2016 Review of RUN Powered by ADP – Payroll for Partners

Product Strengths:

• Cloud based- with an easy to use mobile interface available
• Offers excellent marketing tools to accounting firms that are just beginning to offer payroll and HR services
• Offers a solid selection of HR related tools
• Excellent support options available

Potential Limitations

• Product is not part of a practice management solution

ADP offers a variety of payroll and HR related products to both businesses and accountants. ADP RUN is an offering designed specifically for accounting professionals that desire to add payroll processing to their offerings menu.

From the 2016 Review of Professional Payroll Systems.

Basic System Functions: 5 Stars

ADP RUN is a cloud-based system making it easy to enter payroll data from anywhere you can access a web browser. The Firm View provides users with access to a complete client list, also providing detail on client status (e.g., active, terminated, etc.), next check date, and client type. Clicking on a client will bring up the Admin view of the interface, where users can choose options such as Home, Employees, Company, Reports, Taxes, and General Ledger. The Home screen is easily navigated and features a variety of icons that will take the user to a particular function, so users can easily run payroll, , access HR functions, view reports, and process manual checks.   Graphs are displayed at the bottom of the screen, detailing last payroll information, as well as payroll trends, and a To-Do list is displayed as well. The Home screen can be customized to suit the needs of the user.

Users can choose to enter payroll data in-house, or can provide system access to their clients, enabling them to enter payroll data. Users can then quickly enter payroll, preview the complete payroll, and review the payroll summary prior to processing. Once payroll is completed, users can choose from a variety of options displayed, including printing checks, reviewing and processing reports, and downloading payroll details to the General Ledger. Users can also view payroll liability reports directly from this screen as well. ADP handles all tax filings, including federal, state and local tax filing, as well as tax remittance processing.

ADP includes tax tables for all 50 states, and also includes the ability to process after-the-fact payroll using the manual check options. Direct deposit to up to four separate bank accounts is also supported.

Reporting & Monitoring: 4.5 Stars

ADP RUN offers an excellent selection of payroll and HR related reporting options. Users can simply access the reports section to display reporting options, which include Payroll, Taxes, Benefits, Miscellaneous, and Custom. Payroll reporting options include a Payroll Summary, Payroll Details, and Earnings Record, as well as Earnings by Department, Payroll Liability, and Timecard Comparison reports. Tax withholding reports are also available, and benefits reports include a Deduction Summary, Employee Paid Time Off, Retirement Contributions, and Partial and Missed Deductions. Many reports can be customized, with users able to choose from a variety of date ranges and employee options to be included in each report. Reports can also be exported to Excel for further customization if desired.

Users can also take and maintain control of all payroll clients using the Firm View of the platform, which provides a quick summary of all current clients, and provides quick access to each client’s payroll and HR functions.  

Integration/Import/Export: 5 Stars

ADP RUN allows users to easily import all payroll related journal entries into a variety of third-party accounting applications such as QuickBooks, QuickBooks Online, Creative Solutions, and Xero. Users can also export payroll data using a CSV format to provide additional import capability into other accounting systems. ADP also offers users a variety of payroll related applications that are designed to integrate with the payroll product, which include Human Resource Management, , Health Care Reform Management, ADP’s Pay-by-Pay® Premium Payment Program , Tax and Compliance, and Time and Attendance systems.  

Help/Support: 5 Stars

ADP RUN offers excellent help functionality throughout the product by simply clicking on the question mark icon that is found on user interface screens throughout the product. Users are also provided with access to the CCH Resource Library and Learning Center, and toll-free product support is available during extended business hours. Users also have access to email support as well.

Each accounting firm is appointed their own dedicated sales associate that provides guidance as the system is implemented as well as provide tools for future use.   Accounting firms are also provided with access to the Accountants Help Desk, which is staffed by professionals that can answer any payroll and HR related questions.

Client Self-Service Features: 5 Stars

ADP RUN offers users the ability to provide clients with system access, where they can manage items such as direct deposit information, as well as view current and prior paystubs, and even vacation and sick time accruals. If using the time entry feature, users can also quickly log in and out of the system to easily track working hours. Those with access to the system can also view and print W-2’s and other related forms. Accounting firms can easily brand all portals with their own logo or identifying features if desired.

Advanced Features: 5 Stars

ADP RUN offers a variety of HR tools and resources that users can utilize, including tools that help with compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as well as the ability to create an employee or company handbook using the tools included in the product. The product also offers professional accounting firms a variety of marketing tools such as the ability to create custom brochures and flyers, along with other promotional materials designed to inform clients of new services available.  

Summary & Pricing

RUN Powered by ADP Payroll for Partners is designed for accounting professionals and offers a variety of tools and marketing resources to help solicit and retain new payroll and HR clients. Product pricing is variable, depending on the needs of the firm, and is available on upon request.

2016 Overall Rating: 5 Stars