Last updated: 3 August 2026
The right choice depends less on company size than on who will own payroll every month. Managed payroll suits businesses that want the calculations and working files prepared with them. Payroll software suits teams that want to run the process internally and can maintain trained users, controlled inputs and reliable records.
Three practical payroll routes
Route 1
Managed payroll
Reworked prepares the agreed payroll calculations, reports and schedules from employer-approved inputs. The employer reviews and approves the final payroll.
Route 2
Payroll software
The business runs payroll internally using a payroll system. Internal users maintain employee data, process payroll, review outputs and protect the records.
Route 3
Software plus support
The business operates its own system while Reworked assists with licence guidance, setup planning, payroll reviews or selected monthly tasks.
Managed payroll versus payroll software
| Question | Managed payroll | Payroll software |
|---|---|---|
| Who prepares payroll? | The service provider prepares the agreed working file from employer inputs | An internal payroll or finance user runs the system |
| What does the employer provide? | Accurate changes, approvals, payment authority and filing confirmation | The same information, plus trained users and system administration |
| Where is control strongest? | Repeatable external preparation and review | Direct internal access and control over processing |
| Main risk to manage | Unclear scope, late inputs or weak approval | Under-trained users, stale settings or poor access control |
| Best fit | Businesses that want the monthly work handled with them | Businesses with a capable internal payroll owner |
Where Wagemaster fits
Wagemaster is a Kenyan payroll and HR software product provided by Digital Frameworks Ltd. Its official website describes payroll processing, statutory calculations and reports, payslip and P9A emailing, permanent and casual payrolls, HR records, time-attendance options and an employee self-service extension.
Wagemaster currently presents its core licence as a one-time purchase rather than a monthly or annual subscription. Package limits, prices, installation, training and support terms can change, so Reworked confirms the current package and terms before a client commits.
Questions to answer before choosing
- Who will own employee changes, payroll processing and final review every month?
- How many employees, pay cycles, branches and payroll users must be supported?
- Do you need payroll only, or HR records, leave, attendance or employee self-service too?
- Can the business maintain access control, backups and a documented approval process?
- Is the current problem a missing system, missing time, missing expertise or weak records?
- Would a short payroll health check clarify the route before buying or outsourcing?
Choose with clarity
Tell us your employee count and current payroll method.
Reworked will help you compare a managed payroll service, a Wagemaster software enquiry and a supported hybrid approach.
Employer questions
Common questions
Is payroll software cheaper than managed payroll?
The cost structure is different. Software requires a licence or subscription plus internal staff time, training, controls and record management. Managed payroll includes recurring service work. Compare total effort, risk and required outputs rather than price alone.
Can we buy Wagemaster and still get payroll support?
Yes. A business can operate Wagemaster internally and request setup guidance, selected payroll reviews or other agreed support. The scope should be confirmed before work begins.
Who owns Wagemaster?
Wagemaster is a product of Digital Frameworks Ltd. Reworked acts as an agent and support contact for enquiries and related payroll assistance; it does not claim ownership of the software.
How do we choose the correct Wagemaster licence?
Start with employee count, number of payroll users, required HR or attendance functions, setup needs and expected growth. Reworked will confirm the current package, price and support terms before purchase.