Every year, the IRS fines more than 30% of the small businesses in the country due to payroll mistakes. If you don’t want that to happen to you, then you should get the best payroll services in Calgary.
Fortunately for you, we’ve listed only the best accountancy and HR consultancy firms here. These are the ones we found most capable of delivering high-quality payroll services.
We also have a list of the best online/software payroll services if you’d prefer those, as well as answers to payroll service FAQs. So, be sure to finish the article right to the end!
Table of Contents
What Payroll Services Include
Before you choose a payroll service, you should first know what to expect from a payroll service. This way, you’d know what to inquire about and what to demand during your initial consultation with your prospect company.
Here are some tasks that a payroll service may include:
- Proper filing of payroll forms
- Setting the payroll schedule (monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly)
- Track employee benefits and bonuses
- Factor in and deduct tax payments
- Keep tabs on employee hours, personal info, and start days
What to Look for in a Payroll Service
If you’re looking for online or software payroll services in particular, you have to get something that’s affordable, accessible, and versatile.
Here are the payroll applications that meet these criteria:
- OnPay
- ADP Payroll
- QuickBooks Payroll
- Paycheck
- SurePayroll
- Gusto
But if you have absolutely no idea how accounting works or can’t be bothered to handle even manual input of data into the software, it’s probably best to go with an actual payroll firm.
Given that, you should consider a few things before hiring a payroll firm.
For one, you should partner with a payroll service with significant expertise in accounting and human resources.
Secondly, you have to look for payroll services that are suitable for your industry and business size. A small retail business may use a different model as compared to a big oil and gas company’s system.
You should also check their rates and package features, of course.
Some firms may have cheaper base rates but have fewer benefits and inclusions. Thus, you may end up spending more as you add insurance plans, facility memberships, and other inclusions to your package.
Lastly, you should look for a payroll service company with good communication skills and customer support. Having an open line also means that you can reach them should any problems arise.
How Much Do Payroll Services Cost in Calgary
Monthly payroll service costs should already include payment transfers and deductions for employee benefits. Here are the costs you need to prepare for outsourcing payroll services.
| Type of expense | Price range |
| Base fees | $30-$200 per month |
| Additional costs | $4-$15 per employee |
| Year-end report | $50 per employee |
Companies Offering the Best Payroll Services in Calgary
Now, it’s time we took a look at the best payroll services in Calgary. With any of these companies, you’ll surely start making your company more efficient and financially stable.
1. Wendy Ellen Inc.
| BEST FOR | Excellent communication |
| SERVICES | Payroll services, workplace mediation, mergers & acquisitions, career transitioning, recruitment, leadership coaching |
| WEBSITE | https://wendyelleninc.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 999 8 St SW #715, Calgary, AB T2R 1J5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 815-4336 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
As an HR consultancy firm, Wendy Ellen provides payroll services for small to midsize companies in Calgary. This company prides itself on providing services with little to no bureaucracies.
Thus, Wendy Ellen also guarantees that its payroll services will be snappy and right on time for your set payment cycle. Additionally, it commits itself to transparent and face-to-face communication.
Wendy Ellen also has experience in handling all types of industries, whether it be for not-for-profit organizations or oil and gas companies. Other Wendy Ellen services include recruitment, career transitioning, leadership coaching, and workplace mediation.
Pros
- Affordable and on-time payroll services
- No bureaucratic processes
- Applicable for small to mid-sized companies
- Can handle any industry
- Excellent communication skills
Cons
- Bigger focus on human relations than accounting
Customer Reviews
Learn about what customers have experienced with Wendy Ellen through the reviews below:
“I’ve known Wendy for several years now and have always known her to be professional and knowledgeable in all she does. We recently subscribed to their HR Consult service and it has been a great value. I highly recommend it for anyone with a small business. If you’re looking for a great, no-nonsense guide to HR for your business, check out their book, (The only) HR Best Practice (You’ll ever need).”—Dan Frederick
“Very knowledgeable group and easy to work with! They have really helped our small business with HR concerns over the last few years.”—Tara Viccars
2. Padgett Calgary
| BEST FOR | Yearly reports |
| SERVICES | Payroll services, bookkeeping services |
| WEBSITE | https://padgettcalgary.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 1511 10 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1E8 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 220-1570 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Padgett is a small full-service accountancy firm offering its expertise to its fellow small-business owners. It has been providing reliable payroll services for over 15 years, so clients can relax knowing they’re in skilled hands.
Its complete payroll services guarantee direct deposits, as well as efficient and zero-penalty transactions. Clients don’t even have to input data because Padgett will handle timesheet tracking and conversion.
Additionally, Padgett’s payroll services also come with a year-end report and fully-filled out T4 slips that are ready for submission to the CRA.
