If you're an accounting firm looking to add payroll services to your offerings, you've likely encountered a critical decision point: Should you go directly through a software provider like isolved, or partner with a firm-focused program like the Whirks Network Partner Program?
Adding payroll services can dramatically grow your firm’s revenue, but only if you choose the right solution. Many firm owners struggle to decide which direction to go. The path you choose will significantly impact your client relationships, revenue potential, and service delivery model.
With over a decade helping firms make this transition, Whirks knows what makes or breaks these partnerships. In this article, we’ll break down both options across critical areas to help you choose the best path for your firm’s growth.
- Target Market & Client Size: Who Are They Built to Serve?
- Technology & Features: Comprehensive vs. Curated
- Service Model: Fragmented vs. Unified
- Pricing Structure: Enterprise Pricing vs. Partner Model
- Key Strengths: Power vs. Control
- Notable Limitations: Complexity vs. Requirements
- Ideal Client Profile: Who Should Choose Each Option?
- Making Your Decision: Critical Factors to Consider
Target Market & Client Size: Who Are They Built to Serve?
isolved direct
isolved is a substantial player in the payroll and HR technology space with over 20 years in business. They've developed a comprehensive platform designed primarily for larger employers. While they accept businesses of all sizes, their sales efforts and feature set target organizations with 200+ employees.
Their business model is split relatively evenly between direct sales to clients and partner networks. This enterprise focus shapes everything from their feature set to their support structure.
Whirks Network Partner Program
The Whirks Network Partner Program takes a fundamentally different approach, specifically designed for accounting firms that want to add or enhance payroll services. Our Partner program is designed primarily for accounting professionals who already provide bookkeeping or tax services and want to add payroll management to their offerings or improve their current payroll services.
This specialized focus means the entire system is built around helping accounting firms maintain control of client relationships while leveraging the Whirks technology platform.
Technology & Features: Comprehensive vs. Curated
isolved direct
isolved offers what could be described as an "everything under the sun" approach to technology. Their platform includes a full spectrum of solutions beyond basic payroll, including outsourced HR, benefits management, FMLA administration, wage services, and more.
While their platform is known for strong functionality, the user interface isn't always the most intuitive. In recent years, they've evolved from being a relatively closed system to offering API feeds for outside integrations, though these can come at a premium price and require significant technical expertise.
Whirks Network Partner Program
The Whirks Network Partner Program takes a more deliberately curated approach to technology. While Whirks partners have access to the full isolved technology stack (through our partnership with isolved), we are selective about which features are offered.
Our approach is different: we understand the needs of accounting firms and prioritize solutions that provide the best user experience.
For accounting firms, this means gaining access to robust technology without the overwhelming complexity or need for extensive technical expertise. Our program emphasizes minimal technology investment while maintaining complete control over client relationships.
Service Model: Fragmented vs. Unified
isolved direct
isolved's service approach reflects its enterprise focus. Clients are often assigned different specialists for each module purchased—one for payroll, one for timekeeping, one for benefits administration, one for ACA, and so on.
While this provides specialized expertise, it can create a fragmented experience for clients who must work with multiple points of contact.
Whirks Network Partner Program
With the Whirks Network Partner Program, accounting firms maintain complete control over the client experience. Partners can continue to manage all client interactions, keeping your brand at the forefront.
With a dedicated Client Success Specialist, Whirks handles the backend processing while the partner manages client relationships. This model allows accounting firms to provide a unified experience under their own brand while leveraging Whirks' technology and expertise.
Pricing Structure: Enterprise Pricing vs. Partner Model
isolved direct
isolved pricing isn't published publicly, but industry estimates place it typically between $17-$20 per employee per month (PEPM) for core payroll services. Additional costs apply for each added module, such as timekeeping, benefits, or ACA compliance. And integration expenses may increase the total investment significantly, especially for businesses requiring custom setups.
Because of this enterprise-oriented pricing model, isolved is typically more cost-effective for larger organizations with complex payroll and HR needs, and less so for accounting firms serving small to mid-sized clients.
Whirks Network Partner Program
Whirks offers a transparent pricing model tailored for accounting firms that want to deliver payroll services under their own brand. Costs are based on our Core Payroll Services and apply at the partner level, not directly to clients. Here’s a breakdown:
- $7.70 PEPM for the first 20 employees; $5.25 PEPM for each additional employee
- $2,000 minimum monthly spend requirement
- $2,500 one-time investment for training and client conversion
- $8 setup fee per new employee added post-implementation (minimum $100 spend)
- Annual fees:
- $75 per FEIN + $5 per W-2
- $125 per FEIN + $7.95 per 1095 (for ACA clients)
While Whirks bills the partner, partners decide how much to charge clients and handle all billing for their clients. This allows you to upcharge for added services, include payroll as part of a broader package, or adjust your fees based on your clients' needs.
