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Best Paychex Alternative for Small Businesses

Switch from Paychex with Confidence

If Paychex no longer feels like the right fit, Connect & Simplify, via The Benefit Companies, offers a smarter Paychex alternative for small businesses in Wisconsin. Our cloud-based payroll service combines payroll, HR and employee benefits under one login, backed by a dedicated team of subject matter experts who support your business long term. Make the switch with confidence and get the responsive service your team deserves.

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best Paychex alternative for small business owners

Why Businesses Switch From Paychex

As teams grow and payroll gets more complex, issues like slow support, disconnected systems and time-consuming admin tasks become bigger obstacles. When payroll starts causing frustration instead of saving time, switching to a better Paychex competitor becomes an easy decision.

Connect & Simplify helps businesses move forward with a streamlined platform, powered by UKG, built for everyday usability and reliable support.

Common reasons businesses look for a Paychex alternative include:

  • Slow or inconsistent customer support
  • Complicated payroll processes and recurring errors
  • Limited flexibility as the business grows
  • Multiple systems for payroll, HR and benefits
  • Lack of hands-on onboarding and training

What Makes Connect & Simplify a Better Paychex Alternative

Connect & Simplify combines modern payroll software with the human support many businesses miss with large payroll providers. Instead of navigating multiple departments or generic ticket systems, your business works with specialists who know payroll, HR and compliance.

Dedicated Payroll + HR Specialists

Payroll works best when expert help is easy to reach. Connect & Simplify pairs your business with experienced payroll and HR professionals who understand deadlines, reporting, compliance and employee questions. When issues come up, you get real answers from real experts.

Payroll, HR and Benefits Under One Login

Connect & Simplify gives businesses one connected system for:

A single sign-on platform simplifies day-to-day work and makes it easier to keep employee information accurate across the board.

Guided Implementation and Easy Payroll Migration

While switching from Paychex can feel like a major project, Connect & Simplify makes payroll migration simple. Our team guides your transition from start to finish, including payroll setup, employee data transfer and support leading into go-live. No scrambling, no guesswork and no unnecessary disruption to pay schedules. All done on a 6-8 week timeline.

Accurate Payroll With Compliance Support

Payroll accuracy and compliance go hand-in-hand. Connect & Simplify supports your business with reliable payroll processing and guidance for ongoing compliance needs, including payroll tax requirements and reporting. Stay ahead of filing deadlines and reduce headaches tied to payroll mistakes.

Switching From Paychex to Connect & Simplify Is Simple

Connect & Simplify makes switching payroll providers easier by managing the conversion process with you. Our onboarding approach supports a smooth transition without overwhelming your team.

  • Discovery and Solution Building
    We learn how your company runs payroll today and what improvements you need.

  • Setup and Secure Data Transfer
    Our team helps gather employee payroll records, tax details and reporting history.

  • Guided Onboarding and Training
    Your team receives practical support to learn the platform quickly.

  • Go-Live Support
    We stay involved as you run your first payroll cycles and transition fully off Paychex.

For businesses comparing the best Paychex competitors, onboarding experience and responsive support often make the difference. Connect & Simplify is built around both.

Choose Connect & Simplify for Payroll, HR, Benefits & More

Connect & Simplify is built for businesses in need of dependable payroll processing with fewer complications and better support. From payroll and HR to benefits and compliance, we bring everything together under one platform with experts by your side.

Who We Serve

Small Businesses 20-100 Employees

Our payroll service allows small businesses to automate payroll processing, W-2s and payroll tax responsibilities while keeping IRS compliant. Say goodbye to manual processes done on spreadsheets and paper for a fully integrated, modern solution connecting other business administrative tasks such as HR and employee benefits in a single software.

Medium-Sized Businesses 100-500 Employees

With a different payroll company and experiencing headaches and frustration? Want to improve company culture and drive growth? Connect & Simplify, offered through The Benefit Companies, can solve your problem. Combine payroll with HR, employee benefits, time and attendance, workers comp and human capital management functions under one roof with our single-sign-on software, all complete with our 5-star rated subject matter experts.

 

Proud UKG Technology Partner

As a UKG partner, The Benefit Companies, through Connect & Simplify, delivers a fully integrated human capital management solution for small to medium-sized businesses like yours. Powered by leading cloud-based technology, our HCM system unifies payroll, HR, time and attendance, benefits administration and retirement plan management into one seamless experience. All while helping you stay compliant with changing regulations.

Why Choose Connect & Simplify?

  • Single sign-on platform integrating payroll, HR, time-labor management and benefits.
  • 5-star local-based support by subject-matter experts dedicated to your success.
  • Robust cloud infrastructure used by thousands of customers worldwide.

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Wisconsin Client Testimonials

I almost cannot put into words how great the staff is...in the past year, we've relied upon their expertise to help us increase payroll and reporting efficiencies and they've delivered! Each and every staff member we've contacted has a pleasant demea...

I almost cannot put into words how great the staff is...in the past year, we've relied upon their expertise to help us increase payroll and reporting efficiencies and they've delivered! Each and every staff member we've contacted has a pleasant demeanor, is an active listener, and has responded to all requests in a timely manner. I truly enjoy that the staff also offers potential solutions for questions that we didn't even know we had. -Karen G

The Benefit Companies, Inc. has been the administrator of our retirement plan for quite a long time, and we have had nothing but positive experiences. They’re proactive in keeping us in compliance, as well as informing us and our employees of changes...

The Benefit Companies, Inc. has been the administrator of our retirement plan for quite a long time, and we have had nothing but positive experiences. They’re proactive in keeping us in compliance, as well as informing us and our employees of changes to the investment portfolio. The entire service team is very responsive and helpful. -Corey N

I have been working with Connect & Simplify for four years now and they are absolutely the best! When I have questions, issues, or anything that needs taking care of - they are there for me. Especially in the insurance area. They have my back and roc...

