Cheque-Mate, located in Conejo Valley of Southern California, has been developing payroll software since 1978. Insta-Pay was originally created as a DOS software package, and has been continually improving up through the current version, Insta-Pay for Windows Multi State software. In use by over 1,500 Payroll Service Providers for an estimated 40,000 businesses that range from 1-300 employees, it is a package designed by a company with a long history of being a payroll software service provider.
Insta-Pay software is installed on your computer, but updates are accessed online. It can be run on one system or across a network for no extra charge. The package starts at $395 and price increases are based on the number of clients processed.
The program has a standard Windows feel, with main menu and shortcut buttons across the top to make it easy to find what you are looking for. User security options allow control over which employees can access which company accounts. Payroll preferences can be set up both globally, for all companies, or for individual companies. Individual company setup is comprehensive and straightforward.
It is a powerful program that allows the employer to have multi-state employees and unlimited bank accounts for both the company and the employee. Job cost codes are easily allocated and recorded. Insta-Pay supports Quickbooks Export and Impound functions. Reports can be printed on Calendar or Fiscal Basis.
You can set up salaried employee accounts to automatically generate the check. After payroll information is entered for hourly employees, a message window will appear to ask if you would like to pay the automatic employees. The package also gives you the ability to track sick and vacation time, or to set up alternate pay frequency for individual employees. Individual or global (per company) messages can be printed on the payroll stubs.
The Insta-Pay package allows payroll processing to be under the control of the accountant but the maintenance and data entry can be done by the client, letting the clients do the work yet allowing the accountant to review the data and checks before the final button is pushed. The print file can be stored on your computer but the reports and checks can be e-mailed to the client.
According to Carl Bender, vice president of marketing for Cheque-Mate, “What makes Insta-Pay special is that it’s fast, it’s simple, and it’s complete.”
Gail Perry, CPA
If you insist on having it ONLINE - It can be HACKED
If You Insist on having it ONLINE...It Can be HACKED...
Remember.....There is nothing as sacred as your data!!!!!!!!!!
One of the largest online payroll companies has been hacked twice since September 2009.
If you don't believe me open up your internet browser and type payroll hacked in the search box.
I have been told by many clients that I sound like chicken little because there are safeguards like encrypted passwords, virus protectors and firewalls to stop some one from gaining access to their data. Well, Guess what? If the hackers can break into the pentagon, the CIA, the white house, credit bureaus, large retailers, what do you think they can do to us?
I have been preaching to the multitudes, (my clients), for many years about the fantastic power of the internet. It is a fabulous source of income for many entrepreneurs. At first, I was skeptical about using web services, email etc. but as time passed the power of the amazing tools available turned me into a staunch supporter of using all things internet.
Just as I thought for years, that having a fax machine was an unnecessary piece of equipment and who could ever be bothered carrying around an annoying pager let alone a portable telephone. Then along came the Internet, Web sites, Email, all very interesting. As a payroll service bureau and software developer I just had to have it all. At first it was exciting, a fantastic tool for developing new business contacts and the opportunity to find products and features that were mine to explore, of which any subject could be found in minutes. I signed up for newsletters, marketing ideas and any thing that could help in the pursuit of growing my business and expanding my knowledge of the world in general.
Then along came SPAM. It was boiled, broiled, poached and fried. At first it was interesting, and then it became a nuisance, so much so that I had to learn how to use my E-mail filters, this from a guy who still has trouble programming a VCR. All of a sudden there were viruses that started to be an inconvenience. Some were funny, some caused problems like the one that would suddenly turn your crt into a dripping mess as the letters dropped off leaving you with nothing on the screen, and now we have people in every corner of the planet attempting to disrupt your computer, my computer, any computer with no regard as to the harmful results that can take away a key element of your earning power.
In addition to the spammers, there are the Phishers. I'm sorry. Did I tell you that your credit card and bank accounts have been compromised and that you need to log into my web site and re-enter all of your pertinent data, account numbers, your chest size and your dog's maiden name. Oh while I'm at it, I have a really good stock tip and some pharmaceuticals I would like to sell you from my offshore drug store. All you have to do is click on one of these and they capture your email address, and if you take one of the surveys where you are supposedly, going to get paid, they can get much more. I quickly learned, don't open any emails from people you don't know. As of this time I get 3000 to 5000 spam emails every day. It wouldn't be so bad except that many of my legitimate clients fall into the junk box because of something they wrote in the body of their email. I have to scan every one to make sure someone doesn't get lost.
The opportunity for any one with a computer has opened the door not only to legitimate business owners but also to a host of characters from jokesters and malicious hackers to those with intent to get what they financially can from you. Imagine, if I could collect all the hundreds of millions waiting for me in Nigeria or the other scams to get my money, how rich I could be.
There is nothing like developing a website to tell the world about your products, and or the services that you provide.
There is nothing like ordering goods and or services from an internet vendor. It has now become a habit for me to first call and make sure they are a legitimate business.
Remember that if you use programs and data that are not under your control...............
WAIT......A new e-mail........I just got offered 74% off. Of what, they didn't say. Just click here.
Carl Bender
VP Marketing
Cheque-Mate Payroll Solutions