As your business grows, managing HR and payroll becomes one of the most demanding aspects of operations. What starts as a simple process involving a few employees, basic spreadsheets, and occasional CPF calculations can quickly become overwhelming. Suddenly, your team needs to manage monthly payroll cycles, track leave with accuracy, stay compliant with changing MOM and CPF regulations, and complete annual IRAS submissions—all without delays or errors.
For SMEs in Singapore, this turning point is often when the need for a comprehensive, reliable HR and payroll software becomes unavoidable. The right system does far more than automate salaries; it safeguards compliance, reduces manual workload, creates transparency, and ultimately builds trust between employees and the organisation.
But with so many HRMS and payroll software solutions available in Singapore, how do you choose the best one—one that meets your needs today and scales with your business tomorrow? This guide walks you through every essential factor.
Why Choosing the Right HR & Payroll System Matters
1. Keeping Up with Singapore’s Compliance Requirements
Singapore’s HR and payroll compliance landscape is one of the most detailed and strictly regulated in the region. From CPF contribution rules to IR8A submissions, itemised payslip mandates, tax clearance via IR21, and adherence to the Employment Act, businesses must ensure every payroll decision aligns with local legislation.
Manual processes, outdated templates, or standalone payroll calculators simply cannot keep pace with:
- Annual CPF rate and ceiling adjustments (2025–2026 updates included)
- IRAS filing changes under the Auto-Inclusion Scheme (AIS)
- Mandatory itemised payslip requirements
- Evolving MOM guidelines on leave, overtime, and record-keeping
A modern HRMS updates these rules automatically, removing guesswork and protecting your business from costly penalties or compliance disputes.
2. Improving Employee Experience and Productivity
Employees expect accuracy, transparency, and accessibility. When payslips are delayed, CPF is calculated incorrectly, or leave balances are unclear, frustrations build quickly.
On the other hand, a robust HR system gives employees instant access to:
- Their payslips
- Leave balances
- Claims submissions
- Attendance records
- Income details for tax filing
This empowerment leads to higher satisfaction, reduced HR queries, and smoother internal communication — all of which support productivity.
What the Best HR & Payroll Software in Singapore Should Include
A reliable solution is not just “payroll software”. It’s an integrated ecosystem that handles every aspect of workforce management. Below are the features that truly matter for Singapore’s regulatory environment and business landscape.
1. Automated CPF & IRAS Filing — Your Compliance Backbone
The best payroll software should automatically:
- Compute employee and employer CPF contributions
- Support OW/AW ceilings and updated age-based rates
- Generate IR8A, IR8S, Appendix 8A and 8B
- Prepare IR21 for foreign employee tax clearance
- Submit directly to IRAS via AIS
This eliminates tedious double-checking and ensures that every filing, from monthly contributions to year-end tax forms, is accurate and compliant.
2. Unified Leave, Claims & Time Attendance Management
A truly effective HRMS brings everything into one ecosystem:
- Leave Management: Auto-updated balances, MOM-compliant leave types, multi-level approvals
- Claims Management,: Receipt uploads, digital approvals, direct payroll integration
- Attendance Tracking: Biometric devices, facial recognition, mobile GPS clock in clock out, shift-based schedules
With everything consolidated, there is no room for mismatched data, lost paperwork, or manual reconciliation—especially during payroll closing.
3. Cloud-Based Access and Mobile-First Experience
Today’s workforce is hybrid, mobile, and digitally connected. A strong HRMS gives employees and HR teams:
- Remote access from anywhere
- Secure cloud storage and backups
- Mobile apps to apply for leave, clock in, submit claims, and view payslips
- Real-time visibility without needing a corporate network
This level of flexibility isn’t a “nice to have” anymore—it’s essential.
