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HCM Topic: Payroll Software and Technology

Look before you leap: Choosing the right tools for cross-functional success across payroll, human resources and finance

To streamline processes, limit redundancies and find efficiencies, many organizations turn to integrated software systems as a solution to align operations across payroll, human resources and finance departments. However, selecting the right system is not an easy process and requires thorough research and planning. Whether organizations are looking to adopt a new system or replace an old or underperforming one, there are several areas to consider before investing significant time and resources.

A brief system overview

While countless systems are available for any organization choose from, some of the most common include:

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system: An ERP system is broad in scope and integrates core business areas across an organization, including payroll, human resources and finance, into one centralized system.

Human resources information system (HRIS): An HRIS system is used to manage and store employee data, including personal information, work history, payroll and benefits.

Human capital management (HCM) system: An HCM system manages employee information (similar to an HRIS) but focuses on talent management and development for the purpose of building a workforce tailored to advance the strategic goals of an organization.

While each system has its pros and cons, all organizations should conduct a thorough needs assessment before adopting any of these systems. Given the sheer number of available HRIS, HCM and ERP systems, answering some overarching questions can help narrow down these options.

Understanding organizational needs

To begin a needs assessment, organizations should ask themselves a series of questions to help narrow down their options. Getting input from multiple departments is important, especially if the expectation is that the system(s) will become mandatory moving forward. Kevin Seeto, a finance and global process leader in the healthcare industry, manages this type of work on a daily basis and says, “Effective organizations are always learning about their systems and looking at ways for them to perform better. This work is complex and requires ongoing collaboration to be effective.”

Some common questions to consider as part of a needs assessment include:

What are your (shared) goals and challenges?

Understanding the main problems that an organization wants to solve is the best way to start. This includes engaging employees across all departments to identify their specific problem areas and goals for the future. The decision of which tool to select will depend on whether issues such as payroll accuracy, quality financial reporting or employee engagement are at the top of a priority list.

What is your budget?

An organization needs to have a clear understanding of their budget, both now and in the future, to select a system that can support their work on a long-term basis. Different systems vary significantly in price based on the features they offer, potential to customize and ongoing operating expenses. If budget planning doesn’t occur across departments, there is significant risk that the system’s shelf-life may be limited.

What is the size of your organization?

Closely connected to budgeting is understanding how the current and future size of the organization plays into systems planning. For smaller organizations, systems like an HRIS that are cost-effective and easy to learn, with simple, built-in features, may be all that is needed. Seeto explains, “For a larger organization, or an organization expecting growth in the medium to long term, more advanced HCM or ERP systems could be the solution, given their ability to better support customization, scalability, expanding operations, in-depth data analysis and more complicated workflows between departments.”

Does the system need to integrate with current or legacy systems?

Many organizations may explore upgrading their current systems or integrating a combination of systems being used across payroll, human resources and finance departments. Migrating data from existing or legacy systems, such as accounting or payroll software, to new platforms can be a complex undertaking, so organizations need to feel confident that all required data can be accurately transferred and integrated. Organizations that underestimate the importance of this work may find themselves struggling to close out their current systems or navigating multiple systems during an overly complex transition period. Seeto continues, “You may find yourself inheriting systems from the past that were never migrated and will need to decide whether it is worth the time and resources to include them in the scope of your work.”

Is the system easy to use? Is employee training and support available if required?

Sometimes organizations focus so heavily on technical questions when analyzing their needs that they can forget to consider the employees who are responsible for managing the systems. Consider the current skillsets of employees in affected departments and how much training and development is needed to adapt to a new way of working. If an organization is currently operating with a simple system structure, moving into a complex ERP system that requires extensive training and knowledge building may be an overreach and a recipe for failure. The capacity of an organization to train and upskill employees may also vary, with some smaller organizations preferring more interactive, in-person opportunities and larger organizations with multiple locations relying on self-directed learning with strong customer support available from the provider.

Common pitfalls when adopting new systems

When organizations make the commitment to using new systems or other cross-functional tools, there are a few common issues that can make the difference between a seamless or painful transition. By doing their best to understand and plan for these issues, organizations can increase the probability that they are setting themselves up for success as best as possible.

Some common issues include:

Underestimating customization needs: Some organizations select systems that meet most of their needs but fall short in a few key areas, such as financial reporting capabilities or managing unique payroll or human resources scenarios. Organizations then settle for adapting their processes to fit the system rather than the other way around.

Neglecting quality control: Organizations that migrate poor-quality data (e.g., incomplete employee records, inaccurate financial reports) or fail to integrate quality control processes, especially during the early stages of adoption, may find themselves disappointed with the performance of their system. Many new systems offer opportunities for automating work processes, but without proper oversight, organizations can expect ongoing errors in unique scenarios that require manual intervention.

