Checkmark´s Payroll for Windows
There are many benefits and disadvantages to having your accounting and payroll information either installed on your desktop or to have your information accessible from the Internet. Users don´t need to worry about losing control of their confidential information as web-based applications still give users control over managing their employee data. The primary difference between the two methods of deployment is simply that instead of the information being stored on your company´s desktop, that it now will reside on the ASP´s web servers. This transposition of data and services has proven to be an excellent alternative for businesses both large and small as information can be readily accessed in real time by a multitude of geographically dispersed users.
Web-based payroll applications are still able to provide the basic functions available from software programs such as accounts receivable/payable, general ledger, invoice creation, purchase orders, and other accounting and business documents.
However, similar to other web-based HR systems, users agree that web-based payroll and accounting systems are still not comparable to a more traditional software program. The primary weakness of web-based payroll applications is simply that they are less powerful and flexible overall compared to traditional desktop programs. For example, web-based accounting programs often lack specific features and functionality that are required of particular industries or environments such as manufacturing.
Other preferences to desktop version include the ability to maintain and house your own data on your own computers and the still unstable and intermittent connection of the Internet for some companies. In addition, although increasingly less common is the speed that companies access the Internet. Fewer companies are relying upon dial up access considering how slow it is compared to cable or DSL access. Reliance on the Internet as a sole provider of information could be hazardous especially if the company experiences a disconnect or frequent down times from the Internet.
The CPA Software News states that the basic functions that companies should look for when deciding on an appropriate software package include:
Other useful functions you may want to consider are:
Here´s a desktop payroll product, Payroll for Windows (PFW) developed by Checkmark Software. They have been developing payroll and accounting software since 1984 and have versions available both for Windows and Macintosh.
What is Payroll for Windows?
PFW´s is a complete payroll program that can be combined with Checkmate´s accounting program MultiLedger or be used as a standalone product. Affordable and user-friendly, this very basic payroll system can assist small U.S. companies with their general processes by automating calculations, managing payroll information, and printing reports and checks.
Who is Payroll for Windows ideally designed for?
PFW´s is best suited for the needs of a small sized company of ideally fewer than 100 employees.
Features include:
Payroll For Windows 3.5 pricing is only $249.
Updates and new manuals are $99.
Demonstration
When you first open up the program, you are presented with a brightly colored green main screen dotted with numerous menu buttons. The interface clearly presents the 33 options available to the user. The options are divided into the following three categories: Set up, Payroll Processing, and Reports.
The screens are not over crowded and there is functional consistency across the various screens and menus.
One of the benefits using PFW is that you don´t need to worry about updates to federal and state tax conversions. Updates are automatically added to the system and users are subsequently notified of the change.
The reporting tool is easy to use and straightforward. Users simply select the function using the main menu buttons, the employee/s the user wants included in the report and then selects using radio buttons, the information to be included and the month or reporting timeframes. The program simply displays all of the options that are available for the user, thereby make the decision process simple, and increasing the power of the reporting tool. It includes all of the necessary and desired payroll reports and includes reports such as employee information reports, wage reports, deductions reports, department reports, and even state unemployment reports. However, although small companies will find an abundance of required reports, the actual reporting tool is non customizable.
Although I may consistently proclaim the benefits of web-based applications, I strongly disagree with trying to fit technology into systems where it doesn´t belong. In fact, people would be naïve to think that technology can truly solve their system and process problems.
For small companies that have decided to keep with perhaps more than 10 to 15 people, Payroll for Windows is an excellent solution to manage their payroll processes. The product is inexpensive, the vendor is reliable and the program is easy to use. In combination with MultiLedger, the two programs can easily meet the payroll and accounting needs for small businesses.
Where software vendors make extra money is on the requirement to purchase updates for the system. With a payroll system, it is mandatory that businesses keep up to date on their tax calculations. This annual update, although not expensive is required. Whether a company has decided to purchase a software program or subscribe to a web-based application, it´s likely that the web-based subscription will not be cost-effective for a small company in the long run as they are typically priced on a per user per month basis including a one time implementation fee. Small companies usually will not have enough users to make subscribing to a web-based application worthwhile.
One of the drawbacks of PFW is that the software does not generate fileable forms; however, it can print out W-2´s, W-3´s, and 941´s.
Overall, this is a good and affordable option for small companies; however, the product does have its limitations. Users should be well versed in payroll processes before assuming an easy transition to understanding and navigating through the numerous menus and functions.
About the company
"CheckMark Software has been dedicated to providing, fast, easy-to-use, affordable accounting and payroll solutions to small and medium-sized businesses since 1984.
CheckMark became one of the first companies to roll out accounting software for the Mac when it launched General Ledger in 1985, CheckMark Payroll in 1986 and MultiLedgerTM in 1987. A Windows version of CheckMark Payroll debuted in 1994, and MultiLedgerTM for Windows was released in 1998.
CheckMark Software, Inc. was founded by Jim Mathre, a CPA with a keen interest in computing, and Bob Roeder, a programmer, with a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Iowa State."
724 Whalers Way, Bldg H
Fort Collins, Colorado
80525
800.444.9922