In the bustling world of business, managing Payroll and Human Resources can feel like trying to escape a growing labyrinth—full of legal complexities, compliance requirements, and the ever-changing needs of employees. Many companies, eager for a streamlined solution, turn to big-name providers like ADP, Paychex, or Gusto, believing that a well-known brand will provide the support they need. However, these giants often take a cookie-cutter approach, prioritizing efficiency over personalized service.
As a result, business owners tend to find themselves stuck in endless phone queues, dealing with rotating representatives who don’t understand their company’s unique challenges. You will pay more and get less than using payroll technology geared toward small and mid-sized businesses.
The fact of the matter is that nearly all businesses, and growing businesses in particular, need more than automated solutions and scripted responses—they need a real partner. What many business owners don’t know is that there are payroll technology PLATFORMS like ADP, Paychex and Gusto, and there are payroll PROCESSORS. Businesses using payroll technology are required to enter and maintain accurate data (pay rates, benefit and 401(k) contributions, time off accruals, suspend pay during leaves of absence, and so on), and make changes to each payroll as necessary. For a better alternative to ADP, Paychex, and Gusto, look no further than Next Level Strategies (NLS), a dedicated HR, Payroll and Recruiting firm that provides high-quality payroll processing on any technology platform a business chooses to use.
Let’s explore why NLS stands out as a superior Payroll partner!
Your Payroll technology provider is supposed to have your back, so imagine calling them and waiting on hold, only to be greeted by a different representative each time, none of whom are familiar with your company and its unique challenges. Frustrating, right? This is an all-too-common scenario when working with large providers, so you’re not alone if you feel you’re going crazy trying to get the Payroll or HR support you need.
In contrast, NLS assigns a dedicated consultant to each client, ensuring continuity and a deep understanding of your business. You’re not just another account in a database; you’ll have direct access to an expert partner who knows your history and is committed to your organization’s success.
That means urgent issues get resolved quickly, and there’s no need to waste time repeating your concerns to multiple people. Similarly, when policies need updating, compliance laws shift, or payroll issues arise, you will need fast, knowledgeable responses, not a scripted answer that takes weeks to receive from someone who doesn’t understand your industry. This level of dedicated support we provide allows you to stay proactive rather than constantly putting out fires, creating a smoother, more strategic approach to your HR management.
Big-name Payroll providers emphasize automation—payroll processing, compliance alerts, and generic employee management tools. While these can be helpful, they don’t replace real strategic HR guidance. You’re buying access to technology, not actual advice or support.
Running an accurate payroll each cycle is critical! Inaccurate pay and incomplete or incorrect pay stub data are the cause of many PREVENTABLE legal actions against employers.
A colleague used a major payroll platform that defaulted to “time-rounding” which resulted in a class-action lawsuit. When they questioned the payroll platform’s practices, the provider told them that the system defaults to rounding – which is acceptable in other states but not California – and the client had to affirmatively opt out of rounding. The moral of the story is, when you use these platforms, you really have to know what you are doing. They will not advise you.
NLS provides a level of expertise that software alone cannot offer. Our consultants are professionals with extensive industry knowledge. We don’t just keep up with legal changes—we anticipate how those changes will affect your business and provide proactive solutions. NLS clients also receive actionable insights tailored to their operations, along with compliance reminders so that they never fall behind.
NLS was hired to manage payroll for an insurance firm with 25 employees. The payroll was being processed by a Controller earning $115,000 per year. The Controller took two full days each payroll cycle to process payroll. NLS took two HOURS each payroll cycle to process payroll. We also proactively discovered and cleaned up several compliance issues within the payroll, saving the client money while dramatically increasing the compliance of their payroll processing.
While we prioritize human expertise, we still utilize top-tier HR software to streamline processes. The difference? We can use any payroll software. You aren’t left to figure it all out on your own. Instead of replacing human support with automation, we integrate technology in a way that enhances efficiency without sacrificing personalized service. NLS offers a better alternative to ADP, Paychex, and Gusto by blending their automation with our critical human touch.
It’s a familiar story—businesses sign up for an HR service based on an advertised rate, only to find themselves paying extra for every additional feature. The larger payroll technology providers are notorious for upselling services at premium rates, which can lead to unexpected costs.
NLS, on the other hand, takes a different approach by offering transparent pricing. There are no surprise add-ons, and you only pay for the time you actually use. Instead of forcing clients into predefined packages, our plans align with a company’s size, industry, and objectives. This flexibility makes us an especially valuable Payroll and HR partner for small and growing businesses that need scalable support without overpaying for unnecessary features.
Building a strong relationship with your Payroll provider can make all the difference between success and struggle. With big-box companies, clients often feel like (and are!) just another ticket in a support queue, shuffled between representatives who have little to no knowledge of their business. This lack of continuity can lead to miscommunication, delays, and frustration.
At NLS, every client works with a dedicated consultant who learns the ins and outs of their business. Think of our consultants as an extension of your own team. Instead of reactive customer service, NLS takes a proactive approach, anticipating issues and providing strategic guidance before problems escalate.
For businesses dealing with complex HR issues—whether it’s employee disputes, compliance challenges, or policy development—having a single, knowledgeable point of contact is invaluable. There’s no need to explain the same issue multiple times to different people, and solutions are crafted with an understanding of your long-term goals.
Labor laws change constantly, and compliance is essential for protecting both businesses and employees. Many large Payroll providers send automated alerts about legal updates, but their support often stops there, leaving businesses to figure out the details on their own.
At NLS, we believe you deserve a more hands-on approach. Our consultants stay ahead of labor law changes by working closely with attorneys, leveraging extensive legal resources, and continuously expanding our expertise. We ensure our clients understand the implications of every change by providing clear explanations and hands-on implementation support.
Many businesses start with large payroll service providers like ADP, Paychex, or Gusto, expecting seamless, hands-off solutions. However, they often find that these services lack the personalized attention and strategic support they need.
One client, for example, struggled with Paychex’s slow response times when urgent payroll issues arose. Their concerns were passed through multiple representatives, none of whom had a clear grasp of their business. Delays led to payroll errors and compliance concerns, creating unnecessary stress. After switching to NLS, they now have direct access to a dedicated HR expert who understands their industry and provides fast, practical solutions—ensuring payroll runs smoothly and issues are resolved before they escalate.
This reflects a common challenge for businesses: the need for payroll and HR services that go beyond automated tasks and templated resources. Companies want partners who actively help them navigate complex workforce issues, not just providers who process transactions without deeper support.
Payroll shouldn’t feel like a one-size-fits-all service, but that’s exactly what happens with many large providers. They prioritize scale, and in doing so, overlook the unique needs of smaller businesses. This results in generic solutions that don’t address the specific challenges companies face on a daily basis.
The consultants at NLS provide personalized, hands-on support that aligns with your company’s culture and goals, setting you up for long-term success. Unlike large providers that treat your business as one of many, we adapt to your needs and work closely with you to drive your company forward.
If you’re ready to experience a more personalized approach to Payroll and to find a better alternative to ADP, Paychex, and Gusto, we’re here to help. We offer a free consultation to discuss how we can support your business with the customized Payroll and HR solutions it needs to thrive. Reach out today by filling out the form below or calling us at 415-876-NEXT to see how we can take your HR strategy to the next level.
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