Managing compliance issues: A system cannot operate effectively without full commitment and compliance from employees. There are many reasons why compliance can be an issue, such as a lack of training (including a commitment to ongoing learning) or resistance from employees who may disagree with the integration of a new platform or become frustrated with reduced output as they adapt to something new. Whatever the reason, organizations need to ensure that they’ve taken all steps possible to prepare their workforce, as well as provide two-way communication channels to discuss and address challenges along the way.

Deciding on a new system to align and integrate payroll, human resources and finance operations is no small task. However, organizations that commit to asking themselves the right planning questions and avoiding common pitfalls can significantly enhance the potential for collaboration, alignment and efficiency across departments. While it might be tempting to quickly jump on board with the latest system being marketed, organizations that invest proper time and resources upfront to understand their unique needs can count on increased productivity and performance sooner than later.

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Switching Payroll Software Providers Before the End of the Year in 12 Steps

As we approach the end of 2023, payroll professionals across Canada face an important decision: is it time to switch payroll software providers? Transitioning to a new system can be a painstaking process, but doing it before the end of the year offers a tidy, organized shift that aligns with tax seasons and fiscal calendars.

The first step in the journey is knowing why you’re embarking on it. Are the features of your current software outdated? Is customer support lacking? Or perhaps you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution? Identifying the reasons for change will help you pinpoint what you’re looking for in a new software.

Pre-Switch Preparations

1. Regulatory Compatibility

Ensuring that your new software is compliant with Canadian payroll regulations such as CPP, EI, and income tax deductions is paramount. The new system should be equipped to handle federal and provincial tax codes and comply with the Canada Revenue Agency‘s and Revenue Quebec’s guidelines.

2. Customization and Scalability

Every business is different, and your payroll software should accommodate that. Look for customizable features and reporting tools. Additionally, the software should be scalable to fit the size of your business as it grows or downsizes.

3. Integration with Existing Systems

Your new payroll software must play well with the other digital tools you’re using. This can range from accounting software to human resources information systems (HRIS).

4. Budget and ROI

While more advanced software might be appealing, it also needs to make financial sense. Consider not only the upfront costs but also for long-term ROI.

Planning the Switch

5. Timeline

The end of the year is often an optimal time to make the change. This aligns with annual tax cycles, making it easier to reconcile records.

6. Contract Obligations with Current Provider

Review the contract with your current provider. Are there any exit fees or conditions that you should be aware of?

7. Data Migration Plan

Data migration can be a significant pain point in switching systems. Prepare a comprehensive plan detailing what data needs to be transferred and in what format.

8. Running a Parallel System

Before fully committing to the new system, it’s wise to run both your old and new payroll software side-by-side for at least one payroll cycle. This allows you to catch any discrepancies.

Execution

9. Staff Training

Once the software is selected, prepare your team with the required training. This should ideally be done during the parallel run phase so employees have a hands-on understanding of the new software.

10. Final Reconciliation and Reporting

At the end of the year, complete your final payroll reconciliation and tax reporting on the old system before transitioning completely to the new system. This ensures that all data is up-to-date, compliant, and aligned with the Canadian tax year.

11. ‘Go Live’ and Support

Once you go live with your new system, make sure to keep a direct line to your new provider’s support team for any bumps along the way.

12. Post-Switch Evaluation

After you’ve run a few payroll cycles on the new software, evaluate the switch based on your original criteria for making the change. Are you experiencing the benefits you’d hoped for? Make adjustments as needed.

Switching payroll software providers is not merely a technological shift but a strategic business decision. For Canadian payroll professionals, the additional layer of federal and provincial regulations makes this all the more critical.

For more expert insights, watch this webinar where Mélanie Crépeault from Paie Guru shares great tips on how to smoothly and efficiently implement an HCM system aligning your payroll practices for a successful 2024.

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5 Great Software Solutions for HR Management in Canada

In the last couple of weeks, we asked our members to share what HR-related topics they were most interested in and looked forward to seeing covered in the community. Their answer was clear: Finding the best software solutions for HR management.

This didn’t come as a surprise since, for Canadian HR professionals, finding software solutions that deliver functionality and ensure compliance with local laws and regulations is essential.

With this in mind, we dived deeper into some of the best options tailored to Canadian HR managers’ requirements. Check out 5 great software solutions for HR professionals!

1. Workday Human Capital Management

Overview

Workday offers an end-to-end HR management platform encompassing everything from recruiting to talent and performance management. It ensures compliance with Canadian labour laws, integrating effortlessly with payroll and benefits. Its cloud-based system offers flexibility and ease of access.

Tip for HR Managers

Utilize Workday’s analytics to uncover trends in employee performance, satisfaction, and more. These insights can help in crafting strategies that align with organizational objectives.

Canadian Specificity

The platform’s compatibility with Canadian regulations ensures a hassle-free experience for local businesses.

2. Dayforce

Overview

Ceridian, a Canadian-based company, offers Dayforce, an all-in-one HR platform designed for the Canadian market’s specific needs. Real-time access to HR, payroll, benefits, and workforce management data allows for effective decision-making. Its user-friendly interface facilitates a smooth user experience.

