How Long Does Payroll Onboarding Take?
| Number of Employees | Payroll Only | Payroll + Time & Labor | Scheduling Module | HR Module |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 or fewer | ~3 weeks | ~3 weeks | ~3 weeks | ~6 weeks |
| 11 – 50 | ~4 weeks | ~3 weeks | ~3 weeks | ~6 weeks |
| 51 – 100 | ~4 weeks | ~4 weeks | ~3 weeks | ~6 weeks |
| 101 – 199 | ~5 weeks | ~4 weeks | ~3 weeks | ~6 weeks |
| 200+ | Custom timeline based on setup |
Listed above are the guidelines and timelines we offer all new clients at APlus. Many could be a lot less and some may be more but we always try to under promise and overdeliver.
What These Timelines Actually Mean
Let’s simplify this—because most payroll companies don’t.
- Payroll Only
Time until your first successful payroll run - Payroll + Time & Labor (TLM)
Time until employees can clock in and out in the new system - Scheduling Module
Time until you can build and manage schedules - HR Module
Time to fully set up employee records, documents, and workflows
Why Some Setups Are Faster Than Others
You might notice something interesting. Adding Time & Labor doesn’t always increase the timeline. HR setup takes longer across the board mainly because:
- Payroll + TLM is often implemented together efficiently
- HR involves more customization, documentation, and structure
The Biggest Factor That Affects Timeline (It’s Not What You Think)
It’s not your size and it’s not the software. It’s how quickly (and cleanly) information is provided during onboarding. When clients stay engaged and provide information on time, implementations move fast and smoothly. That’s why we guide you step-by-step and keep things simple. (Providing everything in Excel? Fabulous!)
What Working With APlus Looks Like During Setup
This is where we’re different.
- You’ll have one dedicated point of contact
- No call centers, no repeating yourself
- We coordinate with your accountant if you have one
- We help keep everything moving so you don’t get stuck
What Happens If You’re Switching From Another Provider?
Good news. That’s actually where we do our best work. Most clients come to us because:
- Support has been slow or frustrating
- Things feel overly complicated
- They’re tired of fixing errors themselves
Our goal is simple. Get you up and running quickly—and correctly—the first time. If your previous Payroll Company is proving difficult, we can give you tips to maybe help you get the data you need yourself..
For Larger Teams (200+ Employees)
At that size, every business is a little different. Instead of forcing you into a generic timeline, we:
- Review your setup
- Understand your workflows
- Build a custom implementation plan and timeline
Switching payroll can feel like a big move—but it doesn’t have to be painful. With the right process and the right partner, it’s actually straightforward, and once it’s done, most businesses wonder why they didn’t do it sooner.