Articles | Lift HCM

Payroll Implementation Roadmap

Written by Jason Noble | February 21, 2024 5:53:46 PM Z

You are considering transitioning to a new payroll provider but must prioritize an upcoming significant event. Implementing a new payroll system may seem daunting with this on the horizon.

It is essential to overcome any hesitations. Challenges will always exist that may prevent you from addressing tasks that cause anxiety. However, by partnering with Lift HCM, we simplify the process for you. We have even engaged a professional writer to assist in this endeavor.

Lift HCM understands the stress of selecting a new payroll provider, especially when their services are crucial to your operations. To demonstrate its simplicity, we have streamlined the implementation process.

  1. Provide us with your FEIN and a voided check
  2. Sign a few forms 
  3. Give us access to your old payroll management software
  4. Meet with Lift HCM to review our setup
  5. Use our templates to communicate the changes to your team

The implementation process can take as little as two weeks. Let’s review the specifics to give you an idea of what to expect.

Step 1. Give Us the Green Light to Start Managing Your Payroll

The initial step in alleviating the burden of managing your own payroll is acknowledging your readiness to delegate this responsibility. If you choose to entrust this task to us, we will require a few items from you to initiate the process:

  1. FEIN: Don’t have a FEIN? Apply for one here
  2. Voided Check: You can email or scan this to the representative who is working with you to set up your account.

If you've misplaced your federal tax ID (FEIN), you can usually find it on one of these documents:

  • The IRS confirmation email you received after applying for an EIN online
  • Previously filed federal income tax returns
  • Official IRS forms or notices, such as tax bills or refund checks
  • Copies of business license or permit applications
  • Business bank statements that display your tax ID number

If you still can't locate your FEIN, you can contact the IRS directly at (800) 829-4933.

Step 2. Sign on the Dotted Line To Authorize Payroll Services

Once you’ve submitted your FEIN number and a voided check, keep an eye on your inbox for an email from your business developer. They’ll send you a few forms and a video walking you through which fields you need to fill out and why.

We ask that you print these out and send us a scan of the signed forms containing your physical signature as the government places different stipulations on handling electronic signatures at the local, state, and federal level.

  • Form 8655/IL-8655: this allows us to file your taxes at the state and federal level.
  • Power of Attorney: having power of attorney might not get us a spot on the Justice League, but we’ll be there to save the day when acting as an intermediary between your business and government agencies like the IRS or the Department of Labor.
  • Form EFT-1: this authorizes Lift HCM to initiate electronic fund transfers on your behalf.
  • LaserSign Service Form: this allows us to cut paper checks on your behalf. Even if your workforce uses direct deposits, there are a handful of edge cases which make having the option worthwhile.
  • Multi-State New Hire Registration Agreement: this allows us to facilitate payroll for out of state employees. It’s important to note that you should notify Lift HCM if you ever hire someone in a new state.

Step 3. We Configure Your Company in Our Payroll Platform

Once you return the signed forms and service agreement to your business developer, they’ll ask you to provide them with login credentials to your existing payroll platform. This allows them to pull the information our implementation specialists need to start entering your company into our human capital management software, iSolved. Meanwhile, our Accounting Team will get to work filing your freshly signed forms with the IRS, IDES, IDOL, and other intimidating government acronyms.

Step 4. A Guided Review of Our Your Data in iSolved

After our team completes the initial setup of your account in iSolved, they will schedule a virtual meeting with you and your dedicated business developer representative. During this session, they will clarify any outstanding questions you may have about the platform. Additionally, they will provide a guided tour of iSolved, demonstrating how to navigate the system and locate the specific tools and features you need to manage your payroll and HCM processes. Once you've verified the accuracy of your imported data and made any necessary adjustments, you'll be ready to fully utilize iSolved to streamline your operations.

Step 5. Making Final Adjustments After Running Your Payroll 

Our Implementation Team will closely monitor your payroll processing for two pay periods. This proactive approach allows us to identify and resolve any potential issues promptly, minimizing any disruption to your business operations. By the end of the second pay period, we aim to have a fully optimized payroll process that meets your specific needs and ensures accurate and timely payments to your employees.

Reach Out to Your Business Developer to Start Your Services

We hope this has given you a better picture of the road to implementation. The journey of a thousand miles may begin with a single step, but the journey to better payroll management is much shorter. All you need to do is email your business developer or reach out to us online and tell them you’re ready to begin.