SwiftPay Software has deep roots in the payroll industry, going back over four decades. It all began in 1982, when Dan, a former payroll sales rep for Crocker Bank, saw the potential of computers to revolutionize payroll processing. He purchased an Alpha Micro computer and teamed up with Gary, a skilled programmer, to build a solution that could process payrolls for local clients. The business, originally called The Computer Company, was launched in St. Helena, California, serving the Napa Valley.
By 1986, Dan had a bigger vision — to empower others to run their own payroll processing businesses. He brought on Jim, another developer, to rewrite the software for a new system. The goal was simple but powerful: fast, efficient payroll data entry, letting operators move quickly from one client to the next while the system handled processing and printing in the background.
The software was copyrighted, and a corporation was formed to manage licensing. With this model, Dan and Jim helped set up payroll centers across California, Oregon, and Nevada — including cities like Santa Rosa, Sacramento, Chico, Eugene, and Reno — supporting the growth of dozens of independent payroll businesses.
As payroll regulations evolved (like the split of Medicare and Social Security), ongoing development was needed. When rising programming costs outpaced licensing income, Dan sold the business and copyright to Dave, and started a new payroll service bureau in Petaluma.
Dave rebranded the company to Payroll Masters, brought on Steve, another talented programmer, and expanded both the client base and the software capabilities. Under Dave’s leadership, the client list grew to 1,500 businesses, mostly through acquisition.
Despite surviving the 2008 financial crash and the 2020 pandemic lockdowns, Dave eventually sold the client base to Paychex — which had no need for the proprietary software that had powered Payroll Masters for decades.
Rather than letting that technology go unused, Steve and Jim formed Swift Payroll in 2022 to continue supporting and enhancing the software. This time, the focus is clear:
SwiftPay Software is currently live and actively used by independent payroll centers. Designed for speed, accuracy, and scalability, it handles tens of thousands of clients, supports direct deposit, electronic tax payments, and allows you to focus on service, not software headaches.
We also offer live webinars on how to start your own payroll processing business — from industry insights to hands-on training.
We’ve spent 40+ years building, refining, and supporting a platform made specifically for payroll processors — not general accounting firms, not enterprise HR platforms, but people like you looking to run a lean, high-performing payroll business.
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