When payroll bureaus and accountants evaluate their current payroll platform and consider moving elsewhere, they’re looking for something that truly supports multi-client operations and makes life easier – not more complicated. Two platforms often in the frame are FreshPay and Employment Hero. Here’s how they compare, and why FreshPay is a strong choice for bureaus.
Employment Hero
Often positioned as an all-in-one “EmploymentOS” covering HR, payroll, recruitment, leave, timesheets – this breadth is strong in many cases but can add complexity. While it offers payroll functionality, it’s wrapped inside a wider HR solution rather than built specifically for bureau-style payroll management.
FreshPay
Built by payroll professionals, for payroll professionals. The focus is purely on payroll (especially multi-client, bureau-style) and support for the tasks that matter most: pay runs, pensions, employee portals, employer portals, and streamlined workflows. This narrower focus means fewer distractions and more alignment with what bureaus actually do.
Verdict: If you’re running payroll for multiple clients, FreshPay’s niche focus gives it an edge.
Employment Hero
Has strong claims around automation and broad HR-tool migration, and includes data import features.But some user reviews raise concerns around complexity, visible in tiered plan structure and user experience comments.
FreshPay
Offers a migration-friendly approach tailored for bureaus: data imports, implementation support, dedicated onboarding, all aimed at getting you ready to process faster and with fewer risks. The narrower toolset means less unnecessary setup complexity.
Verdict: FreshPay tends to make the switch easier and more focused, especially when the objective is purely payroll.
Employment Hero
Support exists but as part of a larger platform and support system, which can sometimes mean slower access or less specialised payroll-team availability. Example reviews note delays in getting immediate payroll help.
FreshPay
One of FreshPay’s key differentiators. Live drop-in support sessions twice daily, weekday-based, focused on payroll issues; plus onboarding resources, video guides and dedicated help. The support team knows payroll, not just HR modules.
Verdict: FreshPay wins for accessible, specialised payroll support, something bureaus value highly.
Employment Hero
Covers many features: payroll, leave, timesheets, HR components. Integrations are broad (HR, accounting, time & attendance). Good for businesses that want one system for everything.
FreshPay
Features built specifically for payroll-bureau tasks: automatic pension submissions, client/employee portals, department net-pay splits, payrolling of benefits, multi-employer workflows, accounting software integration (Xero, QuickBooks, Telleroo, etc). The feature roadmap is driven by bureau feedback.
Verdict: If you need a payroll platform for many clients with dedicated payroll features, FreshPay is built for that.
Employment Hero
Has tiered plans depending on modules (free payroll version, standard, premium) and includes large HR/engagement features built-in. For bureaus with many clients and payrolls it may lead to increased cost for features not always required.
FreshPay
Transparent pricing based on employer count, built for bureau scale without hidden extras. No need to pay for modules you don’t use. Flexible contract options help when clients scale up or down.
Verdict: FreshPay’s payroll platform tends to offer more transparent, bureau-friendly pricing.
For bureaus, accountants or bookkeepers managing payroll for multiple clients, choosing the right platform means matching toolset, support and pricing to your workflow and scale.
FreshPay is built for that environment – focused on payroll at scale, quick onboarding, and specialised support.
Employment Hero is a robust choice if you also want HR, recruitment and timesheets bundled in, but that may add complexity. If you’re ready to evaluate and are looking purely for a future-ready payroll platform that supports your bureau’s growth, consider booking a free demo of FreshPay or starting a 30-day trial.
