payrolls

• Scales well for large and growing organisations

• AI and analytics provide business insights

• Supports compliance for Australian and New Zealand payroll

Cons:

• Advanced features may require training and implementation support

Best suited to: Australian businesses managing complex payroll structures that need scalable, compliant software with automation and data-driven insights.

Learn More

4. Rippling

Best for: Fast-growing businesses managing Australian and global payroll

Rippling combines payroll, HR, and IT into a single workforce platform. Its key differentiator is unified employee data that automatically syncs across payroll, HR, and compliance workflows. Supports Australian payroll while enabling multi-country payroll from one system.

Core Features:

• STP Phase 2 compliant payroll

• Automated PAYG tax and super calculations

• Unified HR and payroll data model

• Configurable pay rules and wage types

• Time and attendance integrations

• Global payroll capabilities (100+ countries)

• 500+ app integrations

Pros:

• Modern, intuitive interface

• Single source of truth for employee data

• Supports Australian and international payroll

• High-speed payroll processing

• Modular pricing—pay for what you use

Cons:

• Award interpretation requires paid add-on

• No live phone support during Australian business hours

• Broader platform can feel heavy for payroll-only needs

Best suited to: Fast-growing companies looking to unify payroll, HR, and IT, particularly those with global expansion plans.

5. Humanforce Payroll

Best for: Shift-based industries with workforce management and rostering needs

Humanforce delivers payroll as part of a unified HCM platform that combines rostering, time and attendance, and workforce management. It is designed for businesses with complex shift patterns where approved hours, penalties, and conditions flow directly into payroll.

Core Features:

• Integrated rostering and scheduling

• Time and attendance

• STP and STP Phase 2 compliant payroll

• Automated payroll from approved hours

• Employee self-service and mobile access

• Award and EBA compliance automation

Pros:

• Strong alignment between time tracking and payroll

• Workforce management

• Integration with MYOB, Xero, SAP, and Oracle

Cons:

• Less suitable for simple payroll without shift or roster needs

• Not a payroll-first platform

Best suited to: Businesses with shift-based workforces in hospitality, healthcare, aged care, retail, and logistics requiring tightly integrated payroll and rostering.

6. Employment Hero

Best for: Growing businesses seeking integrated payroll, HR, and employee tools

Employment Hero combines payroll, HR, and employee engagement in a single platform. Its integration with the KeyPay payroll engine provides automated award interpretation, while HR tools, onboarding, and benefits make it comprehensive for growing businesses.

Core Features:

• Automated payroll and STP reporting

• Automated award interpretation via KeyPay engine

• HR features: onboarding, benefits, recruitment

• Employee self-service + mobile access

• Accounting integrations (Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks)

• Managed payroll service option

Pros:

• All-in-one HR and payroll platform

• Easy integration with accounting systems

• Supports award compliance

• Australian-based support team

• Regular compliance updates

Cons:

• Less specialised for highly complex awards

• Some features require higher-tier plans

Best suited to: Businesses with 50–500 employees seeking combined payroll, HR, and engagement tools with built-in award interpretation.

7. ELMO Software

Best for: Mid-sized businesses needing combined HR and payroll

ELMO delivers payroll within an integrated, HR-led platform designed for mid-sized organisations. Its modular structure allows businesses to roll out HR and payroll in phases, keeping pay aligned with employee records, contracts, and lifecycle changes.

Core Features:

• STP and STP Phase 2 compliant payroll

• Automated tax and super calculations

• Payroll adjustments from HR lifecycle changes

• Employee self-service for payslips and details

• Strong analytics and reporting capabilities

Pros:

• Modular design allows phased rollout

• Strong fit for structured, mid-sized organisations

• HR and payroll data aligned in one system

• Robust analytics and reporting

Cons:

• Not a payroll-first engine

• Setup can take longer than simpler tools

• Configuration may require vendor support

Best suited to: Mid-sized organisations (100–1000 employees) seeking payroll embedded within a modular HR platform with strong compliance support.

8. Dayforce (formerly Ceridian)

Best for: Large organisations needing real-time payroll and workforce management

Dayforce is a comprehensive cloud platform combining HR, payroll, benefits, workforce management, and talent management in a single application. Its real-time calculation engine updates payroll liabilities as time entries come in.

Core Features:

• Real-time payroll calculations

• STP Phase 2 compliance

• Integrated workforce management

• AI-powered scheduling and compliance

• On-demand pay (Dayforce Wallet)

• Global payroll in 200+ countries

Pros:

• Real-time visibility into payroll costs

• Strong in retail, healthcare, and shift-based environments

Cons:

• Higher implementation complexity

• Better suited to larger organisations (500+)

• Requires dedicated resources for setup

Best suited to: Large organisations (500–2000+ employees) in industries with complex shift patterns requiring real-time payroll and workforce insights.

9. Workday Payroll

Best for: Enterprise organisations wanting unified HCM and payroll

Workday is enterprise payroll software built for complex structures—multiple entities, awards/EBAs, cost centres, and large teams. AI flags outliers early, and approvals and roles keep control tight.

Core Features:

• Enterprise-grade payroll

• STP Phase 2 compliant

• AI-powered anomaly detection

• Real-time dashboards and analytics

• Employee self-service on mobile

• Global payroll capabilities

Pros:

• Unified HCM, payroll, and finance platform

• Built for complex enterprise structures

• Strong analytics and forecasting

Cons:

• Enterprise pricing

• Longer implementation timeframes

• Best suited to organisations with 500+ employees

Best suited to: Large enterprises requiring unified HR, payroll, and finance with advanced analytics and global capabilities.

10. Frontier Software Chris21/iChris

Best for: Government, healthcare, and large Australian enterprises

Chris21 is a long-established payroll and HRIS platform widely used across the Australian government, healthcare, and large enterprises. It handles high-volume, complex payroll with strong compliance capabilities.

Core Features:

• High-volume payroll processing (500–10,000+ employees)

• Complex award and EBA management

• STP Phase 2 compliance

• Comprehensive HRIS functionality

• Strong audit and reporting capabilities

Pros:

• Handles complex compliance requirements

• Strong in the government and healthcare sectors
  
  

• Cons:

• Interface is less modern

• Implementation can be complex

• May require specialist consultants for optimisation

Best suited to: Large Australian organisations (500–2000+ employees) in government, healthcare, and enterprises with complex compliance requirements.

1. Award Complexity: How many modern awards and EBAs do you need to manage?

2. Growth Plans: Will you expand beyond 500, 1000, or 2000 employees?

3. Global Operations: Do you need multi-country payroll capabilities?

4. Integration Requirements: What ERP, finance, or HR systems must connect?

5. Support Model: Do you need fully managed payroll or self-service?

6. Payday Super Readiness: Is the platform prepared for July 2026 changes?

Understanding Australian payroll complexity helps you evaluate which features truly matter. Explore the 10 unique aspects that make Australian payroll different—and why they matter for your software choice.

Choose a platform that handles your award complexity, scales with you, and stays compliant as rules change. 

Get demos of 2–3 options, test your toughest awards, check integrations, and confirm Payday Super readiness. The right system cuts risk and saves time.

Ready to see how simple payroll can be?