With a vision to strengthen their HR recruitment systems and employee experience, Sky New Zealand engaged ELMO, a HR and payroll solution provider, to strengthen their talent acquisition capabilities, remuneration, performance management and succession in addition to refining their financial control systems.
Once the implementation got underway, complexities of the project came to light as the scope expanded, and feedback from the payroll team indicated unanticipated challenges mixing their new HR solution with their current payroll provider, PayGlobal during transition.
Furthermore, the new payroll solution accompanying ELMO HR, brought with it some challenges of its own.
To minimise the risks, they brought Alxemy onboard to support the implementation project and bolster Sky TV’s internal resources, affording them the ability to manage both BAU as well as the implementation project.
Alxemy proved a perfect payroll partner for Sky New Zealand – and continue to be – because they:
- Have extensive project management skills and expertise industry wide.
- Have the ability to work through and around the complexities of a large enterprise level system integration project, streamlining HR and payroll processes.
- Could advocate for Sky New Zealand and develop a new business continuity plan to future-proof Sky’s payroll processes.
The project’s end result? Sky New Zealand now have their HR and payroll systems collaborating seamlessly with one another, and have cemented an ongoing relationship with Alxemy.
A solution that ticks all the boxes
Sky New Zealand has a head count of over 600 people. As a national broadcaster, providing media services countrywide, and employing a range of full time & part time staff and contractors, having a centralised, efficient, and compliant HR and payroll platform in place was a must.
With a robust solution they would be able to attract talent, manage workflows more efficiently and meet the needs of their people, all the while simplifying HR & payroll processes across the board.
Knowing this, Sky New Zealand went out to market to find a solution that met all their requirements. After an in-depth selection process, they chose ELMO as a full end to end solution in HR.
Seeking a trusted hand
As can be the case, with enterprise level system implementation projects, there can be unexpected complexities along the way. These complexities can become amplified and extensive when you add the integration of multiple systems to the scope.
As can be the case, with enterprise level system implementation projects, there can be unexpected complexities along the way. These complexities can become amplified and extensive when you add the integration of multiple systems to the scope.
Alxemy steps in as Sky’s payroll partner
Because of their strong reputation, Sky’s Head of People Operations Property & Safety, Alex Howieson, reached out to the team at Alxemy for payroll support.
Working in tandem with Sky’s Payroll Manager Anu Balasooriya, Alxemy and Sky worked closely with the team, actioning agreement requirements and adjustments in accordance with Sky’s business processes.
Over several months the Alxemy team implemented and executed systematic manual workarounds to address any calculations and processes for which the system did not cater, and worked internally to assist the payroll team with payroll two-days a fortnight.
As part of the project, Alxemy also assisted with delivering:
- agreement requirements
- reporting for the finance team
- streamlining of all payroll processes
- automation of processes where possible
Alxemy didn’t just sign off on project completion, today they continue to provide payroll support when required.
Future-proofing payroll for Sky
Trust and exceptional service resonated across the project. Sky’s Head of People Operations Property & Safety, Alex Howieson was highly impressed with Alxemy’s professionalism – their service culture an essential key to project success.
“Alxemy went above and beyond the call of duty and superseded our expectations,” says Alex. “Their profound expertise, exceptional organisational qualities continue to serve us beyond implementation. I can’t identify any areas for them to improve upon.”
And the trust and understanding between Sky and Alxemy has expanded beyond individuals to a companywide relationship.
“We now have streamlined processes, a business continuity plan, and Alxemy are helping us two-days every fortnight which means our payroll manager now has the ability and confidence to take time off. We’re in a safe pair of hands.”
Conclusion
Sky New Zealand now benefits from a robust, streamlined, and compliant HR and payroll system, with Alxemy continuing to provide invaluable support. This partnership not only resolved immediate challenges but also equipped Sky with the tools and systems needed for long-term success.
