United Way of Treasure Valley (Idaho) is a long-time client partner of QTS Custom Payroll, utilizing QTS as its outsourced provider. Barb Aberg oversees payroll and human resources functions for the organization. We talked with Barb about her experience.
Tell us about your payroll and how you first started working with QTS.
The United Way of Treasure Valley has worked with QTS since early 2016. Our organisation has 15 employees in the Boise office and we run a bi-weekly payroll.
My payroll experience is quite extensive as I worked for a small tax firm before United Way where I ran payroll for 12 other firms. I knew it didn’t have to be this difficult. It’s when we decided to look for a better option and that’s when we found QTS.
Some companies think that changing payroll providers is a big hassle. What did you find?
It was very easy to make the transition to QTS, transfer the data and set up the payroll system. I worked with Nora to transfer the information – she was wonderful --- and Rino’s help in the transition was phenomenal. I received quick responses to my calls and, when there was a tax issue, Linda in the tax department was outstanding in helping us solve the problem. These employees are still at QTS and helping to solve problems.
In addition to the usual responsibilities of an accounting position, I also do many other jobs at United Way as we have a small office. This means I really rely on the professionals who work at QTS to keep my payroll running smoothly, especially when I am involved in other tasks. I love solving problems by phone. QTS is quick to get back to me and I receive one-on-one attention. This is not something I had at ADP.
What service attributes are most important for you?
In addition to QTS’ reliability, the team and customer service, the 3 things I like best are:
- Using the TimeTracker to capture employee’s daily work hours and details as the data imports directly into the payroll software. It saves time for me and for our staff members, and seamlessly keeps a timely and accurate record of hours. This is especially important with two locations and now the culture of people working from home.
- Employees can log in and handle many of their own HR and payroll-related tasks without contacting me. The ease of usability of the QTS system is very important in making that happen.
- QTS is continually making enhancements to its software to make the job easier. I need to work fast because of my different hats and my work is often heavy on the benefits side. As we don’t have an human resources person, I handle all on- and off-boarding, as well as accounts payable and budgeting. QTS helps streamline those tasks.
As I mentioned, customer service is a big deal to me, especially being able to reach someone easily and get an answer. I appreciate Breck and his quick responses and help whenever I call.
What about cost?
United Way is a non-profit so this is especially important. Pricing has been great. In the entire time we’ve been with QTS, there has been only one price change and it was minimal.
Is there anything you’d share with others about working with QTS?
I have found QTS to be tremendously helpful in all things payroll-related. Not only is it easy to use but it is also an affordable service that far outperforms its price point. The customer support and service are top-notch. Thank you, QTS, for being such a fantastic resource for our payroll and HR needs.
About United Way of Treasure Valley
United Way of Treasure Valley serves the community through its Boise office. The roots of the worldwide United Way organization formed in Denver in 1887 and in the Treasure Valley in 1928.
United Way of Treasure Valley provides a holistic approach to helping children and families in need. It improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the health, education, financial stability and basic needs of every person in the Treasure Valley (Boise, Nampa, Meridian and the surrounding region). By taking strategic action that does the most good for the most people, it works to address the root causes of inequality in its communities.
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