2012 Review of AccountantsWorld – After-the-Fact Payroll

Strengths

• Web-based remote access
• Multi-client views and dashboards
• Integration with AccountantsWorld suite
• E-filing of federal and state forms

Potential Limitations

• Doesn’t have built-in invoicing capabilities

AccountantsWorld is best known for its Accounting Relief program, a web-based professional accounting system complete with integrated online client bookkeeping. AccountantsWorld web-based offerings include software for live and after-the-fact payroll, document management, website building, practice management and financial planning utilities. AccountantsWorld’s payroll software includes W-2 and 1099 preparation and year-end compliance features. This review looks at their After-the-Fact Payroll offering.

Basic System Functions: 4.75 Stars

After-the-Fact Payroll is a complete SaaS system, hosted on AccountantsWorld’s secure servers from Amazon.com. Users can access the program from anywhere using an Internet connection and logging into their firm’s information system through the customizable home screen. Inside ATF, access can be customized for individual users, granting and restricting access to tasks, modules and clients as necessary.

ATF’s dashboard provides a Client List view, allowing users to select clients at a glance to work with. Staff can sort, search and edit client information easily. The top navigation menu helps users quickly set up and work with employer, employee, payroll and compliance data, as well as generate forms and reports and import data. ATF automatically populates company and employee data and automatically calculates FICA withholding using payroll entries. Other features include quarterly and annual state and federal reporting, unemployment reporting, pre- and post-tax standard and custom deductions, benefits, third-party payments and multiple payroll functions, such as allowances, tips and advance EIC.

Reporting: 4.5 Stars 

ATF supports forms 940, 941, 943, 944, W-2, W-3, 1099-MISC, 1099-I, 1099-R, 1099-S, 1096, 1098, and 945 and e-filing for both federal and state. In order to e-file, users must submit form 8655. Many of the reports were redesigned to create a simpler user interface, including displaying withholding and unemployment reports side by side on a single report.

Users can generate numerous reports, such as payroll reports, summaries and employee lists. They also have access to customizable client communication templates. Client invoicing functions are available through integrating with Practice Relief, which also offers time and billing.

ATF generates all forms in PDF format for viewing on screen and lets users backup data locally or to CyberCabinet. In addition, many forms can also be saved in Word and Excel formats. AccountantsWorld also manages all reporting, printing and mailing of forms through its compliance service option.

Import Capabilities: 4.75 Stars

After-the-Fact Payroll offers full integration capabilities with the suite of AccountantsWorld programs, such as Accounting Relief, Payroll Relief and CyberCabinet. Users can import data in Excel, CSV and XML formats, as well as save data in plain text, Excel, Word and PDF formats.

Help/Support: 4.5 Stars

After-the-Fact Payroll offers an index-based help system that includes tips, guidance and a list of frequently asked questions. The web-based software also provides access to instructions for state and federal forms. The system and tax tables are automatically updated by the vendor and the website includes online help, tutorials and an online user community. Live telephone support is available during business hours and electronic support requests can be submitted at anytime.

Summary & Pricing

After-the-Fact Payroll provides comprehensive year-end and after-the-fact payroll functionality, complete with e-filing and integration with other AccountantsWorld programs. It costs $395 per year, for unlimited use within an accounting firm up to 75 clients and $4 for each additional client.

2012 Overall Rating: 4.75 Stars