2018 Review of Thomson Reuters Accounting CS Payroll

Accounting CS Payroll from Thomson Reuters is part of the comprehensive CS Professional Suite of products. Designed for accounting professionals that actively handle payroll processing for their clients, Accounting CS Payroll can be used as a standalone payroll product, though users will experience greater functionality if the product is used in conjunction with other Accounting CS applications.

Accounting CS Payroll can be deployed as an on-premise payroll solution, or as a hosted application. As an added convenience, client staff can access the application in order to enter employee time or update personal information for their employees. The remote payroll feature also allows users to send payroll schedules, unprinted checks, employee check stubs and W-2 information to their clients, where they can access the data through the NetClient CS or employee portal.

Firms can also opt for the “Check-Based” licensing option, which gives firms everything they need to offer payroll services, with pricing based on output. Offerings include:

• Live payroll processing with Accounting CS Payroll
• Online payroll delivery with a variety of options including secure client portals, remote check printing and more
• Cloud-based services including remote payroll data entry, employee self-service, document management and more
• Comprehensive payroll compliance, including unlimited 940/941 e-filing
• U.S.-based phone support

The Accounting CS Payroll Home Dashboard is designed to expedite the data entry process, with users able to access all of their distinct clients from the dashboard. Quick access to payroll forms, a list of tax due dates, and tax payment information can be accessed from the dashboard as well. Users can choose from a variety of data entry options, including a spreadsheet format or a more detailed tab entry. Accounting CS Payroll offers After-the-Fact capability, and the product offers complete tax tables for all 50 states as well as local tax jurisdictions.  

Accounting CS Payroll offers solid reporting options, with users able to easily customize reports to suit their needs. The product offers a built-in report writer for easy report creation and users also have the option to export all system reports to Microsoft Excel or to save them as PDFs. Reports available in Accounting CS Payroll include Employee Earnings, an Employee Check List, Client Information, and a Deductions Report.

With regard to ACA reform, Accounting CS Payroll allows accountants to stay compliant with changes to healthcare reform, so they don’t have to keep track of all the changes – the changes are made automatically in the software.

All federal tax forms such as 940, 941,943, and W-2’s can be processed in Accounting CS Payroll, with the product offering an electronic filing feature for all federal forms. The product also supports local tax forms for a variety of states, including AL, CA, CO, KY, MI, MO, NJ, NY, OH, PA, and WV. The product also automatically generates all necessary tax payments by the due date that is specified in the system.

Accounting CS Payroll integrates with a variety of time and attendance systems, including, Kronos, SwipeClock, TimeRack, Restaurant Magic, and others. Users can also import time clock data from other third-party applications that support XML or ASCII formats.

As part of the CS Professional Suite of applications, Accounting CS Payroll integrates easily with the other applications in the suite, though integration to third-party applications is limited.

Portal functionality is provided by the NetClient CS portal, which allows users to provide their clients with access to payroll and other related functions, including the ability to enter time remotely, access paystubs, and manage and change personal information if desired. The product also offers a self-service feature that provides employees with the ability to access and print paystubs, W-2’s, and change personal information from any computer, tablet, or mobile device. Payroll data can also be created and delivered to clients, where they can run paychecks in-house.

Accounting CS Payroll includes a variety of HR -related resources, including the optional HR Answer Link, which is a subscription service that includes a variety of HR -related tools and forms that can be accessed through their website. The subscription also includes information on labor laws for each individual state, and also offers a HR handbook template.

Accounting CS offers a solid selection of help and support resources. The product includes a variety of user templates and wizards that are designed to make setup easier. The product website offers a variety of resources, including videos, a product demo, and a series of whitepapers. The Thomson Reuters Help and How-To Center also offers product resources, such as an online knowledgebase, access to all system updates, downloadable files, and product support options available.

Accounting CS Payroll is an excellent option for accounting professionals who have a strategy to focus on their payroll service offerings. Accounting firms can also choose to use the product as a stand-alone payroll solution, if desired. Accounting CS Payroll pricing varies, with users able to obtain a quote from Thomson Reuters.

 

2018 Overall Rating – 5 Stars