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Payroll SaaS

Payroll Software in
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mercans logo Aligned with Australian Payroll Regulations

Our Payroll Platform in Australia Supports You With

  • Single Touch Payroll (STP) Reporting
  • PAYG Withholding & Superannuation
  • Generate Standard, Statutory and Year-End Reports
  • Custom API Integrations
Dive deeper into Australia
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Global Payroll Team
Written by Global Payroll Team
Published on August 19, 2026
Last updated August 19, 2026
Expert Reviewed
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Payroll Software in Australia

Payroll Software in Australia

Mercans Payroll Software is a trusted solution for efficient, compliant, and streamlined payroll management in Australia. Designed to address the practical needs of Australian payroll, our software helps employers manage payroll processing, submissions, deductions, and employee payments with confidence.

Mercans Payroll Software is an all-in-one native SaaS solution for complete digitalization of your payroll process. Supporting businesses across more than 160 countries, it is designed for organizations of all sizes, from single entities to global conglomerates. Its scalable architecture and seamless integration across modules enhance the user experience with an intuitive interface that is both simple and effective.

Aligned with Australian Payroll Regulations

Aligned with Australian Payroll Regulations

Australia

Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

Our payroll software for Australia is designed in alignment with Australian statutory payroll reporting requirements and employer obligations involving authorities such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Fair Work Ombudsman. Built to support established payroll reporting standards, including Single Touch Payroll (STP), the platform helps businesses navigate Australian payroll processes with confidence, reducing compliance risk and supporting accurate PAYG withholding and superannuation reporting.

Aligned with Australian Payroll Regulations
Why Choose Mercans

Why Choose Mercans

Payroll Software Modules

Payroll Software Modules

Mercans Payroll Software offers managers and employees a powerful and intuitive online portal designed to streamline and enhance your HR and payroll activities.

Our advanced software modules are equipped with functionality to support efficiency, compliance, and a superior user experience. Learn about them here:

Manager Self Service

Empowers managers to handle HR tasks, including approvals, performance tracking, and employee management, directly from the platform.

Employee Self Service

Provides employees with direct access to their personal information, payroll details, and other HR resources, enhancing transparency and convenience.

Employee Help Desk

Offers a centralized support system for employees to address payroll and HR-related queries, ensuring quick resolution and improved satisfaction.

Data Exchange

Facilitates seamless integration with other systems and platforms through robust data exchange capabilities, streamlining data management and reducing errors.

eDrive and Workflows

Automates and streamlines HR processes with configurable workflows and document management, improving efficiency and compliance.

Time & Attendance

Tracks employee work hours, attendance, and productivity with precision, integrating seamlessly with payroll calculations.

Leave Management

Manages various types of employee leave, including annual leave, personal/carer’s leave, and other absences, with automated approval workflows and accurate tracking.

Loans & Expenses

Handles employee loans and expense claims, ensuring accurate processing and integration with payroll for seamless financial management.

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Features of Payroll Software in Australia

Modern Awards & Enterprise Agreements

Our payroll software supports Australian Modern Awards and Enterprise Agreements administered under the Fair Work Act. It can be configured for industry-specific award rates, allowances, and tailored enterprise agreement terms, helping employers manage payroll in line with applicable Australian employment requirements and the National Employment Standards (NES).

BECS Payments

Mercans Payroll Software for Australia supports processing payments in accordance with Bulk Electronic Clearing System (BECS) direct entry standards. It supports payroll payment workflows using BSB and account number based payment processing and ABA file generation.

You have two options:

Option1

Send generated BECS payment details from Mercans Payroll Software to Mercans Gateway. The Financial Gateway will then handle the dispatch of payments to banks, supporting BECS compliant processing.

Option2

Prepare and process salary and superannuation payments directly through your bank from within Mercans, without the need to download a separate payment file.

Mercans facilitates both options to accommodate your payment processing needs efficiently.

Payroll Reporting

Mercans Payroll Software supports accurate and timely payroll data submission for Australian employer reporting obligations. It supports payslip generation, retroactive adjustments, special pay runs, Single Touch Payroll (STP) event submission, and the generation of payroll data files aligned with ATO reporting specifications.

