2017 Review of Cougar Mountain Software – Denali Payroll

Denali Payroll, like other Denali applications, is an on-premise solution, and does not offer access to the product via the cloud or by mobile device, though users can opt to purchase the SinglePoint Cloud Server add-on, which enables users to access the product from a remote location.

Denali’s main payroll interface screen is set up like a grid that is designed to speed up the data entry process. Users can maintain multiple companies/clients in the product, with users simply choosing the company they wish to process payroll for. Users can easily process after-the-fact payroll, with information entered through the manual check process.

Denali Payroll supports tax tables for all 50 states. All tax reporting and remittance is handled through Aatrix, a provider of tax form processing and e-filing. All state reporting and year-end processes such as annual reports and W-2’s are also handled through Aatrix.

Denali Payroll offers a decent selection of standard reports, with all reports easily customized using Crystal Reports, which is included in the product. Users can also opt to export all system reports to Excel for customization if desired. An employee list, benefits and deductions, employee history, and a variety of tax reports such as taxes payable and a quarterly tax preview are just some of the reports available in Denali Payroll.

Denali Payroll is part of the Denali Suite of Accounting products, integrating seamlessly with other Denali applications, including GL, AR, AP, Inventory, Order Entry, Bank Reconciliation and Point of Sale modules. Additional Denali add-on modules are also available that offer time-tracking, e-Commerce integration and tax updates. Custom integration options are also available, and users also have the ability to import transactions from third-party applications directly into Denali Payroll.

With no direct cloud access, Denali does not offer any client access features such as portals or even access to payroll related data such as paystubs or W-2’s, though a new Cougar Mountain feaure; Denali eDelivery, will allow system users to send payroll information such as paystubs directly to employees via secure email.

Denali Payroll offers users an unlimited number of user-defined fields that can be used to track HR related data such as employee hire dates, scheduled performance review dates, and any related benefit and deduction information. Documents such as job applications, benefit enrollment forms or performance reviews can also be attached directly to the employee file for easy future access.

Denali offers users excellent help and support options including access to the Payroll Essentials Training Videos. Other videos and a comprehensive overview are available on YouTube as well. Product webinars are available, and Cougar Mountain offers comprehensive training options available on-site, online, or at Cougar Mountain headquarters. Product support is available during regular business hours, with both Basic and Priority support options available. Sold separately, the Software Assurance plan offers users access to all product upgrades and service discounts, as well as access to all of the numerous training options available.

Denali Payroll, part of Cougar Mountain Software’s Denali Suite of products, is well suited for the small to mid-sized business owner that is currently using Denali products, or plans to the in the future. Pricing for Denali Payroll starts at $995.00, with other modules or add-on available at an additional cost.

2017 Payroll Rating – 4.5 Stars