QuickBooks Elite Payroll: Should Your Company Switch? (Pros, Cons & Temp Employee Fixes)
Yes—QuickBooks Elite Payroll can centralize time tracking for 150+ employees, including temp workers paid via agency invoices. But it’s not perfect. Here’s what you need to know before migrating from TSheets:
Temp employees: You can track their time in Elite without adding them to your regular payroll.
Payroll integration: Elite syncs with QuickBooks to automate wage calculations, tax filings, and agency invoicing.
Downsides: Steep learning curve, higher cost, and limited flexibility for complex temp agency setups.
Let’s break down how Elite solves your current mess—and whether it’s worth the switch.
The Problem: Why Your Time Tracking Feels Like a Nightmare
You’re juggling TSheets + another system, temp workers aren’t integrated, and payroll feels chaotic. Here’s why:
Double Data Entry: Manually reconciling time between two systems.
Temp Worker Limbo: Can’t track temp hours in TSheets? So you’re stuck with spreadsheets or agency portals.
Invoice Chaos: Paying temp agencies separately means more paperwork and reconciliation errors.
Real-World Example:
One manufacturing client we worked with had 200 employees and 50 seasonal temps. Their team wasted 10+ hours weekly cross-referencing TSheets with agency timesheets. After switching to Elite, they cut that time to 2 hours—but only after ironing out a few hiccups.
How QuickBooks Elite Solves Your Temp Employee Headache
1. Track Temp Hours Without Adding Them to Payroll
Create “Non-Payroll” Employees: In Elite, add temps as “Employees” but mark them as “Do Not Pay”.
Assign to Departments/Projects: Track their hours alongside regular staff (e.g., “Warehouse Temps” or “Seasonal Help”).
Export Hours to Agency Invoices: Generate reports with temp hours/rates and attach them directly to vendor bills in QuickBooks.
No more manual spreadsheets!
2. Consolidate Time Tracking in One Place
Ditch TSheets: Elite includes built-in time & attendance tools with GPS clock-ins, PTO tracking, and mobile apps.
Customizable Permissions: Restrict temp workers to clock-in/out only (no payroll access).
3. Automate Agency Payments
Auto-Create Vendor Bills: Elite can generate invoices for temp agencies based on hours worked + agreed rates.
Sync with QuickBooks: Bills flow directly into Accounts Payable for payment.
The Downsides of Elite (And Workarounds)
1. Cost: Elite starts at 10/month/employee+10/month/employee+500 setup—pricey for 150+ users.
Workaround: Negotiate bulk discounts with Intuit or consider mid-tier plans.
2. Learning Curve: The interface is clunky compared to TSheets.
Fix: Use Intuit’s free onboarding or hire a ProAdvisor for training.
3. Temp Agency Limitations:
Elite can’t directly integrate with agency payroll systems.
Solution: Export CSV files of temp hours and upload them to your agency’s portal.
QuickBooks Elite vs. Alternatives
Feature
Elite Payroll
Gusto
Rippling
Temp Worker Tracking
✅ (Manual exports)
❌
✅ (Full integration)
Time & Attendance Tools
✅
✅
✅
Scalability (150+ employees)
✅
❌
✅
Cost (Monthly)
$$$$
$$
$$$$$
Verdict: Elite is best for companies already using QuickBooks Desktop who need deep accounting integration. For better temp agency tools, consider Rippling—but expect higher costs.
“Should We Switch?” A Checklist for Your Team
Calculate Costs: Compare Elite’s pricing with your current TSheets + payroll software + temp agency fees.
Test Drive: Request a 30-day Elite trial to gauge ease of use.
Train Key Users: Designate 1-2 admins to learn Elite’s workflows.
Migrate Data: Export TSheets history into Elite (Intuit provides guides).
Start Small: Pilot Elite with one department before full rollout.
The Bottom Line: Is Elite Worth It?
Switch to Elite if:
You’re tired of reconciling multiple time-tracking systems.
Most temps come from 1-2 agencies (to simplify invoicing).
You want all financial data (payroll, AP, AR) inside QuickBooks.
Stick with TSheets if:
You love its user-friendly interface.
Your temp agencies handle their own time tracking.
Final Thoughts
QuickBooks Elite can untangle your time-tracking mess—but it’s not a magic bullet. For 150 employees and temps, the automation gains often outweigh the costs if you invest in training.
Still unsure? Contact us or call us at 425-465-8239 for a free QuickBooks Elite vs. TSheets comparison tool or 1:1 consulting to map your payroll needs.