Earnings and Deductions Calculation

  • Earnings: Global Payroll for Australia allows you to define and manage various types of earnings. This includes base salary components such as award or enterprise agreement rates and penalty rates, regular earnings including allowances and shift loadings, and incidental earnings such as bonuses and overtime.
  • Deductions: The software also supports the definition and processing of different types of deductions. Regular deductions can include superannuation salary sacrifice and other configured payroll deductions, while incidental deductions include salary advances, loans, and garnishments.

Taxes

PAYG Withholding

Our payroll software calculates Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding on salary and wages in line with ATO tax tables, supporting accurate withholding for regular and non-regular payments such as bonuses and back payments.

Superannuation Guarantee

The system supports calculation of employer Superannuation Guarantee contributions at the legislated rate, including SuperStream-compliant contribution processing to employees’ nominated superannuation funds.

Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) Considerations

Mercans payroll software supports data capture relevant to Fringe Benefits Tax reporting for the FBT year ending 31 March, helping employers prepare reportable fringe benefit amounts for affected employees.

Single Touch Payroll (STP) Reporting

In Australia, Single Touch Payroll requires employers to report salary, wages, PAYG withholding and superannuation liability information to the ATO on or before each pay day. Mercans payroll software automates STP event generation and lodgement support, helping ensure accurate and timely digital reporting.

Payroll Tax (State and Territory)

Mercans payroll software for Australia supports payroll tax calculations administered by the relevant state or territory revenue office, helping employers meet obligations once total wages exceed the applicable jurisdiction’s threshold.

Mercans Global Payroll software for Australia efficiently manages and processes various aspects of superannuation. This encompasses

Superannuation Guarantee Contributions

Calculation of mandatory employer Superannuation Guarantee contributions at the legislated rate for eligible employees.

Salary Sacrifice & Additional Contributions

Administration of salary sacrifice arrangements and voluntary additional superannuation contributions.

Contribution Setup

Configuration of employer and employee superannuation contributions across different employing entities and awards.

SuperStream Compliance

Support for SuperStream data and payment standards for electronic superannuation contribution processing.

Reporting

Integration of superannuation data into Single Touch Payroll reporting and generation of required contribution reports.

Mercans Global Payroll software for Australia provides comprehensive tools for managing various types of employee leave

Leave Types

Administration of leave categories under the National Employment Standards, including annual leave, personal/carer’s leave, and long service leave.

Leave Balances

Tracking of accrued leave balances, including annual leave loading where applicable.

Long Service Leave

Management of long service leave entitlements in line with the applicable state or territory legislation.

Parental Leave

Administration of unpaid parental leave under the NES alongside coordination with the government Paid Parental Leave scheme.

Absence Reporting

Coordination of absence and return-to-work reporting in line with workplace policies.

Overtime Pay Calculation

Our system calculates overtime based on configurable payroll formulas. The unit represents extra hours worked, the rate is the employee’s hourly wage or configured overtime basis, and the percentage reflects applicable overtime or penalty rates.

Bank Integration

Global Payroll for Australia integrates with major Australian banking workflows to support secure and efficient payroll processing by automating payment data and minimizing errors.

Payment Files

The software generates and stores necessary payment files, including BECS-compliant direct entry (ABA) files, for salary, superannuation, and PAYG withholding remittance.

Award Interpretation

Supports interpretation of applicable Modern Award or Enterprise Agreement pay rates, penalty rates, and allowances.

Payroll Workflows

Streamlines payroll processes with automated workflows tailored to the needs of Australian businesses, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

Superannuation

Mercans Global Payroll software for Australia efficiently manages and processes various aspects of superannuation. This encompasses

Superannuation Guarantee Contributions

Calculation of mandatory employer Superannuation Guarantee contributions at the legislated rate for eligible employees.

Salary Sacrifice & Additional Contributions

Administration of salary sacrifice arrangements and voluntary additional superannuation contributions.

Contribution Setup

Configuration of employer and employee superannuation contributions across different employing entities and awards.

SuperStream Compliance

Support for SuperStream data and payment standards for electronic superannuation contribution processing.