Pros
- Yearly T4 forms and summaries
- Personalized and efficient payroll services
- Smooth switching process
- Specialized for small businesses
Cons
- Payroll services limited to up to 50 employees
- Limited to T4 filing
Customer Reviews
Another thing that Padgett offers its customers is transparency, just as these online reviews have shared:
“Daniela was beyond helpful. I went in feeling a bit flustered about starting my own business and not having a clue about book keeping. Daniela walked me through exactly what I needed too. I walked out of her office feeling 100% confident in what I needed to do. Thank you Daniela!!”—Amber Johnson
“Daniela and her team are dedicated, thorough, patient and kind. A breath of fresh air after a miserable experience elsewhere. Highly recommend their services!”—Lee Stanfield
3. Salopek & Associates Ltd.
| BEST FOR | Payroll setup and training |
| SERVICES | Payroll services, recruitment, compensation and benefits, performance management, training and development, planning, downsizing, career transitioning |
| WEBSITE | https://salopekconsulting.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 908 17 Ave SW #213, Calgary, AB T2T 0A3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 681-1232 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Salopek Consulting is yet another HR consultancy firm delivering the best payroll services in Calgary. For its payroll services, it offers more than just setting up a system for a new business because it also helps in training your own personnel.
With these services, you can have your own efficient payroll department in time. Another thing that sets apart Salopek is its ability to step in anytime, so business owners can hire this firm should there be unexpected vacancies.
It caters to all types of organizations, from not-for-profit initiatives to large corporations. Aside from being able to handle all sizes of businesses, Salopek is also well-versed in all types of industries.
Pros
- Handles businesses of all sizes and industries
- Payroll set-up and training
- Temporary payroll services
- 24/7 availability of HR specialist
Cons
- Greater focus on short-term payroll services
Customer Reviews
Learn more about what customers appreciate about Salopek and its services:
“In my role as a benefits consultant, I have had the pleasure of working with Salopek on several occasions with mutual clients. Their consultants are extremely knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the work they do. They are a fantastic resource for organizations who are looking for HR support. I am confident in highly recommending their services.”—Shannon Hughes
“I have used Salopek and Associates directly and also had them provide services for our clients. Their team has been excellent – great to work with, effective results and reasonable rates. They are a solid company with experience and know-how. I highly recommend them.”—Marty Park
4. M M Accounting Services
| BEST FOR | Quarterly reports |
| SERVICES | Payroll services, bookkeeping, accounting, personal and corporate tax, new business registration, file archiving |
| WEBSITE | https://mmaccountingservices.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 7 Westwinds Crescent NE #311, Calgary, AB T3J 5H2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 862-5875 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
MM Accounting prides itself on having business consultants from all over the globe. With this diversity, this accountancy firm can use the latest economic and business practices for its clients’ benefit.
It also markets itself as a reliable payroll service, thanks to its experienced tax team. Other than filing all the correct forms, M M Accounting also handles voluntary deductions and sick and vacation leave tracking so customers can focus on their business.
Aside from these benefits, M M Accounting guarantees a secure online platform. With this feature, you and your employees can access the records anytime and anywhere.
Pros
- Worldwide payroll and HR regulation experts
- Additional payroll services such as workday tracking
- Secure online payroll records
- Quarterly and year-end filings
Cons
- Limited to T4 filing
- Large clientele may make them hard to hire at times due to them being at full or near-full capacity
Customer Reviews
Here are some customer reviews to explain to you why M M Accounting has a positive reputation among business owners:
“Masudul is really helpful and provide responses very quickly. He has the knowledge to help me guide through all the questions I come across over the year.”—Srikanth Sethuraman
“Excellent service; Mr Masuldul Islam from M M Accounting goes above and beyond the expectations and provided awesome customer experience. I would recommend M M Accounting. Kudos!!!”—Wunna Polay
5. The Small Business Accountants Ltd
| BEST FOR | Accessibility of services |
| SERVICES | Payroll services, bookkeeping, financial reporting, insurance and investment planning, accounts receivable and payable services, tax filing |
| WEBSITE | https://smallbusinessaccountants.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 11500 29 St SE #101, Calgary, AB T2Z 3W9 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 257-6235 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
Just as its name suggests, The Small Business Accountants caters to budding corporations right here in Calgary. True to its mission of helping underdogs grow, this firm even offers its services in Filipino, Spanish, and other native languages.
What sets this firm apart is that it can handle and file all types of forms, whether it be T4, T5, or WCB. Its payroll services include records of employment, government remittances, and employee maintenance.
The Small Business Accountants also delivers tax planning, profit & loss statements, and other financial reporting services.
Pros
- Proficiency in nine languages
- Focus on growing small businesses
- Complete payroll services
- Financial reporting services
Cons
- Limited to small businesses
Customer Reviews
Read these reviews from The Small Business Accountant’s long-term clients to know more about how impactful its services can be:
“My Company is East Coast Metals Ltd. I have been with them since August 2004. I would strongly recommend them. They are a pleasure to work with and have helped me out and have made me it as a small business owner very easy.”—Dean Harvey
“I have been a customer of Small Business Accountants Ltd for the past 4 years. They helped me in terms of competent advice to setup my company and have been doing my accounts and payroll since. Staff are very friendly, easy to work with, knowledgeable and respond in a timely manner. Anshu has been exceptional to work with and provided excellent decision making information during some challenging times and also to assist me in strategic decisions as my business expanded to international markets.”—Curt de Gourville
Frequently Asked Questions about Payroll Services
And that concludes our list of the best payroll services in Calgary! All you need to do now is get your financial details ready so you and your chosen payroll company can begin your partnership.
Aside from paying your employees, make sure you offer them the best health insurance in Calgary. The more benefits you provide your employees, the more inspired they’ll be to keep working for your company.
