Switching Payroll Software? Let's Make Sure It's Done Right.
A payroll migration is one of those things that looks straightforward on the surface — but there's a lot going on underneath. Done well, it sets you up for clean, compliant payroll from day one. Done badly, it can cost you time and money to rectify.
Payroll Consult manages every step — clean data, correct configuration, validated go-live. You'll be well looked after throughout the whole process.
The Risk
What Can Go Wrong In A Payroll Migration
Switching payroll software isn't just a technical exercise — it's a compliance one too. There are three areas where things tend to go wrong: errors in data migration, configuration mistakes in the new system, and compliance gaps that only become visible later.
The thing I see most often? Businesses that have moved to a new system, are confidently processing pay — and have no idea the system has been incorrectly set up since day one.
Leave balances carried across incorrectly
New system configured with wrong default settings
OWP vs AWE comparison not set up in new system
Historical earnings data not properly migrated
Pay codes mapped incorrectly between systems
First pay run validates incorrectly — errors not caught
Our Migration Process
End-to-End Payroll Migration Management.
I handle every stage — from scoping the migration to validating the first live pay run. No rushing, no cutting corners.
01
Migration Scoping
I start by taking the time to properly understand your business — your systems, your people, your data — so nothing gets missed.
02
Data Preparation
I extract, clean, and map your data — leave balances, employee records, pay codes, and historical earnings — ready for import.
03
New System Configuration
I configure the new payroll system correctly for NZ compliance — leave types, calculation methods, public holiday rules, and pay code settings.
04
Parallel Running & Validation
I run both systems simultaneously for one or more pay periods, comparing outputs to catch any discrepancies before go-live.
Platforms We Work With
Experience Across All Major NZ Payroll Systems.
We've migrated payrolls between all major NZ platforms
iPayroll
Full migration support including leave history, certified iPayroll partner configuration.
PayHero
PayHero-certified migration support. Complex workforce and leave type handling.
Employment Hero
Certified Employment Hero specialist. Full NZ compliance configuration from day one.
Crystal Payroll
Certified Crystal Payroll consultant. Data extraction and clean migration support.
Smartly
Certified Smartly partner. Particularly experienced with complex multi-award payrolls.
Xero/ MYOB
Migration support for Xero Payroll and MYOB. Full data mapping and configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does payroll migration take?
Typically four to eight weeks from scoping to validated go-live, depending on payroll complexity and data quality. I'll give you a realistic timeline at the free consultation.
How far back does the leave history need to go?
For accurate OWP and AWE calculations, ideally 12 months of earnings history per employee. I'll assess what's available from your current system and advise on the best approach.
Can we do a migration without disrupting normal payroll runs?
Yes. I plan migrations around your pay cycle to minimise disruption. Parallel running means you maintain a safety net until the new system is validated.
What if we're already mid-year on our current system?
Mid-year migrations are common and manageable. The key is migrating YTD earnings correctly so the new system can calculate leave rates accurately. I handle this as a standard part of the migration process.
Moving Payroll Software? Let's Do It Properly.
A migration done well takes more effort upfront — and that's exactly how it should be. The last thing you want is to be unpicking problems six months down the track. I'm here to make sure that doesn't happen.
