Preparing for year-end and the first quarter
From the November 2008 issue of Ceridian Connection.
As year-end approaches, a sense of urgency fills the air. According to Vicky Kukas, business process improvement and year-end program manager at Ceridian, customers typically make more calls to their payroll provider in preparation for year-end. And the questions tend to be very specific to this point in time. "The goal of Ceridian's year-end program is to provide simplified, streamlined and targeted resources to ensure that our customers have everything they need for a successful year-end," says Kukas.
Ceridian customers have many reasons to think positive thoughts during year-end 2008 and the first quarter of 2009. Resources, such as instructor-led and Web-based training, easy-to-use reference materials and service support are available to help their payroll teams through this period. Those who resolve exception reports during the year or after payroll runs are likely on track for a smooth year-end. However, practitioners new to year-end preparations, and even veterans, can use the materials and support options to help them complete year-end activities.
Year-end resources
It's no secret that people learn differently. When Ceridian experts develop year-end resources, they take care to offer alternative support materials. Cheryl McElhinney, client training consultant, coordinates all of Ceridian's customer year-end training. A former customer, McElhinney has experience on both the user and provider side. "The key to what Ceridian does for our customers at year-end is teamwork," says McElhinney. "Employees from different areas of the company come together and work seamlessly as a team to create all of the communications, tools and training that will assist our customers in a successful year-end."
Types of year-end training
Compliance power
Year-end activities also require an understanding of your compliance requirements. While your tax attorney or accounting professional can offer advice with respect to any particular issue or problem, it is important to be aware of any new laws and regulations. For example, there are often changes to 401(k) limits that need to be monitored annually. In addition, the election of a new president and a portion of Congress this fall will most likely lead to some changes in compliance in the not too distant future.
Ceridian offers customers federal, state and local compliance information on www.myceridian.com. Some of the resources include:
The resource list and training options may seem a bit daunting, but they offer many options for Ceridian customers to select whatever works best in terms of schedule and requirements. And, remember, there is no substitute for planning and reviewing reports all year long to keep current with changes and help you through a smooth year-end.
As year-end approaches, a sense of urgency fills the air. According to Vicky Kukas, business process improvement and year-end program manager at Ceridian, customers typically make more calls to their payroll provider in preparation for year-end. And the questions tend to be very specific to this point in time. "The goal of Ceridian's year-end program is to provide simplified, streamlined and targeted resources to ensure that our customers have everything they need for a successful year-end," says Kukas.
Ceridian customers have many reasons to think positive thoughts during year-end 2008 and the first quarter of 2009. Resources, such as instructor-led and Web-based training, easy-to-use reference materials and service support are available to help their payroll teams through this period. Those who resolve exception reports during the year or after payroll runs are likely on track for a smooth year-end. However, practitioners new to year-end preparations, and even veterans, can use the materials and support options to help them complete year-end activities.
Year-end resources
It's no secret that people learn differently. When Ceridian experts develop year-end resources, they take care to offer alternative support materials. Cheryl McElhinney, client training consultant, coordinates all of Ceridian's customer year-end training. A former customer, McElhinney has experience on both the user and provider side. "The key to what Ceridian does for our customers at year-end is teamwork," says McElhinney. "Employees from different areas of the company come together and work seamlessly as a team to create all of the communications, tools and training that will assist our customers in a successful year-end."
Types of year-end training
- Instructor-led training offers a traditional classroom approach to learning. The instructor reviews materials and encourages questions and discussions -- particularly about new processes. One advantage of instructor-led training is that your specific questions can be addressed and clarified onsite. You benefit from the expertise of the instructor as well as other professionals in attendance. You can select a class that meets your needs.
Classroom-based sessions such as Ceridian's Year-End Success Workshop can help payroll professionals who prefer to have a personal interaction with the instructor. At Ceridian, the class offers a holistic approach to year-end, including a month-by-month list of what you can expect. The list has been so popular with payroll professionals that this year Ceridian has created a similar tool for benefits managers for annual open enrollment. Ceridian customers can access year-end/year-begin training opportunities for their solutions on www.myceridian.com. - Web-based training (WBT) allows payroll professionals to get support anytime, anywhere. Seek out training offered by a reputable vendor that offers classes on what you need to know.
Ceridian has expanded its use of short, 10-15 minute, WBT sessions this year. Sometimes referred to as "Snip-It Training," the content has been divided into short clips that can be viewed on your schedule. While year-end gets a lot of attention at this time of year, Ceridian knows that you continue to process payroll.
Ceridian also offers a session that explains what you can expect from Ceridian during year-end, how deductions impact W-2 data, how to make W-2 adjustments and many other topics. WBT sessions can be accessed at the Ceridian University link on www.myceridian.com. - Printable reference materials can serve as reminders of critical dates for other payroll professionals and internal departments that support year-end activities.
Ceridian distributed its traditional Year-End Communication Packet in early October. The packet includes:- "Getting Ready for Year-end" CD-ROM
- W-2 Poster
- 2009 At-a-Glance Calendar
- Knowledge Base Job Aid
- New Phone Menu Card with Directory
- W-2 Services and Important Dates Calendar
- Online reference tools with search capabilities give you access to pertinent information from your PC. Whether you develop the reference tools internally or use an outside service, the information should be easy to access and written in clear, concise language.
Ceridian's Knowledge Base can be accessed by the majority of payroll customers. In addition, the Year-round Guide for a Successful Year-end is available as a series of knowledge base articles. Users authorized to call the Ceridian support center can use their individual customer ID to log in to the knowledge base. More details are included in your year-end packet and available from the product support pages of www.myceridian.com. - Customer service analysts, available through your payroll provider, will address topics including specific questions about your system and/or individual issues. Ask your payroll vendor whether it provides additional support during year-end.
In addition to its normal service support, Ceridian offers extended hours on select Saturdays in December and January for customers who need additional assistance.
Compliance power
Year-end activities also require an understanding of your compliance requirements. While your tax attorney or accounting professional can offer advice with respect to any particular issue or problem, it is important to be aware of any new laws and regulations. For example, there are often changes to 401(k) limits that need to be monitored annually. In addition, the election of a new president and a portion of Congress this fall will most likely lead to some changes in compliance in the not too distant future.
Ceridian offers customers federal, state and local compliance information on www.myceridian.com. Some of the resources include:
- 2008 Payroll Compliance -- A quick-reference chart for information including minimum wage, Social Security taxes, retirement plan limits, mileage allowance and state UI/DI wage bases.
- SAS 70 Reports -- Step-by-step instructions on how to download reports on Ceridian solutions.
- State Employment Law -- An alphabetical listing by state summarizing employment law changes with monthly updates and links to additional background information.
- Ceridian Abstracts -- Sign up to receive this free weekly service that delivers breaking HR compliance news to you via email.
The resource list and training options may seem a bit daunting, but they offer many options for Ceridian customers to select whatever works best in terms of schedule and requirements. And, remember, there is no substitute for planning and reviewing reports all year long to keep current with changes and help you through a smooth year-end.
