Are you an accounting firm comparing payroll partner programs, but finding it hard to get real answers?
Maybe you're stuck between PeopleWorx and the Whirks Network Partner Program. You’ve looked at websites, sat through some sales calls, and still don’t have clear answers on pricing, service models, or what kind of partnership you're actually signing up for.
When researching payroll partner programs, it’s common to encounter limited public information, especially around pricing and support structures.
In this article, you’ll get a side-by-side comparison of PeopleWorx and the Whirks Network Partner Program. We’ll break down:
By the end, you’ll have everything you need to make a confident, well-informed decision about which payroll partner is better aligned with your firm’s goals.
This comparison is written from Whirks’ perspective and is based on publicly available information, internal experience, and feedback from accounting firms who have worked with both programs.
Some payroll partner programs make it difficult to understand what you're signing up for until you're deep in sales conversations. So, it's not always easy to get a clear picture of costs, support models, or the role your firm will play ahead of those conversations.
That’s especially frustrating if you're trying to build payroll as a serious revenue stream, not just offer it as a pass-through service.
Both PeopleWorx and Whirks offer accounting firms access to the full isolved platform, which includes payroll, HR, and benefits administration. So, on paper, the technology is the same.
What’s different (and what really matters) is how each company builds its program around that technology: the pricing structure, the support model, the partnership philosophy, and the level of transparency you can expect.
Let’s take a closer look at how these two programs stack up.
One of the first and most fundamental differences between PeopleWorx and Whirks is how they structure their partnership options.
PeopleWorx offers three ways to partner/work with them:
For some firms, this flexibility is a benefit. For others, it may raise questions about how much strategic focus is placed on any single partnership model.
Whirks offers two distinct and deliberately separate programs:
Whirks keeps these partnership paths distinct, with the Network Partner Program built specifically for firms that want payroll to become a real, revenue-generating service, not just a technology add-on.
The question you need to ask yourself is: "Do I want a partner that's laser-focused on helping me succeed with a specific model?"
If you’ve tried to find PeopleWorx’ partner pricing online, you’ve probably noticed it’s not there. You’ll need to book a sales call to get a basic idea of what you might pay. Even then, pricing can vary firm to firm.
By contrast, Whirks publishes all of our Network Partner pricing directly on our website, with no surprises or hidden fees.
While PeopleWorx doesn’t publicly share their pricing, we’ve gathered estimates from accounting firms that have previously worked with them. Here’s what we’ve consistently heard:
Since pricing is negotiated behind closed doors, rates and fees may vary significantly. That can make it difficult to estimate your margins, plan your pricing, or even compare apples to apples.
However, some firms prefer negotiated pricing because it can allow for customization based on volume, service mix, or long-term commitments. For firms with larger clients or unique needs, this approach may be appealing.
Our pricing is published on our website for anyone to see:
You can review all of this before ever scheduling a call with us.
If predictable pricing and full transparency are priorities for your firm, Whirks gives you everything upfront, before you ever schedule a call.
💰 Want to see exactly what Whirks would cost for your firm?
Use our Network Partner Pricing Calculator to estimate your monthly costs. No email or sales call required.
Choosing a payroll partner isn’t just about what features they offer. You need to think about what kind of partner they aim to be. The philosophy behind each program influences the experience you’ll have, the support you’ll receive, and the results you can expect.
PeopleWorx positions itself as the behind-the-scenes engine for your payroll services. Their marketing focuses heavily on being your infrastructure provider, a team that powers the processing side of things while you manage the client relationship.
This approach may be a good fit if:
But if you’re looking to grow payroll as a strategic service offering, you may find the support here limited to just the technical backend.
The Whirks Network Partner Program goes beyond back-end processing. Yes, we provide the infrastructure, but we also help you build a payroll business that actually grows.
With Whirks, you get:
In addition to providing technology and infrastructure, Whirks offers strategic coaching to help firms build payroll into a scalable service line.
PeopleWorx emphasizes back-office payroll infrastructure, while Whirks places additional focus on helping firms develop payroll as a standalone service line.
Most payroll partners promise “great support.” But what does that actually mean?
At a basic level, both PeopleWorx and Whirks assign you a dedicated contact instead of routing you through a generic support queue. That means you’re working with someone who knows your firm, your clients, and your needs.
Beyond that shared structure, the two programs seem to differ in the type of support they emphasize.
From what we've heard from former PeopleWorx partners, the support model focuses on:
This model works if your goal is to offload operational complexity, but it doesn’t come with proactive coaching, business development help, or peer collaboration.
Whirks offers a support model that combines technical expertise with strategic guidance.
That includes:
This support model is designed not only to answer technical questions, but also to help firms run payroll more efficiently and strategically.
Now that you’ve seen how PeopleWorx and Whirks compare across pricing, service, and philosophy, the question becomes simple:
Which one is built for your firm’s goals?
The right partner is about who will help you get where you’re trying to go.
Choosing between PeopleWorx and Whirks isn’t just about comparing features or technology because those are largely the same.
You have to decide what kind of partner you want: One that primarily offers back-office support or one that incorporates strategic guidance as part of the partnership.
We know it can be hard to get clear answers around pricing, partnership models, and long-term support. Some firms prefer upfront clarity, while others may be comfortable learning details through a consultative sales process.
At Whirks, we’ve chosen the path of full transparency upfront. Everything’s on the table, so you can decide with confidence.
Both models have merit. Ultimately, it depends on how your firm wants to operate and what level of support you’re looking for.
Want to dig deeper before making a decision? These resources will give you a full picture of the Whirks Network Partner Program without needing to hop on a call:
We built the Whirks Network Partner Program for accounting firms that want to grow, not just process payroll. If that aligns with your goals, the Whirks Network Partner Program may be a fit worth exploring.