Payroll software · Australia
KeyPay (Employment Hero Payroll)
AU payroll with award-interpretation engine — handles Fair Work penalty rates automatically
Market position
KeyPay (now Employment Hero Payroll) is AU's leading award-interpretation payroll. Handles complex AU Fair Work award penalty rates, allowances, and overtime calculations automatically — a structural moat in the AU market where awards are notoriously complex. Powers Employment Hero's broader HR+payroll platform.
Australia-specific note
Award interpretation is the structural moat. AU Fair Work awards have 100+ different penalty/allowance rules — KeyPay automates what would otherwise be manual calculation.
Pros
- + Best AU award-interpretation engine in the market
- + Handles Fair Work complexity automatically
- + Powers Employment Hero's broader HR/payroll platform
- + Cross-market (AU/NZ/UK/SG)
Cons
- − Pricing higher than simpler payroll alternatives
- − Best fit for businesses with award-complexity needs
- − Employment Hero bundle can be overkill for pure payroll
Typical Australia pricing
AU$4-$8/employee/month (KeyPay tier)
Why this matters for Australia trades
Licensing is state-administered (e.g., electrical and plumbing licenses per state/territory), and payroll software must lodge Single Touch Payroll (STP) to the ATO and handle superannuation and GST.
Australian trades vendor selection is shaped by state-based licensing, Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting to the ATO, superannuation obligations, and GST handling — plus local lead-gen platforms like hipages.
Frequently asked
Is KeyPay (Employment Hero Payroll) a good fit for Australia trades?
KeyPay (now Employment Hero Payroll) is AU's leading award-interpretation payroll. Handles complex AU Fair Work award penalty rates, allowances, and overtime calculations automatically — a structural moat in the AU market where awards are notoriously complex. Powers Employment Hero's broader HR+payroll platform. Award interpretation is the structural moat. AU Fair Work awards have 100+ different penalty/allowance rules — KeyPay automates what would otherwise be manual calculation.
What does KeyPay (Employment Hero Payroll) cost in Australia?
AU$4-$8/employee/month (KeyPay tier). Pricing and availability can change by region — confirm current Australia pricing on the vendor's site before committing.
Is KeyPay (Employment Hero Payroll) recommended?
Yes — it is a Tier S (Recommended) pick in our Australia directory for payroll software, based on market fit and reputation. Still compare it against the alternatives for your specific trade and region.