Reporting

Integration of superannuation data into Single Touch Payroll reporting and generation of required contribution reports.

Leave Management

Mercans Global Payroll software for Australia provides comprehensive tools for managing various types of employee leave

Leave Types

Administration of leave categories under the National Employment Standards, including annual leave, personal/carer’s leave, and long service leave.

Leave Balances

Tracking of accrued leave balances, including annual leave loading where applicable.

Long Service Leave

Management of long service leave entitlements in line with the applicable state or territory legislation.

Parental Leave

Administration of unpaid parental leave under the NES alongside coordination with the government Paid Parental Leave scheme.

Absence Reporting

Coordination of absence and return-to-work reporting in line with workplace policies.

Overtime, Bank and Payment

Overtime Pay Calculation

Our system calculates overtime based on configurable payroll formulas. The unit represents extra hours worked, the rate is the employee’s hourly wage or configured overtime basis, and the percentage reflects applicable overtime or penalty rates.

Bank Integration

Global Payroll for Australia integrates with major Australian banking workflows to support secure and efficient payroll processing by automating payment data and minimizing errors.

Payment Files

The software generates and stores necessary payment files, including BECS-compliant direct entry (ABA) files, for salary, superannuation, and PAYG withholding remittance.

Award Interpretation

Supports interpretation of applicable Modern Award or Enterprise Agreement pay rates, penalty rates, and allowances.

Payroll Workflows

Streamlines payroll processes with automated workflows tailored to the needs of Australian businesses, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

Payroll Implementation

Payroll Implementation

Mercans’ standard payroll implementation process for Australia is designed to ensure a smooth transition to our payroll system. This process is customized to meet the specific needs of each client, with timelines and deliverables varying based on complexity, data availability, and the number of parallel runs required. Below is an overview of the key steps involved in our implementation process.

Implementation Planning

Assign resources and define roles for the project. Conduct a kick-off meeting to outline objectives and confirm scope. Develop a detailed implementation calendar and plan. Provide a welcome package with project details and contacts. Schedule weekly update calls or emails to monitor progress. Obtain sign-off on the project scope.

Requirements Gathering

Hold workshops to understand client needs and document them. Complete business blueprinting to detail requirements and perform a gap analysis. Define and document any customization needs. Obtain sign-off on requirements to ensure they meet client expectations. Establish a comprehensive list of payroll-specific requirements.

System Configuration

Set up configurations tailored to Australian payroll requirements. Customize the wage type catalog for relevant pay components, including applicable award or enterprise agreement rates. Configure data dictionaries and necessary interfaces for data integration. Adapt reports to meet Australian regulatory standards. Set up Employee Self-Service (ESS) and Manager Self-Service (MSS) features.

Data Migration

Migrate employee and payroll master data and confirm its accuracy. Obtain sign-off on the migrated data to ensure correctness. Verify data integrity and completeness before proceeding with further steps.

Test Payroll Run

Run simulation payrolls to validate system configurations and perform parallel runs with existing systems. Complete test run sign-offs to confirm accuracy and execute end-to-end testing. Conduct user acceptance testing (UAT) and address any issues found.

Payroll Management Transition & Sign-off

Develop a transition plan for moving to live payroll and provide training for users. Implement a hypercare plan for post-go-live support and an escalation plan for critical issues. Create a fallback plan for potential disruptions and complete a go-live checklist for final sign-off.

Payroll Implementation
Payroll Integration

Payroll Integration

Mercans Global stands out with its extensive reach and robust integration capabilities. Operating across more than 160 countries, Mercans supports connections with payroll, tax, HR, finance, banking, and compliance ecosystems to help employers maintain efficient payroll operations in Australia.

Recognised Trust Sources

Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

Mercans’ integration capabilities are designed to support Australian payroll reporting processes, including Single Touch Payroll, and secure data exchange with connected systems, reflecting our commitment to global standards and best practices.

