Setting up payroll in Atto is a collaborative process that requires planning and timely action from both your team and our specialists. Here’s what to expect during setup and how to stay on track.
Key Timelines to Know
Review Timeline – 2 business days
This is the time we need to review your payroll setup once all steps are completed.
Payroll Processing Timeline – 4 business days (for new companies)
Your first payroll must be submitted at least 4 business days before the pay date.
Want help calculating your timeline?
Access the Payroll Setup Checklist – Enter your desired pay date and get personalized due dates for each step.
Faster for New Businesses
If your company is brand new and doesn’t have historical payroll data, you can skip steps 3 and 4. This significantly reduces the setup time.
Step-by-Step Implementation Timeline
1. Company Profile Setup
Duration: Typically 1 day
Process Owner: Account Admin
The account admin sets up the company profile in Atto. The sooner this is completed, the faster the process moves forward.
2. Employee or Contractor Profile Setup
Duration: Typically 1 day
Process Owner: Employees or Contractors
Each person (employee or contractor) fills out their personal, tax, and payment details. This ensures payroll runs smoothly.
3. Submit Historical Payroll Data (If Applicable)
Duration: Typically 1 day (depends on admin readiness)
Process Owner: Account Admin
If your business has paid employees earlier this year, you’ll need to submit that data.
4. Historical Payroll Audit (If Applicable)
Duration: Typically 1 day
Process Owner: Atto Implementation Specialist
We audit your data for accuracy to prevent issues with taxes or reporting.
5. Company Review
Duration: 24–48 hours
Process Owner: Atto Implementation Specialist
A full review of your company and employee setup before the first payroll can be processed.
6. First Payroll Approval
Duration: At least 4 days before pay date
Process Owner: Account Admin
The first payroll must be reviewed and approved at least 4 business days before payday.
Accelerated Option
To speed things up, submit historical data immediately after setting up your company profile. This helps shorten the overall setup window.
📅 Example Implementation Timeline
If your company wants to run payroll by May 15:
May 1 – Company profile setup
May 2 – Employee/contractor profiles completed
May 3 – Submit historical payroll data
May 4 – Atto audits historical data
May 5–6 – Company review completed
May 9 – First payroll submitted for approval
May 15 – Payroll is processed
Setting up payroll is a detailed process, but with the right steps and lead time, it’s smooth and straightforward. For help at any stage, visit our Help Center or contact our team — we’re here to guide you every step of the way.