This flexibility allows accounting firms to create pricing models that reflect the value they provide and maximize revenue potential. Partners can also earn a 20% discount on ancillary add-ons like Time and Attendance, ACA Services, People Services, and Benefit Services.
Key Strengths: Power vs. Control
isolved direct
isolved's primary strengths lie in its comprehensive technology offerings and ability to handle highly complex requirements.
- Very strong technology functionality
- Extensive feature set for enterprise needs
- More integration capabilities than in the past
- Ability to manage complex, multi-faceted payroll and HR scenarios
For organizations with sophisticated needs and the technical resources to leverage the platform fully, isolved provides powerful capabilities.
Whirks Network Partner Program
For accounting firms, the Whirks Network Partner Program strikes an ideal balance of minimal technology investment with full control over client relationships, keeping your brand front and center. From day one, you're supported by Whirks' team of seasoned payroll professionals who know how to do this right, eliminating the typical learning curve associated with adding payroll.
- Minimal technology investment required
- Focused approach that doesn't overwhelm clients with excessive features
- Complete control over client relationships and pricing
- Revenue opportunities through markup and add-on services
For accounting firms looking to maintain strong client relationships while adding payroll services, these strengths directly address key priorities.
Notable Limitations: Complexity vs. Requirements
isolved direct
While isolved's enterprise focus and complexity might be ideal for larger organizations, these can also be considered limitations, particularly for small businesses like accounting firms looking to add payroll:
- Support structure with multiple points of contact can cause client confusion
- Overwhelming complexity for many users, particularly smaller businesses
- Requires significant technical knowledge
- Enterprise focus may be misaligned with needs of smaller organizations
These limitations can create particular challenges for accounting firms serving predominantly small to mid-sized businesses.
Whirks Network Partner Program
The Whirks Network Partner Program has its own set of limitations to consider:
- $2,000 monthly minimum spend requirement
- Requires dedicated payroll staff within the partner's organization
- One-time investment for training and implementation
- Limited direct control over the underlying technology platform
These factors make the program most suitable for firms with a certain minimum client base and the ability to dedicate staff to payroll services.
Ideal Client Profile: Who Should Choose Each Option?
isolved direct is ideal for:
- Larger enterprises (200+ employees)
- Organizations with complex technical requirements
- Businesses with in-house technical expertise
- Companies seeking a comprehensive, all-in-one platform
Whirks Network Partner Program is ideal for:
- Forward-thinking accounting firms looking to add payroll services
- Firms that want to maintain control over client relationships
- Partners who can meet the $2,000 monthly minimum spend
- Organizations seeking to provide payroll without extensive technology investment
Making Your Decision: Critical Factors to Consider
When evaluating these options, consider these key factors:
- Client Relationship Control. If maintaining direct client relationships under your brand is a priority, the Whirks Network Partner Program offers a significant advantage.
- Technical Resources. Consider your firm's technical capabilities and whether you have the expertise to leverage a complex platform like isolved.
- Client Base Size. The $2,000 monthly minimum spend requirement for Whirks means you'll need a sufficient client base to make the partnership viable.
- Growth Strategy. Think about how payroll fits into your broader service strategy and revenue goals.
- Support Needs. Evaluate whether your team prefers a unified support experience or can navigate working with multiple specialists.
The right choice depends on your specific circumstances, priorities, and vision for your firm's future. By assessing these factors carefully, you can select the option that best aligns with your goals.
Ready to Explore the Whirks Network Partner Program?
Choosing between isolved direct and the Whirks Network Partner Program ultimately depends on your accounting firm’s size, service strategy, and appetite for complexity.
You’re likely exploring these options because you want to offer payroll services without sacrificing client control, profitability, or ease of use.
If you're considering the Whirks Network Partner Program, check out our article, "Inside the Whirks Network Partner Journey: What to Expect in the First 90 Days." It walks you through the onboarding experience, so you’ll know exactly what happens after you say “yes.”
At Whirks, we help forward-thinking accounting firms add payroll profitably—without losing control over client relationships. If that sounds like the right fit for your firm, let’s start the conversation today.
