ADP Review: A Better Alternative for SMEs?
An honest comparison of ADP and Accountee. Discover why Australian SMEs are choosing our boutique service model with Big 4 expertise at 40-60% lower cost than enterprise providers.
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About ADP
ADP (Automatic Data Processing) is a global powerhouse in payroll and HR services, with over 70 years of experience serving more than 1 million clients worldwide. Operating in 140 countries, ADP provides comprehensive workforce management solutions ranging from small business payroll to enterprise-level global payroll coordination.
In Australia, ADP offers multiple product tiers including ADP Payline for small businesses (starting at $79/month plus $4 per employee), mid-market solutions, and enterprise global payroll services. The platform handles payroll processing, tax compliance, superannuation, Single Touch Payroll (STP), time and attendance, workforce management, and HR insights with robust automation and integration capabilities.
ADP's strength lies in its enterprise-scale infrastructure, award-winning technology (including Global Payroll Supplier of the Year 2022), and extensive compliance expertise. The company is particularly well-suited for large organizations with complex, multi-country payroll requirements and businesses needing extensive system integrations.
What ADP Does Well
ADP has several strengths that make it a solid choice for enterprise clients
Global Infrastructure
Thousands of professionals across 140 countries providing enterprise-level support and global payroll coordination.
Award-Winning Technology
Recognized as Global Payroll Supplier of the Year 2022 with comprehensive, reliable platform features.
Compliance Expertise
Built-in compliance for Australian regulations including STP, superannuation, and payroll tax with dedicated professionals.
Comprehensive Solutions
Full suite of workforce management tools including payroll, time tracking, HR insights, and benefits administration.
Extensive Integrations
Connects with major accounting, HR, and business systems for seamless data flow across your organization.
Scalability
Solutions for businesses of all sizes, from 1-49 employees to global enterprises with thousands of staff.
How Accountee Compares
A different approach for Australian small to medium businesses
Smaller, More Dedicated Team
While ADP offers enterprise-scale operations with thousands of staff globally, Accountee provides a boutique service model with dedicated teams who learn your business inside and out. You're not just a client number in a massive system—you have a named bookkeeper and accountant who know your history, understand your challenges, and provide proactive advice. This personalized approach means faster response times, better relationships, and more strategic guidance tailored to your specific needs.
Superior Customer Communication
Accountee's smaller size is our competitive advantage. We respond faster, communicate more proactively, and build genuine relationships with our clients. Our ex-Big 4 Australian management team is directly involved in client service, ensuring you always have access to senior expertise. Unlike large enterprise providers where you might wait days for responses or get passed between departments, you'll have direct access to your dedicated team who prioritize your success.
Significantly Better Pricing
Accountee's payroll services start at just $4 per person/pay run plus a simple retainer. Compare this to ADP's small business package starting at $79 per month base fee plus $4 per employee—for a 10-person company running fortnightly payroll, that's $159/month with ADP vs. approximately $80-100/month with Accountee. This represents 40-60% cost savings. We achieve this through our efficient offshore-onshore model, not by cutting corners on quality. You get the same compliance standards and professional expertise, but at a fraction of the cost.
Ex-Big 4 Australian Management
Our leadership team comes from BDO, NAB, and Westpac, bringing Big 4 standards to every engagement. Every piece of work is reviewed by Australian accountants who understand local compliance requirements and business practices. While ADP offers global expertise, Accountee provides focused Australian expertise with senior professionals directly involved in your account. This ensures you get enterprise-quality service with the personal touch and local knowledge of a boutique firm.
Focused Specialization
While ADP serves businesses across all industries and sizes globally, Accountee specializes in recruitment agencies and growing Australian businesses. Our smaller size allows us to go deeper with each client. We don't just process your payroll—we become strategic partners who understand your business model, growth plans, and unique challenges. This focused approach delivers better advice, more valuable insights, and solutions tailored specifically to your industry and growth stage.
Which Solution Is Right for You?
Choose ADP If:
- You're a large enterprise with 1000+ employees
- You need multi-country global payroll coordination
- You require extensive enterprise-level integrations
- Budget is less of a concern than global infrastructure
- You prefer a self-service platform with global support
Choose Accountee If:
- You're an Australian SME with 1-200 employees
- You want a dedicated team that knows your business personally
- Superior customer communication and fast response times matter
- You need Big 4 quality at 40-60% lower cost
- You value relationship-driven service over enterprise scale
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ADP and alternatives
Experience the Accountee Difference
Get Big 4 expertise, dedicated teams, and superior customer service at 40-60% lower cost than enterprise providers. Book a free consultation to see how we compare.