Payroll & PEO questions, answered
Straight answers on PEOs, payroll providers and how Mission HCM helps small and mid-sized businesses choose the right one.
About Mission HCM
What is Mission HCM?
Mission HCM is an independent, vendor-neutral payroll and PEO broker based in Miami, Florida, serving small and mid-sized businesses across the United States. We compare payroll software, HR platforms and PEOs from 50+ national providers, help you choose the right fit, and manage the setup. ADP named Mission HCM its 2026 HCM Reseller of the Year.
What does a payroll or PEO broker do?
A payroll or PEO broker works for the business, not the vendor. Instead of sitting through demos from five providers that each say they're the best, you tell us what you need once. We quote the market, show you the top three options side by side, and handle implementation once you decide.
Why use a broker instead of going directly to ADP, Paychex or a PEO?
Going direct means you only hear one vendor's pitch. A broker compares many providers at once, negotiates pricing, and stays with you after the sale. We started Mission HCM to fix what we saw after 17 years inside two of the largest HCM firms: buyer's remorse, overpromising in the sales process, and service gaps after go-live.
Who does Mission HCM work with?
Small and mid-market US companies, from a handful of employees to several hundred, in any state. We also partner with benefits brokers, insurance agents, accountants and financial advisors who want a payroll and PEO specialist for their clients.
PEO questions
What is a PEO?
A PEO (professional employer organization) becomes the co-employer of your staff and takes on payroll, payroll taxes, benefits, workers' compensation and HR compliance. You still run your business and manage your people day to day. The main draw for small companies is access to large-group health benefits they couldn't get on their own.
How much does a PEO cost?
Most PEOs charge about $40 to $160 per employee per month, or roughly 2% to 12% of total payroll, depending on the provider, services, headcount, locations and industry risk (ADP). That admin fee is only part of the bill: health premiums, workers' comp and payroll taxes are billed on top. We negotiate a flat per-employee rate instead of a percentage of payroll, so your fee doesn't rise every time you give a raise.
Is a PEO worth it for a small business?
Often, but not always. The biggest deciding factor is what your health benefits cost inside the PEO versus outside it. We also check the tax setup: many companies give away tax incentives to their PEO that they could keep as the employer. When we move a client to a better-fit PEO, savings of $150 to $600 per enrolled employee per year are common.
Should I use a PEO or just payroll software?
It depends on five things: how much HR support you want, your benefits budget, how many states you have employees in, which outside systems must connect to payroll, and the service model you prefer. Some integrations rule out a PEO entirely. We compare both paths with your numbers before you decide.
Can you help me switch or leave my current PEO?
Yes. We review your current PEO's pricing, workers' comp and state unemployment rates, then quote other PEOs or a standalone payroll and benefits setup. We don't renegotiate your existing contract; we find you a better provider and make sure you keep the tax savings you're entitled to as the employer. We also handle the transition, including clients moving off ADP TotalSource.
Payroll and HR software questions
How do I choose the right payroll provider?
Start with what you need, not with a vendor's demo. List your must-haves (time and attendance, hiring, benefits administration, multi-state taxes, integrations with your accounting system), then compare providers that actually fit your size and industry. Most companies pay for features they never use. We match your list against 50+ providers and show you the top three.
ADP vs Paychex vs Paylocity: which is best for a small business?
There is no single best. The right choice depends on your headcount, how many states you operate in, the HR features you need and the service model you want. All three are strong; they differ in pricing structure, how service is delivered and which add-ons are included. As an ADP, Paychex, Paylocity, UKG, isolved and Paycor partner, we compare them on your actual numbers.
How much can I save by switching payroll providers?
Our clients save about 30% on average on payroll costs, mostly by dropping features they don't use and getting market pricing instead of list price. We also review tax credits and incentives you may be missing.
How long does it take to switch payroll providers?
It depends on the provider, your headcount and how much history has to move. We give you a timeline in the proposal. Switching at the start of a quarter or year keeps tax filings simpler, so plan a few weeks ahead.
Who handles setup and data migration?
We do, working with the provider's implementation team. That includes moving employee and pay history, connecting benefits, workers' comp, retirement and accounting systems, and training your team. After go-live, your Mission account manager stays your first call for service issues.
Working with Mission
What is the process?
- Fill out a short intake form, about 3 minutes.
- We quote the market and present the top three options side by side.
- You pick the provider; we handle setup, data migration and training.
What is Mission BPO?
Mission BPO places dedicated, bilingual back-office staff from Colombia inside US teams. Roles include billing, claims processing, accounting support, data entry, scheduling and customer service. They work Eastern or Central hours, and clients typically save 40% to 70% compared with a US hire.
What is Mission Plus HR?
Mission Plus HR is fractional HR and managed payroll for companies that don't need a full-time HR department. It covers payroll and multi-state tax filing, benefits, compliance (ACA, COBRA, I-9), and HR support, with no long-term contract. For businesses with 49 or fewer employees, our HR and compliance plan powered by Mineral starts at $184 a month.
Do you only work with companies in Florida?
No. We're based in Miami but work with businesses in every US state, and our provider partners cover multi-state payroll and compliance.
How do I get started?
Book a call at missionhcm.net or call (305) 975-1941. Bring your latest payroll invoice and, if you're on a PEO, your current benefits rates; that's enough for a first comparison.