I have been working with Connect & Simplify for four years now and they are absolutely the best! When I have questions, issues, or anything that needs taking care of - they are there for me. Especially in the insurance area. They have my back and rock the show!! I also highly recommend those in payroll as well. Very easy to work with and all are very patient with me -Ronnie W

The staff at The Benefit Companies-Connect & Simplify have always been wonderful to work with. Their response time to inquiries is very quick. All communications have been very professional and are an absolute pleasure to work with. -Jackie S

The staff at The Benefit Companies-Connect & Simplify have always been wonderful to work with. Their response time to inquiries is very quick. All communications have been very professional and are an absolute pleasure to work with. -Jackie S

I can not say enough good things about my benefits manager who I have worked with for many years. She makes it a pleasure dealing with the dry topic of insurance. She is very pleasant and helpful in getting me the best options for renewals and is alw...

I can not say enough good things about my benefits manager who I have worked with for many years. She makes it a pleasure dealing with the dry topic of insurance. She is very pleasant and helpful in getting me the best options for renewals and is always there to answer questions when they arise during the year. I would be lost without her guiding me through the insurance maze! - Wava U

Our company used The Benefits Company as our health insurance agent for 20 years. Everyone we encountered was always polite and helpful. We only changed our agent because of pricing. I highly recommend The Benefit Company for your company. Our latest...

Our company used The Benefits Company as our health insurance agent for 20 years. Everyone we encountered was always polite and helpful. We only changed our agent because of pricing. I highly recommend The Benefit Company for your company. Our latest contact person was great! Thank you. -Pam H

I have had the opportunity to work with this amazing company since 2018. Everyone specialist assigned to our account has been the most pleasant individual to work with. They are very good at customizing the system to tailor to your company's needs. I...

I have had the opportunity to work with this amazing company since 2018. Everyone specialist assigned to our account has been the most pleasant individual to work with. They are very good at customizing the system to tailor to your company's needs. I would recommend them to any company looking to partner with a 3rd party for benefit, HR, and payroll needs. -Shameeka M

We have been using The Benefit Companies for years for our 401k plan administration. I cannot say enough about the service they provide to me as an employer. They are supportive, knowledgeable, and professional. They have made my life much simpler an...

We have been using The Benefit Companies for years for our 401k plan administration. I cannot say enough about the service they provide to me as an employer. They are supportive, knowledgeable, and professional. They have made my life much simpler and I appreciate you all! -Shari C

We want to thank you for your help again through this insurance renewal. You are always making our job of getting employees signed up and submitted so much easier. The extra forms you help us put together to use for this process are awesome. And you'...

We want to thank you for your help again through this insurance renewal. You are always making our job of getting employees signed up and submitted so much easier. The extra forms you help us put together to use for this process are awesome. And you're always there through the year when we have questions. You're the main reason Valera and I keep working through Benefits for our employee insurance needs. -Barb O

I can't say enough on how knowledgeable and willing your staff is. They have gone above and beyond in helping me out, and so easy and comfortable to talk to. I seem to have a thousand and one questions and they NEVER rush me off the phone. It's ALWAY...

I can't say enough on how knowledgeable and willing your staff is. They have gone above and beyond in helping me out, and so easy and comfortable to talk to. I seem to have a thousand and one questions and they NEVER rush me off the phone. It's ALWAYS a pleasure working with The Benefits Group. Thank you for everything you do!!!! -Sandie P

For many years, we've worked with The Benefit Companies for our health insurance. Every year, we have great service at renewal time. If something comes up during the year, they are always ready and willing to help with any questions or issues. -Sue P

For many years, we've worked with The Benefit Companies for our health insurance. Every year, we have great service at renewal time. If something comes up during the year, they are always ready and willing to help with any questions or issues. -Sue P

Our company is approaching 15 years of excellent services received from Benefits, Inc. The staff, service and in my opinion industry-leading cost value are among the reasons I have remained a loyal customer! -Bruce S

Our company is approaching 15 years of excellent services received from Benefits, Inc. The staff, service and in my opinion industry-leading cost value are among the reasons I have remained a loyal customer! -Bruce S

I love Connect & Simplify! They are extremely responsive to our company's needs. They make handling our benefits package so much easier. The employees are wonderful to work with. -Jane S

I love Connect & Simplify! They are extremely responsive to our company's needs. They make handling our benefits package so much easier. The employees are wonderful to work with. -Jane S

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Connect & Simplify supports small businesses looking for an easier payroll experience, improved customer service and a better platform for managing payroll, HR and benefits.

Connect & Simplify combines cloud-based payroll software with dedicated subject matter experts who support your business directly. We streamline payroll, HR and benefits with single sign-on access and a guided migration process.

Yes. The Connect & Simplify team helps manage your payroll migration, including employee data transfer, payroll history and tax information.

Yes. Connect & Simplify supports payroll, HR functions, employee benefits administration and compliance support under one vendor and one login.

Pricing depends on your payroll needs, number of employees and selected services. Connect & Simplify offers customized solutions for businesses seeking better support and more value than traditional payroll providers.

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The Benefit Companies

Stay connected with The Benefit Companies on evolving workplace regulations and discover how we simplify the complex processes of business administration for companies like yours. Subscribe to our newsletter for future webinars and check out engaging podcasts, videos and blogs.

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The Benefit Companies through Connect & Simplify integrate key business functions including payroll, HR, time and attendance, employee benefits, retirement plans, human capital management and workers comp into a single sign-on software with local support experts for small to medium-sized businesses in Appleton, Brookfield, Green Bay, Janesville, Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Plymouth, Racine, Sheboygan, Waukesha and across Wisconsin and the US.