Tip for HR Managers

Utilize real-time reporting to make informed decisions quickly. Its alignment with Canadian tax and labour laws ensures smooth operations.

Canadian Specificity

With a deep understanding of the local market, Dayforce can be an ideal choice for Canadian businesses.

3. SAP SuccessFactors

Overview

SuccessFactors by SAP offers extensive solutions for employee experience management, suitable for businesses of all sizes. Its modules encompass recruiting, onboarding, learning management, and more. Its adaptability makes it ideal for diverse organizational needs.

Tip for HR Managers

Leverage the Learning Management System (LMS) to create training programs that resonate with Canadian values and legal requirements. Customized learning paths enhance employee engagement.

Canadian Specificity

With customization options, it can be tailored to meet the unique cultural and regulatory landscape of Canada.

4. ADP Workforce Now

Overview

ADP’s Workforce Now provides a comprehensive solution integrating HR management, payroll, and time tracking in one platform. It supports Canadian regulations and offers robust benchmarking tools, thus allowing organizations to compare their performance with industry standards locally.

Tip for HR Managers

Make use of the platform’s extensive analytics to plan strategically and monitor key performance indicators specific to the Canadian market.

Canadian Specificity

ADP’s insights into the Canadian labour market ensure that HR managers stay ahead of local trends.

5. Folks

Overview

Folks is an all-in-one HR system with a wide range of key features giving HR department the tools they needs to do just that. From employee onboarding to performance reviews and employee absence management, optimize workforce management and maximize productivity.

Tip for HR Managers

Employee profiles simplify HR management by gathering all relevant employee information. You can insert attachments, comments and edit information directly on the profiles. Employees can update their data themselves.

Canadian Specificity

Folks is a Canadian company based in Quebec that offers its services and technology in English and French.

4 Additional Considerations When Choosing HR Software

While the above software solutions offer unique benefits, choosing the right platform requires understanding the organization’s individual needs:

    • Integration: Ensure the selected software can integrate with existing systems and align with the company’s workflow.
    • Customization: Evaluate how easily the software can be customized to meet specific organizational and regulatory requirements.
    • Scalability: Consider how the platform can grow with the organization, particularly if expansion within Canada is anticipated.
    • Support and Training: Look for platforms that offer extensive support and training resources, ensuring a smooth transition for the HR team.

Do you work with any of this HR software? If you prefer a different one, recommend it below and tell us why you like it.


6 Software Solutions for International Payroll

International payroll can be a complex and time-consuming task for companies with employees in multiple countries. However, with the right software, it can be streamlined and made more efficient, reducing costs and freeing up resources. For this reason, The 17th Floor gathered six software options for managing international payroll.

1. ADP GlobalView

ADP GlobalView is a comprehensive payroll solution that offers support for over 40 countries. It provides a wide range of features, including compliance management, tax filing, and employee self-service portals. It also includes a dedicated team of experts to help with any compliance or regulatory issues that may arise.

2. SAP SuccessFactors

SAP SuccessFactors is a cloud-based human resources management software that includes a robust payroll module. It offers support for over 100 countries and includes features such as automatic tax calculations, compliance management, and employee self-service portals. Additionally, the software integrates with other HR systems, making it a great option for companies looking to streamline their HR processes.

3. Oracle HCM Cloud

Oracle Payroll simplifies how you pay your workforce with a highly configurable solution for efficient, compliant payroll processing across the globe—no matter your industry, company size, or worker types. It works in thirteen different countries: Bahrain, Canada, China, France (expected 2025), India (expected 2023), Kuwait, Mexico, Oman (expected 2023), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States. For organizations with payroll needs outside of these locations, it provides deep integrations with certified third-party partners to easily support payments in over 200 countries worldwide.

4. Dayforce

Dayforce supports payroll delivery in 160+ countries. Its single contract model provides streamlined support and localized expertise where your employees live and work. It also provides an interactive view of each country’s gross-to-net pay, and access pay activity by region or country.

5. Papaya Global

Papaya Global is reinventing global payroll, payments, and workforce management. Its automated platform helps companies hire, onboard, manage, and pay people in more than 160 countries. The cloud-based solution is easy to use and scale, ensures full compliance and provides industry-leading BI and analytics.

6. HR Blizz Global Payroll

HR Blizz Global Payroll platform automates end-to-end payroll processes in 175 countries across the globe, supporting a headcount from 1 – 125,000 employees. It is available as either Managed Payroll or SaaS solution, also built-in global labour law and statutory compliance. It offers integration capabilities with all leading HRMS systems including Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Dayforce and more.

When choosing software for international payroll, it is essential to consider the number of countries supported, compliance management and tax filing, employee self-service portals, and dedicated support. Each of the above-listed software options is a strong choice and can help make managing international payroll a more efficient process.

Do you use any of these options? Tell us why you like them or share your favourite one to help us complete the list.