Aurion review: a better alternative?
An honest comparison of Aurion and Accountee. Discover why growing businesses and recruitment agencies are choosing our boutique service model with Big 4 expertise at 60% lower cost.
Overview
About Aurion
Aurion is one of Australia's leading providers of payroll software and managed services, with over 35 years of experience. Founded in 1985, Aurion has built a strong reputation across government, healthcare, education, financial services and not-for-profit organisations.
The company offers two main solutions: people and payroll software for businesses that want to manage payroll in-house, and fully managed payroll services where Aurion's team handles the entire function. Their software covers the whole employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to performance management.
Aurion is ISO certified, ASAE accredited and STP compliant. They currently process payroll for over 350,000 Australians and serve hundreds of companies with local Australian-based support teams.
What Aurion does well
Genuine strengths, fairly stated.
Aurion has several strengths that make it a solid choice.
35+ years' experience
A long-standing reputation in the Australian market with deep understanding of local compliance and practices.
Comprehensive solutions
End-to-end HR and payroll software covering the entire employee lifecycle from recruitment to retirement.
Certified & compliant
ISO certified, ASAE accredited and STP compliant, ensuring legislative compliance for Australian businesses.
Australian support
Local Australian-based support teams across phone, workshops and eLearning.
Industry specialisation
Tailored solutions for government, healthcare, education, financial services and not-for-profit sectors.
Flexible options
Choice between self-managed software or fully outsourced managed payroll to suit different needs.
How Accountee compares
A different approach to Aurion.
A different approach to payroll and accounting services.
Smaller, more dedicated team
While Aurion runs enterprise-scale operations, Accountee provides a boutique model with a dedicated team who learn your business. You have a named bookkeeper and accountant, not a client number.
Superior customer communication
Our smaller size means faster responses, proactive communication and genuine relationships, with ex-Big 4 Australian management directly involved in your account.
Significantly better value
Accountee starts at $4 per person/pay run plus a simple retainer, typically 50-70% less than Aurion's custom enterprise pricing, achieved through our efficient model, not by cutting corners.
Ex-Big 4 Australian management
Our leadership comes from BDO, NAB and Westpac. Every piece of work is reviewed by Australian accountants who understand local compliance and business practices.
Focused specialisation
Aurion serves many industries; we specialise in recruitment agencies and growing businesses, going deeper as a strategic partner who understands your model and challenges.
Which is right for you?
An honest steer, either way.
Choose Aurion if
- You're a large enterprise or government agency
- You need extensive industry-specific features
- You prefer working with a long-established brand
- You value ISO certification and ASAE accreditation
Choose Accountee if
- You're a growing business or recruitment agency
- You want dedicated support from actual accountants
- You want to save 50-70% on payroll & accounting costs
- You value personal relationships and fast responses
FAQ
Everything to know about Aurion and alternatives.
Aurion Review
Aurion is a well-established Australian payroll and HR software provider with over 35 years of experience, offering both software and managed payroll services. Strengths include deep Australian market knowledge, ISO certification, ASAE accreditation and STP compliance, with end-to-end solutions across the employee lifecycle. Businesses seeking more personalised service with dedicated account management and transparent pricing may find better value with boutique providers like Accountee.
Aurion Reviews
Reviews highlight Aurion's long-standing reputation, local Australian support and comprehensive features across government, healthcare, education and not-for-profit. Some note that pricing requires custom quotes and can be higher than expected for smaller businesses, and that the extensive features can present a learning curve for teams without dedicated payroll staff.
Aurion Comparison
Aurion offers a comprehensive platform with 35+ years of presence, ideal for larger organisations needing extensive features. Accountee provides a more personalised approach with dedicated teams, ex-Big 4 management and pricing from $4 per person/pay run vs Aurion's custom enterprise pricing. Aurion excels in software and longevity; Accountee focuses on communication, response times and a boutique model.
Aurion
Aurion is an Australian provider of payroll software and managed services established in 1985. It offers people-and-payroll software for in-house management and fully managed services where Aurion's team handles everything, covering recruitment, onboarding, time and attendance, payroll, performance and compliance. It processes payroll for over 350,000 Australians.
Is Aurion Good
Aurion is good for businesses needing comprehensive HR and payroll software with strong Australian credentials, especially larger organisations, government, education and complex industry-specific needs, thanks to 35+ years of experience, ISO certification and local support. Smaller businesses or those prioritising personalised service and value may find better value with alternatives like Accountee.
Alternative To Aurion
Accountee is a compelling alternative for recruitment agencies and growing businesses wanting a more personalised approach. While Aurion offers comprehensive software with a long history, Accountee provides dedicated teams managed by ex-Big 4 Australian accountants from $4 per person/pay run plus a simple retainer, more affordable than Aurion's custom pricing, with the same compliance standards, faster responses and a boutique model.
Ready for a better payroll experience?
Switch to Accountee for Big 4 expertise, dedicated support and great value.