I’ve used just about every payroll processor out there (I’m a CPA, bookkeeper, and interim CFO for 550+ startups) and I can confidently say that Gusto (formerly known as ZenPayroll) is better by a mile than a traditional payroll provider because of the following reasons:
- Easy Online Interface: I know this is going to sound nuts, but other interfaces make finding basic information really difficult. I’ve spent hours trying to generate simple reports from other payroll processors. (Time I could’ve been spending doing more value-add activities!) I’ve even received patently incorrect reporting from a large Business Bank payroll processor.
- Autopilot Feature: If all of your employees are on salary, you can set Autopilot and forget about running payroll. It just runs for you. Are there other processors that out there that take 10 min to log in to and “push a button”? Sure. But all it takes is one time to forget to log in, and suddenly you have a mob of angry employees. Don’t risk it.
- Late Payroll Taxes: Many other payroll processors that I’ve worked with have at some time or another forgotten to file a 941 or DE9. This has never happened with Gusto. They file all your taxes automatically and on time.
- Competitive Pricing: It’s really cheap. But I’d still use if it was 3x more expensive because the peace of mind that Gusto gives is priceless.
- World Class Customer Support: payroll is a time sensitive and emotional endeavor. Your employees really care about getting paid on time and for their full amount due. The ZP support team (thank you Travis!) understands this and leaps into action when called. They understand the urgency.
We trust Gusto with hundreds of our clients’ payrolls. However, there is a new(ish) player that is taking market share with a low price and set of features that are pulling ahead of Gusto - Rippling. You may wish to consider Rippling if you haven’t set up payroll yet - visit our Gusto vs Rippling teardown to learn more. If you’re looking for an overview of the leading payroll companies that serve funded startups, visit our best payroll systems article.
We also have some strong opinions, and deep experience, on which business banks are best for startups. Read our article before you open a checking account or set up that wire for your seed funding!
Vanessa Kruze, a seasoned CPA, has an impressive track record prior to establishing Kruze Consulting. Her experience includes pivotal roles at Deloitte Tax and as a controller for a substantial startup with over 120 employees and $20 million in revenue. Under her leadership, Kruze Consulting has emerged as a distinguished CPA firm, recognized on the Inc 5000 list for five consecutive years, illustrating rapid growth and success in the competitive accounting landscape. Vanessa's unique approach, combining deep industry knowledge with advanced automation and software solutions, has positioned her firm as a leader in providing comprehensive accounting services to startups across the United States.
