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In-House vs. Outsourced Payroll: What’s Best for Acumatica Users?

Written by Greenshades Software | Jan 22, 2025 2:20:42 PM

As an Acumatica user evaluating payroll, HR, and tax solutions, you’re likely weighing the pros and cons of utilizing an in-house solution like Greenshades versus outsourcing to a third-party provider like ADP or WorkforceGO. Payroll is one of the most critical functions of your business, impacting employees, compliance, and financial management. Choosing the right solution requires understanding your company’s unique needs and how each option aligns with your goals. 

Let’s explore the differences between in-house and outsourced payroll and see how Greenshades stacks up against outsourced providers. 

The Difference Between In-House and Outsourced Payroll

  • In-House Payroll: With this approach, your company maintains control and flexibility over payroll management, allowing you to tailor pay schedules, ensure security, choose banking options, and manage cash flow.  Tasks like payroll processing, pay code calculations, and handling unlimited or off-cycle pay runs stay in-house, giving your team the ability to adapt as needed.
  • Outsourced Payroll: Your payroll functions are delegated to an external provider, including processing payments, required prefunding of payroll, calculating taxes, and ensuring compliance. While this reduces internal administrative burdens, it also shifts control and data security to a third party.

Key Considerations for Acumatica Users 

Control and Customization 

In-house solutions like Greenshades give you enhanced control over payroll processes.  

  • Process unlimited pay runs, off-cycle payments, issues termination pay, and support multiple pay schedules. 
  • Configure unlimited pay codes for diverse pay types (e.g., shift differentials, bonuses, and project-based pay) 
  • Create custom fields to tie labor to projects, clients, work locations, and more. 

Outsourced providers like ADP: 

  • Often operate with predefined processes and limited flexibility. 
  • May charge additional fees for off-cycle pay runs. 
  • Delays in paycheck processing can arise from one-off scenarios, creating challenges for users who value configurability and speed. 

Data Security and Access 

With an in-house solution, your employee and payroll data remain securely within your control. Greenshades’ cloud-based platform integrates with Acumatica, allowing real-time access to payroll data and detailed reporting. This immediate accessibility helps you make informed decisions about labor costs, project budgets, and compliance. 

With outsourced providers, sensitive employee and payroll data is stored and managed by a third party, which may raise concerns about data privacy and security. Additionally, relying on external systems can limit your control over who has access to critical information and how it is handled. 

Cash Flow Management 

In-house payroll offers significant advantages in managing cash flow. With Greenshades, your funds remain in your control until payments are due, allowing you to avoid pre-funding payroll tax accounts. You retain interest on cash balances and gain greater visibility into your financial position. 

Outsourced providers, including ADP, often require pre-funding payroll tax accounts, effectively holding your money until payments are made. This approach can disrupt cash flow and reduce your financial flexibility. 

Costs and Hidden Fees 

Greenshades provides cost-effective payroll solutions with no hidden fees, unlimited pay runs, and transparent pricing. During implementation, features can be tailored to meet the needs of Acumatica users without overburdening your budget. 

Outsourced providers may appear cost-effective at first glance but often charge for additional services, such as per-pay-run fees, multiple EINs, or unexpected adjustments. These hidden costs can add up quickly, particularly for businesses with frequent payroll runs. 

Why Greenshades for Acumatica Users? 

For Acumatica users, Greenshades stands out as an in-house payroll, HR, and tax solution designed to integrate seamlessly with your ERP. With Greenshades, you’ll benefit from: 

  • Configurable Payroll: Set payroll processes to fit your needs, including unique pay types and multiple schedules. 
  • Compliance Confidence: Automate tax filings, ensure accurate withholdings, and stay ahead of regulatory changes. 
  • Real-Time Integration: Connect payroll data with Acumatica for detailed reporting. 
  • Security and Control: Keep your data secure and accessible. 
  • Transparent Pricing: Avoid hidden fees with a solution that provides unlimited pay runs and no pre-funding requirements. 

 

Finding the Right Solution for Your Business 

The choice between in-house and outsourced payroll depends on your business needs. For Acumatica users seeking flexibility, control, and seamless integration with their ERP, Greenshades offers a payroll, HR, and tax solution that supports both operational efficiency and compliance. 

Considering bringing payroll in-house? Learn how Greenshades can simplify your payroll and HR processes while maximizing the value of your Acumatica ERP.