Payroll Software Comparison for Wineries and CPG Companies
Handling payroll processing is a critical aspect of running your business, but changing regulation, a potentially seasonal workforce, and even tracking overtime hours can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, tech tools are available to streamline your payroll process, ensure compliance, and save you time and money.
Our payroll software comparison for wineries and CPG companies can help you find the right solution to uncork increased operational efficiency.
Top Payroll Software Solutions for Wineries and CPG Companies
We analyzed some available software solutions so you can focus on more exciting tasks, such as selecting the perfect Bordeaux blend. The following payroll software comparison covers features, benefits, prices, and other key considerations for our top picks.
| Software | Tax Compliance | Employee Self-Service | Reporting and Analytics | Suitable Business Size | Price per Month (Base + Per User) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gusto | Automatic federal, state, and local tax filings | Online portal with access to pay stubs, W-2s, and personal info | Detailed payroll and financial reports | Small- to medium-sized wineries | Simple: $40 + $6/employee Plus: $80 + $12/employee Premium: Custom pricing |
| Rippling | Robust labor law and tax regulation tracking | Advanced self-service payroll options that integrate deeply with HR functions | Analytics and customizable reports | SMBs with over 10 employees | Custom pricing based on company needs |
| QuickBooks Payroll | Automatic federal, state, and local tax filings | Self-service portal so employees can access pay stubs and tax forms | Essential payroll and financial reports | Small wineries with fewer than five employees | Core: $45 + $6/employee Premium: $80 + $8/employee Elite: $125 + $10/employee |
| Remote.com | Automatic, country-specific tax filings | Employee portal with access to payroll information from any location | Comprehensive reports that can track global payroll activities | Businesses with remote or international workforces | Custom pricing tailored to business size and needs |
Gusto - Starts at $40 per Month
Gusto is ideal for small- to medium-sized wineries and CPG companies. Key features include:
Automated payroll processing: Gusto handles payroll calculations and direct deposits automatically. You won't have to worry about making manual errors during busy seasons when you're paying extra help.
Employee self-service: Employees can access their pay stubs, W-2s, and personal information through the online portal.
Integration capabilities: Seamlessly integrates with accounting and time-tracking systems, such as QuickBooks, Xero, and TSheets to keep your financial data flowing without errors.
Rippling - Custom Pricing
Rippling is particularly well-suited for larger wineries and CPG companies with more than 10 employees. Let’s look at some core features.
Advanced reporting and analytics: Provides detailed insights into your payroll expenses for informed decision-making. For example, you can analyze labor costs during busy production periods and adjust your staffing accordingly.
Compliance tracking: Rippling keeps you compliant with current labor laws and tax regulations, reducing the risk of costly penalties.
Integration with HR systems: Seamlessly integrates with HR, IT, and accounting systems, creating a unified platform. Employee data is synchronized across the platform, simplifying management and reducing errors.
QuickBooks Payroll - Starts at $45 per Month
QuickBooks Payroll is a user-friendly solution for small wineries with fewer than five employees, streamlining payroll and accounting processes. However, it lacks some payroll software features offered by other solutions, such as the ability to easily add in benefits and 401(k) plans, which may make it insufficient as your winery grows. It does offer:
Integration with QuickBooks accounting software: This lets you create a unified platform for managing your finances. You can track payroll expenses directly in your accounting program, monitor labor costs, forecast budget needs, and generate detailed financial reports.
Customizable payroll schedules: You can set individual payroll schedules for different types of employees, such as full-time sales staff and contracted seasonal workers.
Same-day and next-day direct deposit: Depending on your plan, QuickBooks offers same-day or next-day direct deposit capabilities. This allows payroll funds to stay in your account longer, letting you manage cash flow more effectively.
Remote.com - Custom Pricing
Remote.com is ideal for wineries that hire remote talent and offers features that simplify global payroll and compliance, including:
Global payroll processing: The software manages payroll for employees in different countries so everyone gets paid accurately and on time. For example, if your winery is situated in California but you have remote employees in Europe and Asia, Remote.com ensures each one gets paid according to local regulations and receives the appropriate benefits.
