Payroll & HR for SMEs: the comparison of our Fractional CFOs
Automate your payroll and social declarations with fewer re-entries and validation checks. From the DSN to the bulletins, everything must be fluid and traceable.
Quick verdict (30 seconds)
PayFit is the standard for 5-150 employees with main CCNs. Silae for 150+ employees or very complex CCN. Lucca if you want a unified HR suite.
Detailed comparison table
Comparison criterion by criterion to frame your needs and prepare a demonstration.
| Criterion | PayFit | Silae | Lucca |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCN covered | ~40 main | 600+ | Via PayFit/Silae |
| UX / employee portal | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Time management | 2/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Integrated expense reports | Module + | Partial | ✓ native |
| Employee onboarding | ✓ | Limited | ✓ advanced |
| Accounting integration | Pennylane native | Silae Expert | Via PayFit |
| Pricing Basis | Package + collaborators + options | Publisher or partner quote | Depending on modules and collaborators |
| Implementation | 1-2 weeks. | 2-4 weeks. | 2-4 weeks. |
Our recommendation by profile
Which tool to choose depending on your stage of growth and your activity.
Profile
SaaS startup <50 people, CCN SYNTEC
Recommendation
PayFit
Why
Auto DSN, modern portal, zero errors — the standard for startups.
Profile
SME services 50-150 people.
Recommendation
PayFit + Lucca
Why
Complete HR stack: PayFit for payroll, Lucca for absences, time and expense reports.
Profile
Industry / Construction / Show
Recommendation
Silae
Why
600+ CCN, complex time management, multi-conventions — essential.
Profile
>150 employees
Recommendation
Silae
Why
Exhaustive conventional coverage and specific settings. PayFit slows down at this size.
Profile
Multi-entity ETI
Recommendation
Silae + Lucca
Why
Silae manages complex payroll; Lucca unifies HR (absences, time, talent).
Detailed analysis by tool
PayFit
Startups and SMEs (5-150 people)
✓ Advantages
- +Automated preparation of the DSN
- +Modern and intuitive interface
- +Smooth employee portal
- +Predictable price without surprises
- +Excellent French support
✗ Limitations
- −Limited for very specific CCN
- −Slowdowns beyond 150 people.
Silae
Structures 150+ people, complex CCN
✓ Advantages
- +Complete coverage of all CCNs
- +Very specific settings possible
- +Long history and expertise
✗ Limitations
- −Less modern interface than PayFit
- −Longer implementation
- −Lack of employee experience
Lucca
SME wanting unified HR suite
✓ Advantages
- +Complete HR suite (pay + leave + time)
- +Smooth integration between modules
- +Consistent UX
✗ Limitations
- −Payroll slightly less powerful than PayFit alone
- −Less French market expertise
Distinguish HR management and bulletin production
The file Factorial helps prepare for HRIS tests. The sheet malibou deals with management accompanied by payroll. Identify who prepares the variables, produces the bulletins and validates them, as well as the services actually included in the contract.
Decision criteria
Number of employees
Complexity of collective agreements
Need for integrated HR suite (leave, time, expense reports)
Overseas entities
Need specific settings
Let's talk about your project
Tell us your priority, situation and timeline. The first conversation helps define the scope and next steps.