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Integration with HCM/ HRMS/ Workforce management platforms

Mercans’ Payroll Software integrates seamlessly with most HCM and payroll software, creating a unified experience between HR administration and payroll processing. Through the Employee Self Service (ESS) feature, employees can directly handle their payroll tasks, such as submitting worked hours or declarations. Once approved, these entries are processed within the payroll system. This efficient integration reduces errors and enhances productivity for both employees and HR administrators.

Custom API Integrations

Custom API Integrations

Mercans provides custom API integrations across diverse industries, including hospitality, catering, theme parks, transport, sports, construction, healthcare, events, promotional sectors, greenhouse horticulture, and fresh produce.

Xero Integration

Xero Integration

Integrate Mercans payroll with Xero to sync data, automate HR tasks, and streamline processes. Save time, reduce errors, and focus more on growing your business.

Payroll Reports - Standard, Statutory and Year-End Reports

Payroll Reports – Standard, Statutory and Year-End Reports

Mercans’ payroll software is equipped to generate a comprehensive range of reports to support both standard and statutory requirements. These reports provide transparency, accuracy, and ease of integration with financial and regulatory systems.

Mercans Standard Reports

Report Description
Gross to Net Report Details employee earnings, taxable wages, employee deductions, employer costs and net pay for each payroll run in Australia.
Payslips Generates individual payslips in PDF format for each employee, showing gross pay, allowances, deductions, superannuation and net pay.
Payroll Register Provides the employee payroll register used to support Australian payroll administration and PAYG withholding calculations.
Single Touch Payroll (STP) Report Produces the STP event data required for real-time reporting of salary, wages, PAYG withholding and superannuation liability information to the ATO.
Income Statement Generates the annual income statement for each employee via STP finalisation, summarising gross payments, allowances, deductions and PAYG withholding.
Bank File (BECS) Creates a BECS-compatible direct entry payment file according to client or bank specifications for payroll disbursement.

Statutory Standard Reports

Report Local Name Frequency Description
Single Touch Payroll Report STP Each pay run Statutory pay-event reporting submitted to the ATO, including gross payments, PAYG withholding and superannuation liability data.
Superannuation Guarantee Contribution Report SG Contribution Quarterly, or per payday under Payday Super arrangements Statutory or mandatory superannuation contribution reporting submitted to employees’ nominated superannuation funds.
Payroll Tax Return State/Territory Payroll Tax Monthly, with annual reconciliation Statutory payroll tax filing submitted to the relevant state or territory revenue office once total wages exceed the applicable threshold.
Income Statement (STP Finalisation) Income Statement Annually Year-end finalisation declaration submitted to the ATO, replacing the former Payment Summary (Group Certificate).

Semi-Statutory Reports

Report Local Name Frequency Description
Collective Payroll Register Consolidated Payroll Register Per payroll period Consolidated payroll register used for payroll review, reconciliation, audit support and internal administration.
Cumulative Payroll Register Cumulative Payroll Register Per payroll period Provides a cumulative overview of payroll results over the year for review, reconciliation and payroll control purposes.
Superannuation Contribution Summary Super Contribution Summary Per payroll period Shows the superannuation contribution basis and amounts calculated for each employee within the payroll administration.
Leave Liability Report Leave Liability Per payroll period Provides a summary of accrued annual leave, personal leave and long service leave liabilities for financial reporting purposes.

Year-End Reports

Report Local Name Frequency Description
Income Statement (STP Finalisation) Income Statement Annually Annual employee statement summarising gross payments, allowances, deductions and PAYG withholding, finalised through Single Touch Payroll.
Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) Summary FBT Reporting Annually (FBT year ending 31 March) Summarises reportable fringe benefits provided to employees to support employer FBT return preparation.

These detailed reports are designed to support statutory and regulatory requirements, helping ensure efficient payroll management and accurate compliance.

Benefits of Payroll Software

Benefits of Payroll Software

Mercans offers a powerful payroll solution that optimizes payroll administration and HR processes. Here’s how our software benefits your organization:

No External Dependency

Manage payroll directly through our application, eliminating the need for third-party processors.

Integrated HR and Leave Management

Handle payroll, HR tasks, and employee leave requests within one platform, simplifying administrative duties.

Reduced Manual Work

Automate routine tasks to minimize errors and ensure accurate payroll processing.