Compliance with international labor laws: The software navigates the complexities of hiring employees across various jurisdictions, helping your winery adhere to local labor laws.
Benefits administration: Remote.com offers comprehensive benefits management for global employees. If your winery hires remote talent, the software can manage health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits based on the employee's country of residence.
Benefits of Using Payroll Software
By choosing the right solution using our payroll software comparison, you can streamline your entire payroll process, freeing you to focus on your craft. Let's look at the key payroll software benefits in more detail.
Improved Efficiency
When you use payroll software, your winery can operate more efficiently thanks to automation and centralized data management. The software automatically tracks employee hours in real time, accurately calculates wages and overtime pay for your workers, and schedules on-time direct deposits and tax filings.
You don't have to contend with clunky spreadsheets, baffling formula changes, or manual data entry that could result in errors. Since your administrative workload is reduced, you're available to deal with operational issues that occur, such as labor shortages or machinery malfunctions, to keep your winery running smoothly.
Cost Reduction
Payroll software can lower your winery's day-to-day operating costs in several ways:
Minimize paper waste and save valuable hours previously devoted to managing physical documents.
Optimize payroll processing with automated tax calculations and direct deposits, lessening the risk of costly manual bookkeeping errors.
Streamline time spent on administrative tasks by combining time tracking, benefits management, and employee records into one integrated system.
Enhanced Compliance
Dealing with payroll compliance can feel like navigating a maze in the dark. But payroll software illuminates the path by handling:
Tax calculations: The software accurately calculates payroll taxes, helping you avoid IRS issues due to incorrect tax withholdings.
Regulation updates: Following the current regulations helps you prevent legal headaches by staying compliant with the Fair Labor Standards Act, which enforces minimum wage, overtime pay, and recordkeeping requirements.
E-filing taxes: Filing taxes electronically saves time and reduces the chance of missing deadlines or losing important documents that could result in penalties from the IRS.
Better Decision-Making
The best payroll software goes beyond crunching numbers, providing insights to empower smarter business decision-making. Here's how:
Real-time data access: You have immediate access to KPIs, such as labor costs by department, employee overtime hours, and seasonal staffing trends. This up-to-the-minute view allows you to optimize staffing based on seasonal needs.
Customizable dashboards: You can create dashboards with the metrics most important to you. For instance, you could have a dashboard displaying labor costs as a percentage of revenue alongside harvest yields, allowing you to monitor whether costs align with production.
Actionable reports: Software allows you to create easy-to-understand reports that highlight trends and patterns. For example, if a report shows high staff turnover and an investigation reveals it's related to your current onboarding process, you can take steps to improve new-hire training.
Considerations When Choosing Payroll Software
Consider these factors when choosing payroll software to ensure it meets your current needs and supports future growth.
Scalability
If you're planning to expand your winery or hire remote employees, the software you choose should handle the increase in employee numbers and have multistate and/or global payroll processing capabilities.
User-Friendliness
Features such as drag-and-drop navigation and customizable dashboards make it easier to complete weekly payroll tasks. Choosing software that's intuitive and easy to use can also help you avoid payroll processing bottlenecks during seasonal busy periods.
Integration Capabilities
Integration with other tools, such as HR management and accounting software, allows you to track staffing information and expenses alongside other data, simplifying budgeting and financial reporting. For example, when managing expenses, including costs for barrels, bottling supplies, and marketing events, having integrated payroll helps you maintain a comprehensive view of your finances.
Vendor Support and Training
Training and support from your software vendor allow for the successful implementation and use of your payroll system. Your vendor should offer comprehensive training programs, troubleshooting assistance, and reliable customer support so you can focus on running your winery without worrying about payroll processing complications.
Optimizing Payroll Processes With the Right Software
Choosing the right payroll software is a strategic investment in your winery's future. Using software lets you streamline administrative tasks, reduce the likelihood of manual bookkeeping errors, and lower your operating costs. It also frees up valuable time, allowing you to focus on crafting exceptional wines and growing your business.
Browse Balanced Business Group's website to read more related articles and learn how we can assist you in optimizing your operational processes. Contact us today for tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of your winery.
