iCIMS vs Wave Payroll
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
iCIMS
iCIMS is a leading enterprise recruiting platform offering applicant tracking, candidate relationship management, and onboarding in one system. Known for its scalability and deep configurability.
Wave Payroll
Wave Payroll is a simple payroll solution built into the Wave accounting ecosystem. It is designed for very small businesses that already use Wave for accounting and want an integrated payroll solution. Wave Payroll handles direct deposit, tax payments, and W-2s, making it a natural choice for businesses already in the Wave ecosystem.
Pros
- ✓Highly scalable for large hiring volumes
- ✓Strong CRM and pipeline features
- ✓Good compliance tools
- ✓Robust integration marketplace
- ✓Excellent customer support
Cons
- ✗Interface feels dated compared to newer tools
- ✗Expensive for smaller teams
- ✗Implementation can be lengthy
- ✗Reporting has a learning curve
Pros
- ✓Seamlessly integrates with Wave accounting — no manual data transfer needed
- ✓Very affordable pricing for micro-businesses
- ✓Simple interface with minimal setup required
- ✓Free Wave accounting included with subscription
Cons
- ✗Limited features compared to dedicated payroll platforms
- ✗Tax filing is only automatic in select states — manual filing required in others
- ✗No mobile payroll app
- ✗Not suitable for businesses with complex payroll needs
Our Take
Choose iCIMS if mid-to-large enterprises needing a scalable and highly configurable recruiting platform. Choose Wave Payroll if micro-businesses already using wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll.
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing a scalable and highly configurable recruiting platform
Best For
Micro-businesses already using Wave accounting that want simple integrated payroll