Rippling Review: A Better Alternative?
An honest comparison of Rippling and Accountee. Discover why growing businesses are choosing our boutique service model with Big 4 expertise at significantly lower cost.
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About Rippling
Rippling is a modern, all-in-one workforce management platform that combines HR, payroll, IT management, and spend control in a single unified system. Founded in 2016, Rippling has grown rapidly by offering a comprehensive solution that replaces multiple point solutions with one integrated platform.
The platform's key differentiator is its unified data model—because all systems are built together rather than acquired separately, they share data seamlessly. This enables powerful automation workflows, like automatically provisioning laptops and app access when a new employee is hired, or instantly revoking all access when someone leaves.
For Australian businesses, Rippling handles local payroll compliance including PAYG, SuperStream, and Single Touch Payroll reporting. The platform also manages benefits, time tracking, performance management, learning management, device management, and corporate spend—making it a comprehensive solution for companies wanting to consolidate their tech stack.
What Rippling Does Well
Rippling has several strengths that make it a popular choice
Unified Platform
All systems built together, not acquired separately, enabling seamless data flow and powerful automation across HR, payroll, IT, and spend.
Modern Interface
Clean, intuitive design that's easy to navigate, with mobile apps that make employee self-service simple and accessible.
Powerful Automation
Automate complex workflows across departments, from onboarding to offboarding, reducing manual work and errors.
Comprehensive Features
Covers HR, payroll, benefits, time tracking, performance management, learning, IT management, and spend control in one place.
Strong Reviews
4.9-star ratings across G2, Capterra, and Software Advice, with recognition from PC Magazine as Editor's Choice.
Global Capabilities
Supports international payroll and compliance, making it suitable for companies with global teams or expansion plans.
How Accountee Compares
A different approach to payroll and accounting services
People Over Software
While Rippling offers impressive software, Accountee provides a service-driven approach with dedicated teams who learn your business inside and out. You're not navigating software alone—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 outcomes, and strategic guidance that software alone can't provide.
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. You won't get lost in a large organization or wait days for responses to urgent questions—we're here when you need us.
Dramatically Better Pricing
Accountee's payroll services start at just $4 per person/pay run plus a simple retainer. Rippling starts at $8+ per employee per month for the base platform, with additional costs for each module you add (benefits, time tracking, performance management, etc.). For a 20-person company, this difference can mean $3,000-5,000+ in annual savings with Accountee. We achieve this through our efficient offshore-onshore model, not by cutting corners on quality.
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. This ensures you get enterprise-quality service with the personal touch of a boutique firm—something software platforms can't replicate.
Focused Simplicity
Rippling's comprehensive feature set can be overwhelming for businesses that just need excellent payroll and accounting services. Accountee focuses on what matters most—accurate payroll, compliant BAS reporting, and strategic financial advice. We don't try to manage your IT or provision devices. We do payroll and accounting exceptionally well, with dedicated teams and personalized service.
Which Solution Is Right for You?
Choose Rippling If:
- You need comprehensive HR, IT, and spend management alongside payroll
- You're a tech-forward company comfortable with software-first approaches
- You want to consolidate multiple systems into one platform
- You have global teams requiring international payroll
- Budget is less of a concern than comprehensive automation
Choose Accountee If:
- You want dedicated teams that know your business personally
- Superior customer communication and fast response times matter
- You need Big 4 quality at 50-70% lower cost
- You're a recruitment agency or growing business seeking strategic advice
- You value relationship-driven service over software features
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Rippling and alternatives
Experience the Accountee Difference
Get Big 4 expertise, dedicated teams, and superior customer service at a fraction of the cost. Book a free consultation to see how we compare.