5 Steps to Selecting a Canadian Payroll Provider

Considering switching to a new Canadian payroll provider but reluctant to take the leap? There could be many reasons for your hesitancy, from being concerned about losing data to missing a payroll cycle. Choosing the right Canadian Payroll Provider does not have to be chaotic, messy or time-consuming. If you’re a company looking to enter the Canadian market, or are simply making the switch to a new provider to help run your payroll in Canada, here are Knit Payroll’s best tips for what you need to look for before making a choice. 

Need more info? Our payroll comparison blog series will help you make an educated decision. 

1. Is it the right time?

If your company is seeking a switchover, timing is essential! Here is how companies switching over or finding a new provider can choose the right time to act.  

If you are considering choosing a mid-year conversion, Quarter 2 is an excellent time to begin the process. Another potential option is to convert at the end of the year. The Knit Payroll team suggests starting a year-end conversion in October, so it doesn’t conflict with any year-end processing you are managing. 

When choosing a Canadian payroll provider to switch over to, a streamlined implementation process can ensure a smooth transition, no matter the time you decide to begin it. Part of this process is partnering with an experienced and knowledgeable payroll and payment company that understands your needs.

2. Identifying and sourcing a knowledgeable professional and ongoing support

Naturally, given the complexity of workforce solutions and the vast array of capabilities that will impact your company, an excellent Canadian payroll provider should have a team and software supporting you every step of the way. Not only do you need strong customer service support, but it’s also in your best interest to choose a provider that will grow with you. 

A trusted partner in your growth journey can take managing payroll and associated tasks off your hands so that you can focus on the essential parts of the business. 

Further, choosing the right Canadian payroll provider helps avoid costly mistakes that can come when inexperienced individuals attempt to navigate compliance and regulations themselves. Why set yourself up for potential error? Contact Knit Payroll today. We work with you to provide the support and structure to grow -- and remain compliant! 

3. Make sure it integrates! 

Choosing a tool that considers data integration is essential when picking a Canadian payroll provider! Identifying and selecting the right tool means avoiding potential data loss, duplication and helps connect your other existing investments into your new system, saving you time and headaches. 

Generally, companies have existing solutions for benefits and other needs, such as backend administration and bookkeeping software, varying point-of-sale (POS) systems, and more. 

When you choose a payroll provider, like Knit, that integrates with all your existing investments, you can ensure your data will be accurate and up-to-date all the time, in one single program. 

Other benefits of choosing a Canadian payroll provider that allows integrations includes: 

• Reduced paperwork
• Avoiding duplicate data entry
• Access to point-in-time reporting 
• And more.
  

When evaluating solutions, consider payroll providers that are trusted and have a portfolio of integrations with other vendors and popular business applications. 

Generally speaking, providers that own and develop their own integrations and technology can usually build their own data integrations, giving you access to a more tailored solution. 

Did you know? Knit Payroll integrates with many of your favourite tools. Check out the entire list. 

4. Before making the change, ensure your chosen partner considers payroll tax compliance through its software.

Payroll tax compliance rules are constantly changing. Utilizing a Canadian payroll provider with a substantial tax compliance department helps you manage these updates and stay above board. 

An experienced Canadian payroll provider will have an expert tax compliance team who will review your data to uncover any potential payroll tax errors. This team should also be around to update your payroll tax tables year over year, handle tax filings and payments, and support during your year-end processing. 

5. Ongoing and accessible 24/7 Customer support. 

A final and equally important consideration for choosing a Canadian payroll provider is the level of customer support they provide. 

Business owners should feel confident knowing that the solution they choose has a strong customer support structure available when they need it. Having the proper support is essential. It’s why you’re hiring specialists to take care of this for you! 

To determining the level of support offered by a payroll provider, here are some questions to ask:

• Will my company have a dedicated account manager/team assigned to us?
• Is the support staff available via 24/7 phone, email or chat?
• When I have a payroll issue, what is the average response time of a support request?
• What professional accounting or payroll certifications do these support teams have?
• Is the company able to answer more complex questions I may have around benefits and other HR matters?
  

Don’t go at it alone! 

When selecting and implementing a Canadian payroll provider, there are several factors to consider. Overall, ensure you select a payroll provider with up-to-date knowledge and experience in payroll processing and Canadian tax compliance with a reputable track record for customer retention and stellar customer support. If you’re in the market for a new Canadian payroll provider, check out Knit Payroll today. Try Knit for free for 30 days by signing up here. 

Need more information? We can help. Check out our 2021 Guide to the Best Payroll Software in Canada and compare providers based on your needs!