Comparison Chart: Best HR & Payroll Software Providers in Singapore (2025–2026)
| HRMS Provider | Key Strengths | Best For | Compliance Features | Pricing Style |
| Info-Tech | Full-suite HRMS + Payroll + Attendance; strong MOM/CPF/IRAS compliance; mobile-first | SMEs & growing companies | CPF auto-calculation, IR8A/IR21, itemised payslips, AIS submission | Modular or full-suite subscription |
| JustLogin | Clean UI, strong leave & attendance modules | Companies starting HR digitalisation | CPF support, itemised payslips | User-based monthly pricing |
| Sage HR | Global platform with workflow tools | Larger enterprises | Basic payroll (add-on required) | Tiered subscription |
| QuickHR | Solid compliance + onboarding workflow | SMEs needing simple automation | CPF, IRAS forms, leave compliance | Per-user plans |
| Talenox | Lightweight, easy-to-use payroll system | Startups & micro-businesses | CPF, IRAS forms | Per-employee pricing |
| Unit4 Prosoft | Enterprise-level functionality | Corporate HR teams | Full compliance suite | Enterprise custom pricing |
The best HR & payroll software in Singapore depends on your business size and compliance needs. Info-Tech is ideal for SMEs needing full CPF/IRAS automation, whi.le Talenox suits startups and Sage is best for larger enterprises
Leverage the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)
If you’re an SME, check whether the HRMS is PSG Grants -approved, as eligible solutions can receive up to 50% funding—a major advantage for SMEs undergoing digital transformation in 2025–2026.
The ROI of a Good HRMS
Beyond subscription fees, the right HR software delivers ROI through:
- Eliminated manual work
- Fewer payroll errors
- Faster tax submissions
- Improved compliance
- Reduced HR workload
- Enhanced employee experience
- Stronger operational efficiency
The savings—both time and financial—become significant over months.
Final Checklist Before Making Your Decision
Before finalising a provider, ask:
- Is it fully compliant with CPF, IRAS, and MOM rules?
- How often do regulatory updates roll out?
- Can it generate complete payroll and tax reports instantly?
- Does it integrate leave, attendance, and claims seamlessly?
- Is the support team based in Singapore?
- What are the hidden or optional add-on costs?
- Is there a demo or trial for hands-on evaluation?
Run your own test during a free demo to see how intuitive the system feels for your HR team.
Conclusion
Choosing the best HR and payroll software in Singapore is more than finding a digital tool—it’s an investment in long-term compliance, operational efficiency, and employee trust. A thoughtful, well-informed decision ensures your business remains compliant with ever-evolving regulations while freeing your HR team to focus on people, not paperwork.
The right HRMS doesn’t just support your business today; it scales with you as you grow—providing a foundation for a more efficient, transparent, and future-ready organisation.
Ready To Find the Best-fit HR Software & Payroll Software? Let Us Help You Choose Right Solution.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I look for when choosing the best HR & payroll software in Singapore?
Look for software that automates CPF calculations, generates IR8A/IR21 forms, stays compliant with MOM, IRAS and CPF Board updates, and integrates leave, claims, and attendance. Cloud access, mobile functionality, strong security, and responsive local support are also essential. Always request a demo to check ease of use before committing.
Which HRMS features are most important for SMEs in Singapore?
SMEs should prioritise automated payroll, CPF calculations, IRAS submissions, leave management, attendance tracking, and mobile access. Built-in compliance updates reduce risk, while integrated claims and timesheets help streamline monthly payroll. A scalable, modular system ensures SMEs only pay for what they need but can expand as their workforce grows.
Why is compliance such a critical factor when choosing payroll software?
Singapore’s employment laws require accurate CPF contributions, itemised payslips, IRAS reporting, and proper employee record-keeping. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, late fees, or audits. Choosing a payroll platform that automatically updates CPF rates, tax rules, and form templates ensures that your business stays compliant without manual intervention.
How does HR & payroll software improve employee satisfaction?
Employees appreciate accurate payslips, timely salary payments, and transparent leave balances. HRMS systems give employees mobile access to payslips, leave applications, claims, and attendance records. This visibility reduces payroll disputes, cuts down HR workload, and builds trust by ensuring fairness and clarity across HR processes.
Is HR and payroll software eligible for PSG funding in Singapore?
Yes. Many HR and payroll systems in Singapore are PSG-approved, allowing SMEs to receive up to 50% funding for eligible HRMS solutions. To qualify, the software must meet digital transformation standards and be purchased through a pre-approved vendor. This reduces upfront costs significantly for SMEs modernising their HR operations.
