Thomson Reuters — Payroll CS 2008

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From the Sept. 2008 Review of Professional Payroll Systems

The Payroll CS system from Thomson Reuters, formerly Thomson Tax & Accounting, is a professional payroll management suite designed for accountants and other providers of financial services to small businesses. The program supports all states, provides multi-account direct deposit of employee payroll and electronic third-party payment capabilities, and can be used to electronically file state and federal reports. Payroll CS options also include various online tools, including client-side data entry and collaboration functions.

As a part of the larger CS Professional Suite line of accounting programs, Payroll CS integrates with options for client write-up, trial balance, engagement management, tax compliance and paperless practice management. Pricing for Payroll CS includes all tax table updates and starts around $1,500 for a system designed for providing payroll services for up to 20 client businesses. Alternately, firms wishing to refer their client payroll processing can opt for Thomson Reuters’ myPay Solutions service bureau offering.

DATA ENTRY & KEY FEATURES – 5 Stars
Geared toward accountants providing a broad array of services to clients, Payroll CS opens within the CS Professional Suite Accounting interface’s Home Page, which provides access to a master client selection screen along with quick links to firm tasks, forms, e-filing information and other program modules. Client selection options provide limited search and filter capabilities. Within the Payroll CS area of the accounting suite, a split-screen window provides intuitive icons for specific tasks, such as manually entering payroll data, printing checks, running reports, maintaining employee and vendor data, and generating transmittal letters.

When working with client files or creating new clients or adding employees, templates and task checklists can be used to speed the process. The system also offers an edit function that enables users to make global changes across all employees of a client business or on specific groups and departments.

Time data is entered via customizable entry sheets that give a view of each employee, with salaried employees’ data self-populating and automatically calculating based upon employee-specific pay and company defaults. It also allows overrides as well as entry of vacation, sick leave and other information, which can be tracked. Fields on data-entry screens can be turned off, if desired, and several smart entry fields provide lists for selecting common information.

Payroll CS can handle virtually any number of voluntary and involuntary pre- and post-tax deductions and offers payment functions for remitting withheld funds. These can include 401(k)s, union dues, cafeteria plans, child support, garnishments, insurance and others. Additional user-oriented tools include a gross-up calculator and ticklers for reminding users of specific tasks or due dates.

Among its web-enabled features, firms using Payroll CS can take advantage of remote client data entry, which reduces the time spent on routine tasks. Also available is the Remote Payroll Check Printing option, which works through Thomson Reuters’ NetClient CS portals, a secure online collaboration tool that allows the firm to provide all of the back office payroll processing and electronically provide employers with print-ready checks and pay statements that can be prepared in-house by the client. The optional Web Employee function extends this convenience to client employees, allowing them to securely access historical pay statements and W-2s, as well as submit updated personal information and W-4s.