If your accounting firm is thinking about adding payroll, you’re likely trying to avoid the common pitfalls. We're talking about spending too much time on admin tasks, struggling with rigid or limiting software, or being forced to switch platforms as clients grow.
You may have come across two common options: Payroll Relief, a low-cost, white-labeled system for accountants, and Whirks Network Partner, a full-service partner program curated for accounting firms.
At Whirks, we’ve worked with several accounting firms that started with Payroll Relief and later needed more comprehensive solutions.
In this article, we’ll compare both platforms across features, pricing, and service models to help you choose the best option for your firm’s long-term growth.
- Understanding Payroll Relief and Whirks: Company Backgrounds
- How Payroll Relief and Whirks Compare on Core Features
- How Service Models and Support Affect Your Client Relationships
- Understanding How Pricing Structures Impact Your Profitability
- Which Solution is Right for Your Accounting Firm’s Client Base
- Why Accounting Firms Switch from Payroll Relief to Whirks
- Key Questions to Consider When Making Your Payroll Decision
Understanding Payroll Relief and Whirks: Company Backgrounds
Payroll Relief
Payroll Relief is a cloud-based payroll system built specifically for accounting firms. As part of AccountantsWorld, they've been in operation for just over 20 years and position themselves as a low-cost, white-label solution that accounting professionals can offer to their clients. Their platform focuses primarily on basic payroll processing with limited add-on capabilities.
Whirks Network Partner Program
Whirks offers a comprehensive platform that goes beyond basic payroll, with a range of services including Payroll, Time and Attendance, Benefits Administration, and People Services. Rather than just offering software, Whirks serves as a true partner to accounting firms looking to expand their service offerings without increasing administrative burden.
How Payroll Relief and Whirks Compare on Core Features
When evaluating payroll platforms for your accounting firm, core features and capabilities have a direct impact on both your operational efficiency and the service level you can provide to clients. The differences between basic payroll processing and comprehensive payroll, benefits and HR solutions become especially apparent when comparing specific functionalities. Let’s examine how Payroll Relief and Whirks stack up across five critical areas that affect your daily operations and client service capabilities.
Payroll Processing
Payroll Relief
Payroll Relief includes standard payroll processing features like tax filing, new hire reporting, and direct deposit. The system is designed to be operated by the accounting firm on behalf of their clients.
Whirks Network Partner Program
Whirks includes additional capabilities such as garnishment management, complex pay rules, and multi-state taxation, which may be beneficial for firms serving clients with more complex needs. Our platform can be accessed directly by both accounting firms and their clients.
Technology & Integrations
Payroll Relief:
Payroll Relief operates largely as a standalone system with limited third-party integrations.
Whirks Network Partner Program
Whirks, by contrast, integrates with a broader range of business applications, which can reduce duplicate data entry and improve workflow efficiency for firms with more complex tech stacks.
Reporting Capabilities
Payroll Relief
Payroll Relief includes pre-configured reports but does not currently support custom report building.
Whirks Network Partner Program
Whirks provides both standard and customizable reporting tools, which may benefit firms needing tailored insights.
HR & Benefits Administration
Payroll Relief
Payroll Relief is limited to basic payroll functionality with minimal HR features. Benefits administration is basic or non-existent.
Whirks Network Partner Program
Whirks offers comprehensive HR and benefits administration capabilities, including onboarding, benefits enrollment, ACA compliance, and employee self-service portals.
Client Access
Payroll Relief
The accounting firm’s clients typically have limited direct access to the system. The accounting firm acts as the intermediary for most requests and functions.
Whirks Network Partner Program
Both accounting firms and their clients have appropriate access levels to the system, allowing for self-service where desired while maintaining proper oversight.
How Service Models and Support Affect Your Client Relationships
Payroll Relief
Payroll Relief uses a white-label model that allows accounting firms to present their services as their own offering. This approach means that the firm must handle all client support requests, functioning as the primary interface between clients and the payroll system.
Training resources for accounting firms are relatively limited, and implementation typically focuses on essential payroll functions rather than comprehensive setup. While this model maintains the accounting firm’s branding, it places the administrative burden square on the firm’s shoulders.
