Payroll
Implementing Payroll Software
Critical guide to implementing payroll software without disrupting employee payments.
8-12 weeks
Advanced
Implementation Steps
Understand all payroll requirements and plan transition timing.
Key Tips:
- Review all federal, state, and local tax requirements
- Document current payroll process and frequency
- Identify all deductions (benefits, garnishments, etc.)
- Plan go-live date (start of quarter preferred)
- Notify employees of upcoming changes
- Get buy-in from finance/accounting team
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ×Not running parallel processing - too risky to go straight to live
- ×Choosing end-of-year for go-live - tax reporting nightmare
- ×Missing obscure deductions or garnishments
- ×Not verifying bank account numbers - payments go to wrong accounts
- ×Insufficient testing of tax calculations - penalties are severe
- ×Not having a rollback plan - leaves you stranded if issues occur
Best Practices
- Always start at beginning of quarter for clean tax reporting
- Run at least 2 parallel payrolls before going live
- Over-communicate with employees about changes
- Keep old payroll system active for 1 quarter after cutover
- Create detailed audit reports comparing old vs new
- Have your accountant review configuration before go-live
- Build in buffer time - process payroll 2 days early at first
- Document everything for compliance and audit purposes
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