Customization

Personalize workflows to meet your specific business needs, enhancing efficiency.

Time Savings

Redirect time saved from automation to more strategic activities.

Seamless Integrations

Connect effortlessly with systems and leading HR platforms like SAP Success Factors, Workday, and Oracle for a unified workflow.

Centralized Data Management

Consolidate employee data in one place for easy access, updates, and analysis.

Employee Access

Empower employees with 24/7 access to their personal files.

Mercans’ payroll software provides a comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly solution, streamlining payroll processes and allowing you to focus on your most valuable asset, your people.

24/7 Access

Access payroll data anytime and from any location.

Transparent Pricing

Benefit from a fixed monthly fee plus a per-employee charge with no hidden costs.

Dedicated Support

Get expert assistance and advice to maximize the software’s benefits.

Secure Data Management

Support data protection and integrity with secure online processing and controlled backup practices.

Compliance Assurance

Stay compliant with current fiscal and employment regulations through maintained payroll rules and updates.

Mercans’ payroll software provides a comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly solution, streamlining payroll processes and allowing you to focus on your most valuable asset, your people.

Streamlined Payroll Processing

No External Dependency

Manage payroll directly through our application, eliminating the need for third-party processors.

Integrated HR and Leave Management

Handle payroll, HR tasks, and employee leave requests within one platform, simplifying administrative duties.

Reduced Manual Work

Automate routine tasks to minimize errors and ensure accurate payroll processing.

Customization

Personalize workflows to meet your specific business needs, enhancing efficiency.

Time Savings

Redirect time saved from automation to more strategic activities.

Seamless Integrations

Connect effortlessly with systems and leading HR platforms like SAP Success Factors, Workday, and Oracle for a unified workflow.

Centralized Data Management

Consolidate employee data in one place for easy access, updates, and analysis.

Employee Access

Empower employees with 24/7 access to their personal files.

Additional Key Features

24/7 Access

Access payroll data anytime and from any location.

Transparent Pricing

Benefit from a fixed monthly fee plus a per-employee charge with no hidden costs.

Dedicated Support

Get expert assistance and advice to maximize the software’s benefits.

Secure Data Management

Support data protection and integrity with secure online processing and controlled backup practices.

Compliance Assurance

Stay compliant with current fiscal and employment regulations through maintained payroll rules and updates.

Mercans’ payroll software provides a comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly solution, streamlining payroll processes and allowing you to focus on your most valuable asset, your people.

This content was prepared for informational purposes only. As local laws & regulations keep on changing, please consult your tax & legal advisors.
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    FAQs

    What payroll functions should a SaaS platform support in Australia (e.g., gross to net salary calculation, payslip generation, PAYG withholding, superannuation, and leave entitlements)?

    Mercans payroll software for Australia delivers end to end payroll processing including automated gross to net salary calculation, payslip generation, PAYG withholding, superannuation guarantee contributions, and leave entitlement calculations to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

    How do payroll SaaS solutions ensure compliance with Australian authorities (ATO, Fair Work Ombudsman) and Single Touch Payroll reporting obligations?

    Mercans ensures compliance by integrating the latest Australian payroll legislation updates and automating Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting to the ATO alongside alignment with Fair Work requirements, reducing errors and helping meet statutory obligations on time.

    What employer registration and employee data are required such as ABN, TFN, superannuation fund details, and how does payroll software assist with this?

    Mercans automates the onboarding process by securely capturing and managing employer and employee data including ABN, Tax File Number (TFN), and superannuation fund details, supporting accurate compliance from day one.

    How does payroll software handle specific Australian components like Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreements, and the National Employment Standards (NES)?

    Mercans payroll software supports configuration for applicable Modern Award or Enterprise Agreement pay rates and allowances, and helps administer leave entitlements in line with the National Employment Standards.

    Can payroll SaaS integrate with Australian HR and ERP systems and support outsourcing or Employer of Record models?

    Mercans offers integration capabilities with leading HR and ERP systems used in Australia, supporting seamless payroll, HR management, and outsourcing models including Employer of Record, for compliance and operational efficiency.