For most accounting firms, expanding into payroll isn’t a technical challenge, it’s an operational one. The idea of switching systems, training your team, and converting clients can feel overwhelming, even if you know it’s the right move for your business.
That’s why we’ve designed our onboarding process to be a clear, step-by-step path that helps your team feel capable and supported from day one. Whether you’re shifting from a patchwork payroll setup or replacing outdated software, our goal is simple: give you the tools, structure, and confidence to build a profitable payroll offering without burning out your staff or confusing your clients.
The first 15 days are where the foundation gets built. Here’s exactly what that looks like.
Days 1 to 15: A Clear, Confident Start
The first two weeks are all about equipping your team. We focus on five critical outcomes that set the tone for everything that follows.
1. Your Team Begins Freshman-Level Training
Our training isn’t about cramming your calendar full of webinars. It’s about giving your operations team the hands-on knowledge they need to feel comfortable running payroll in our system. We call this freshman-level training. It’s practical, essential, and designed to build confidence.
It includes:
- System navigation
- Basic payroll processing steps
- Understanding roles and responsibilities within the platform
This foundation helps your team start strong and eliminates early anxiety.
2. We Introduce the Conversion Process
You’ll learn what it takes to transition your clients, including how to gather data, what paperwork needs to be signed, and the lead times we need for successful implementation.
We go through:
- Which clients to prioritize and why
- What makes a client conversion-ready
- How to sequence the rollout to avoid disruption
You’ll begin submitting client data in this window, but only once your team feels ready.
3. Clients Are Notified of the Change
During the first two weeks, we help you communicate the upcoming transition to your clients. This isn’t about setting specific go-live dates yet. It’s about setting the stage with clarity and confidence.
You might say something like, “We’re moving to a new payroll platform to serve you better. You’ll hear more from us soon.” That simple introduction builds trust and eases concerns before any changes take place.
4. You Gain Complete Clarity on Whirks Pricing
We walk you line by line through our pricing structure so you understand exactly what you’re paying and how those costs are calculated. More importantly, we use that information to help you analyze your own pricing and client margins.
You’ll walk away knowing:
- How your fees from Whirks are structured
- Which services and usage metrics impact pricing
- How to adjust your own client billing to stay profitable
We’ve refined this approach over time based on feedback from partners who needed clearer definitions. You’ll never be surprised by a charge, and you’ll never have to guess how to price your own services.
5. You’re Connected with Your Support Team
From Day 1, you’ll know who to go to and how to reach them. We assign a dedicated team to your firm and take time to explain exactly how support requests, conversions, and technical questions are handled.
When your first client question arises or your team hits a snag, you already know the path to resolution.
What You Won’t Do in the First 15 Days
- You won’t convert all your clients. We’ll start sending data for setup, but full conversion happens gradually over the first 90 days.
- You won’t dive into expert-level features right away. The focus is on what you need now. More advanced training comes later.
- You won’t be left guessing. From data templates to deadlines, everything we do is structured to be clear and actionable.
What Success Looks Like by Day 15
By the end of your first two weeks, here’s what success looks like:
- Your team has completed foundational training and feels confident starting payroll runs.
- You’ve introduced the transition to your clients and explained what to expect.
- You have a clear understanding of our pricing, how it affects your margins, and how to structure your own client billing.
- You’ve begun the process of submitting your first client conversions.
- You know exactly who to contact for support and how to communicate with our team.
From here, the pace picks up. You’ll move into full conversion mode with the knowledge and tools to do it right.
Why Our Onboarding Works Whirks
We’ve helped dozens of firms transition from loosely defined, time-consuming payroll processes to streamlined, profitable service bureaus. We know what it takes to make a change like this stick, and we know where firms tend to get stuck.
That’s why our onboarding combines structure with flexibility. We move at your pace while helping you keep momentum. We take on the heavy lifting of conversion and give your team the training and support to grow with confidence.
By the end of your first two weeks, you won’t just be dipping your toe in. What does onboarding look like with Whirks? Learn what to expect in the first 15 days, from training and pricing to client communication
And that’s just the beginning.
Once your onboarding is complete, we shift into full implementation mode. Over the next 90 days, we help you convert clients, streamline processes, and grow your expertise. Curious what that looks like?
Take a look Inside the Whirks Network Partner Journey: What to Expect in the First 90 Days.
