Payroll Companies & Payroll Services in West Point, MS

Watkins, Ward and Stafford, PLLC (often called WWS) is a full-service certified public accounting firm based in West Point, Mississippi. It operates 16 offices across Northeast and Central Mississippi, including one in Columbus. Buyers comparing payroll providers should know that WWS is a CPA practice rather than a dedicated payroll processing company. Its payroll work centers on payroll tax compliance, handled within its wider tax, accounting and attest services.

Payroll and Tax Capabilities

The firm's published materials describe tax work that covers income taxes, sales and use taxes, and payroll taxes. This suits employers who want their payroll tax obligations reviewed or managed by licensed CPAs alongside their other filings. The site does not describe a standalone payroll processing product.

Organizations that need full-cycle check runs or direct deposit administration should confirm the scope of service directly with the firm. Clients can reach their bookkeeping through hosted QuickBooks access powered by Rightworks. A secure Thomson Reuters portal handles document exchange, and the firm also offers remote apps through Citrix.

• Payroll, sales and use tax compliance
• Individual, corporate, partnership, exempt organization and fiduciary tax work
• Accounting services and compilations
• Audits and reviews, including single audits under Uniform Guidance
• Advisory work for businesses and governmental bodies
• Business planning, financing, and business purchase and sale consulting

Who They Serve

WWS works with individuals and with organizations of many kinds. Its client base includes commercial businesses, government entities, nonprofits, manufacturers, health care organizations and family-owned companies. Team biographies point to deep experience in agriculture, health care and manufacturing. They also show extensive governmental audit work for public schools, counties, municipalities and public utilities. One partner, who serves as Director of Quality Management, has taught training sessions on internal controls, indirect cost rates and Uniform Guidance for nonprofit and public-sector audiences.

Background and Credentials

John T. Watkins, CPA, founded the firm in West Point in 1949, and it has grown steadily over more than seven decades. According to the firm, a Mississippi Business Journal ranking again listed it as the state's second largest accounting firm. Managing Partner James L. (Lee) Stafford joined in 1964 and has led the executive committee since 1989.

Many other partners have been with the practice for several decades. WWS holds firm permits in Mississippi, Arkansas and Florida. It is a member of the AICPA and the Mississippi Society of CPAs, and it is affiliated with AICPA sections covering private companies, technology, tax and personal financial planning.

Consulting staff also take part in groups such as the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

What Sets Them Apart

WWS pairs the resources of a large regional practice with a network of community offices staffed by local professionals. Many team members serve on chambers of commerce, civic clubs and nonprofit boards in the towns where they work. For employers in the Columbus area, the firm can be a fit when payroll tax matters need to sit alongside audit, tax and advisory work under one CPA firm.