Cape Ann Asset Management has outsourced its payroll since the firm launched in 2015. After nearly 10 years with the same provider, it made the decision to move to Ascend.
When the admin starts creeping back
Cape Ann is a small firm by headcount, so its payroll is fairly light. Outsourcing was about keeping it that way, so the team could focus on its own clients.
Chief Operating Officer Geoff Summers sees real benefits in having payroll handled by professional providers rather than managing it internally. For years, the arrangement worked seamlessly. Over time, though, the admin of managing the relationship slowly crept up, and responsibility gradually shifted back to the Cape Ann team.
That defeated the point. “The whole reason for outsourcing was to preserve our internal time to focus on what we do, as opposed to focusing on the administration of payroll.”
Geoff also wanted a provider that would pay closer attention to Cape Ann’s own requirements. The firm’s payroll isn’t particularly complex, but its needs have to be met. Sometimes that takes people who’ll engage with the team, work out what’s needed and put it in place.
Ascend committed to that before the contract was signed, and Geoff says it’s delivered on it ever since.
An onboarding with nothing to worry about
Like most businesses weighing up a change of provider, Geoff expected the switch to involve a lot of work. He was very surprised at how easy it was to move across.
Looking back, he says he’d be far more relaxed if he did it again. “Ascend are professionals and they know what they’re doing.”
Bespoke, with a minimum of fuss
The first payrolls moved across without a hitch. That smooth service has continued whenever Geoff has needed more bespoke reporting or additional payroll cycles.
Ascend has built bespoke reports for Cape Ann, changed payment dates, added extra ones and run irregular payrolls when needed, all handled with a minimum of fuss.
Tech that’s easy to use
The Cape Ann team is also pleased with Elementary, Ascend’s payroll platform. Geoff finds it very intuitive and easy to use, and the reporting covers all of the firm’s requirements.
When he needs a report changed, columns added or removed, or a different report altogether, it’s taken care of very quickly.
People who want to do a good job
Geoff mostly deals with Ascend through the portal and by email, and he’s never had to chase. Information and requests uploaded to the portal are dealt with quickly. Emails normally get a response within a couple of hours, which is faster than Ascend’s service levels promise.
For Geoff, that responsiveness comes down to the people behind it.
“It’s very clear that everyone feels like they’re part of a company they want to work for. There’s an energy there dedicated to making this a success, both for clients and for Ascend. That’s difficult to instil across an organisation, and it’s something to be really proud of.”
