Catholic Purchasing Services (CPS) recently changed to QTS Custom Payroll and Human Resources Solutions as its outsourced provider. As CFO, Jerry Kennedy is responsible for payroll and related operations at CPS and oversaw the transition. We caught up with Jerry to ask about his experience.
What were your most important considerations in choosing a new payroll provider?
Many people look only at savings. Although saving money is important, for me, payroll processing is not a huge expense in the budget; but there are other considerations.
What was really important to me was how easy it was to transfer to QTS and how much extra work would I need to complete. I was dragging my feet in making the change as it seemed a much bigger project in my head than in actuality. It really didn’t take any time at all to complete the forms and summarize the employee data.
Another key consideration was service from our previous provider – it was a large national company that we’d used for years and that many of our customers also used. It was often frustrating trying to connect with a representative when there was an issue. For example, if a special run was needed for a payroll adjustment, contacting a person took some time.
Our previous provider also asked us to switch internal platforms because the new platform would fit our company size. I thought, “Why do I need to change? If it’s not broke, why fix it?” There were minor changes in the new platform which took some time to learn. We also had to re-register all employees and make a few other changes. When we terminated our service, interestingly enough, there wasn’t a response or even any follow up from our previous provider. About that time, we also learned that other Catholic institutions had made a change away from the same provider.
At QTS, I dealt with Rino for training. If he wasn’t available, I was connected with another staff person for help. For example, in the first payroll run on my own, I sent an email to Rino, and received a return note that he was out of the office. That email gave me the names of two other individuals. Before I could even send an email, one of those individuals, Linda, called and said, “I saw your email to Rino, how can I help?” I thought, “This is great! It’s just what I need.”
What has been your experience since converting to QTS?
The initial set up was easy. Completing the forms and gathering info for the transition didn’t take long. The training documentation provided was simple to follow. The couple small issues we had – an incorrect address, zip code and employment classification – we fixed quickly and everything else was good. The QTS staff not only walked me through the first payroll but also how to set up automation.
I appreciate that there are multiple ways to get reports and that they are simple to find. The reports are also available quickly online without waiting. The system is intuitive --- I don’t have to hunt through different menus. I also have the ability to access everything from home, office or wherever I’m working that day.
A real benefit is that new direct deposit set ups go right through without having to wait. With our last provider, we had to wait for two weeks for direct deposit to become active.
Do you have suggestions for others who are considering making a payroll change?
I hope other organizations read about my experience and realize how easy it is to make a transition to QTS. Don’t get stuck in the old ways like I was. QTS is a good group, easy to work with and very responsive. No company is too big or too small for QTS.
Like to talk with Jerry for more information about his experience or have a conversation about payroll services for your institution? Get in touch.
Jerry Kennedy
Catholic Purchasing Services
800.237.4125 x 530
JKennedy@CatholicPurchasing.org
Breck Hansen
QTS Custom Payroll & HR Solutions
855.855.7999
Breck.Hansen@QTSPayroll.com
If your organization is a member of Catholic Purchasing Services, you may also contact:
Mary Schell O’Hara
800.237.4125 x 547
Mary@CatholicPurchasing.org