Whirks Network Partner Program
Whirks supports both the accounting firm and its clients directly, while keeping the firm’s brand front and center. This shared service approach can reduce the number of day-to-day tasks handled by the firm’s team and maintain your position as the trusted advisor.
We offer comprehensive training for both accounting firm staff and their clients, coupled with a thorough implementation process that addresses payroll, HR, and benefits needs. The result is a service model that allows your firm to focus on high-value activities while still offering comprehensive payroll solutions.
Understanding How Pricing Structures Impact Your Profitability
Payroll Relief
While Payroll Relief pricing isn't published publicly, it is positioned as one of the lowest-cost entry points for accounting firms starting to offer payroll services. Their wholesale model allows firms to purchase at wholesale rates and markup services for their clients, creating potential profit margin opportunities.
However, this volume-based pricing structure, which factors in the number of clients, employees, and payroll runs, can quickly increase cost as your client base grows.
Additionally, the platform has limited add-ons available due to its minimal feature set, which means that serving clients with more complex needs often requires bringing in additional vendors at additional costs.
Whirks Network Partner Program
Whirks offers a transparent pricing structure that makes costs predictable and scalable. Costs are based on our Core Payroll Services and apply at the partner level, not directly to clients. Here’s how it breaks down:
- $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 there is a higher initial investment compared to Payroll Relief, our program offers add-on services that can eliminate the need for multiple vendors and platforms as client needs grow.
Which Solution is Right for Your Accounting Firm’s Client Base
Accounting Firms That Benefit Most from Payroll Relief
- Accounting firms just entering the payroll services space
- Practices serving primarily micro-businesses (1-5 employees)
- Firms comfortable with significant hands-on administration
- Accountants whose clients need only the most basic payroll functions
- Practices operating in a low-tech environment
Accounting Firms That Benefit Most from the Whirks Network Partner Program
- Forward-thinking accounting firms looking to expand service offerings
- Practices with growing clients who need more than basic payroll
- Firms wanting to reduce administrative burden on staff
- Accountants seeking to offer a technology-forward solution
Why Accounting Firms Switch from Payroll Relief to Whirks
Common Pain Points That Drive Firms Away from Payroll Relief
Some firms report outgrowing Payroll Relief as client demands evolve. They cite limitations in reporting, integrations, and advanced features as factors driving the transition.
Perhaps most critically, firms frequently face client requests for features beyond basic payroll that simply can’t be fulfilled within the Payroll Relief ecosystem.
Benefits Accounting Firms Realize After Switching to Whirks Network Partner Program
Accounting firms that transition to Whirks consistently report having more time to focus on high-value accounting services instead of routine payroll administration. They gain the ability to serve clients through their entire growth journey without needing to transition them to new platforms as requirements become more sophisticated.
Perhaps most importantly, firms experience improved client satisfaction and retention as they’re able to meet evolving needs with a single comprehensive solution rather than piecing together multiple platforms.
Key Questions to Consider When Making Your Payroll Decision
When deciding between Payroll Relief and Whirks, consider these key questions:
- What are the growth trajectories of your typical clients?
- How much administrative time can your team dedicate to payroll services?
- Do your clients need services beyond basic payroll processing?
- How important are technology integrations to your practice?
- Are you looking to minimize costs or maximize service capabilities?
Making the Right Payroll Choice for Your Accounting Firm’s Future
Choosing a payroll platform is about more than cost. It’s about fit, functionality, and the ability to grow with your clients.
Whether you need something basic like Payroll Relief or a more full-service solution like the Whirks Network Partner Program depends on your clients’ complexity and your internal capacity.
At Whirks, we understand that choosing the right platform is about finding a partner who supports your accounting firm's journey. We're committed to helping you find the solution that best serves your practice and clients.
Ready to learn more? Check out our article, "Inside the Whirks Network Partner Journey: What to Expect in the First 90 Days" to learn exactly what your Whirks onboarding experience will look like.
Not sure which solution is right for your accounting firm? If you'd like guidance on what’s best for your firm—even if that’s not us—we're here to help.
