The Value of Payroll Automation for Small Businesses in Ontario
Updated: 4 days ago

Understanding Payroll Automation
Many small business owners in Ontario wonder if the cost to automate payroll is worth the price. The answer may surprise you. At Orillia Simcoe Bookkeeping, we put automated payroll to the test.
A Case Study: Dan the Carpenter
Dan, a local carpenter in Orillia, wanted to manage his payroll effectively. Previously, he relied on the CRA account and used a payroll calculator to pay his two employees. After calculating the hours, he would email pay stubs to his staff and make e-transfers from his bank. His accountant handled all the year-end reconciliations and T4 filings, charging him $500 annually for this service. Additionally, he incurred extra charges for recording each paycheck.
Choosing the Right Payroll System
After reviewing options like Ceridian and QuickBooks, Dan chose QuickBooks Payroll Online. Both systems offer full automation of payroll, but QuickBooks stood out for its user-friendly interface.
With QuickBooks, Dan simply logs in, inputs the staff hours, and with two clicks, payroll is processed. Each employee automatically receives a pay stub in their inbox.
Benefits of QuickBooks Payroll
QuickBooks offers several advantages:
Direct Deposit: Employees receive their payments within two days.
Payroll Deductions: QuickBooks can withhold payroll deductions and submit them on your behalf.
Record of Employment (ROE): The system can create ROEs easily.
Year-End T4s: QuickBooks produces T4s and their summaries at year-end.
CRA Integration: It provides a file for easy upload to your CRA account.
Comparing Payroll Services
While Ceridian offers similar features, it requires manual entry of payroll figures into your books. There are many other third-party services that provide automatic payroll solutions.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis
Investing in payroll automation can save time and reduce errors. For Dan, the transition to QuickBooks not only simplified his payroll process but also minimized costs associated with manual entry and accountant fees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, automating payroll can significantly benefit small businesses. It streamlines processes, ensures compliance, and enhances employee satisfaction. If you're considering making the switch, book an appointment with us to assist you with the setup process.
By automating your payroll, you can focus more on growing your business rather than getting bogged down in paperwork.




Great insights! Automating payroll is becoming essential for businesses aiming to streamline operations and reduce errors. Effective payroll administration not only saves time but also ensures compliance and accuracy. Thanks for shedding light on the benefits of moving toward automation—definitely a step in the right direction for modern businesses.