How ClearPalm LLC delivers better client experiences, reduces audit headaches, and scales faster with IRIS Payroll Software
The challenge: Cumbersome payroll technology for both staff and clients and customer service was essentially non-existent
The Solution: An intuitive interface and automation to improve client experience and strengthen internal organization
The Results: Fewer audit issues, faster payroll runs, improved scalability, and nearly 30 new clients since adopting IRIS Payroll.
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Lutz, FL-based ClearPalm LLC (www.clearpalminc.com) has built its business on a three-pronged approach: commercial insurance, bookkeeping, and payroll. By offering clients a comprehensive package, the firm ensures audits, filings, and payroll are all aligned.
“We love to get all three,” said ClearPalm Insurance Advisor Gustavo Fernandez. “We started with insurance and realized that when audits happen—general liability audits, workers’ compensation audits, etc.—if we’re not also doing the client’s books or payroll, those audits are a nightmare. But when we handle all three, we’re able to control the audits in a streamlined way, work faster and more effectively, and help keep the clients’ costs down.”
A top example: Because workers’ compensation is payroll-based and classification-specific, ClearPalm’s ability to manage both payroll and insurance ensures accuracy and savings.
“Let’s say you run a plumbing company. If you just report $1 million in payroll under the ‘plumber’ classification, the premium would be $35,000,” Fernandez explains. “But if $100,000 of that payroll was sales and $150,000 was admin, the true premium is closer to $21,000. That’s why payroll and workers’ comp go hand-in-hand.”
Even a small payroll error discovered during a workers’ compensation audit can trigger costly retroactive premium adjustments and snowball into major audit penalties or six-figure claims. National Safey Council data shows that average lost-time claims alone now run around $44,180 per claim for incidents in 2021–2022, and more severe injuries (like amputations) can cost over $120,000 per claim.
The Challenge: Disjointed Systems and Frustrated Clients
Before adopting IRIS Global’s cloud-based platform, ClearPalm relied on a payroll company running on another commonly used payroll software platform. But the setup proved cumbersome for both staff and clients and customer service was essentially non-existent.
“Any time an issue with the software arose, the experience was horrendous,” Fernandez recalled. “They essentially said, ‘We’re not going to spend any money on improving our product.’”
Clients struggled to adjust hours, update rates, or manage payroll changes. Something as simple as updating an hourly rate required voiding and re-entering payroll. Handling multiple entities was equally frustrating. Staff had to manually upload hours for each company. These inefficiencies slowed ClearPalm’s growth, diminished its ability to scale up and exacerbated stress during already difficult audits.
The Solution: A Better Client Experience with IRIS
ClearPalm turned to IRIS with two primary goals: improve client experience and strengthen internal organization. The software’s intuitive interface and automation features quickly addressed both.
“When I did the demo with Pat, I immediately saw the difference,” Fernandez said. “IRIS gave clients the ability to manage their payroll in ways that weren’t possible before. They can change or update information, onboard employees, and even adjust direct deposits without waiting on us.”
The shift also put responsibility where it belonged. “With IRIS, clients update their own details, so if something goes wrong, it’s their responsibility. That alone has saved us so much time.”
The Results: Faster Runs, Happier Clients, and Room to Grow
- Smoother Audits
IRIS’s customizable, cloud-based payroll solutions include workers’ compensation and insurance benefits features that complement ClearPalm’s insurance business and easily integrate with related software. - Dedicated Support
Instead of waiting on a call center, ClearPalm can now reach a dedicated IRIS tech support representative. “I can make a call or email someone who is a bona fide payroll expert and get a quick response,” Fernandez said. - Time Savings and Scalability
Features like Rapid Pay Entry and the built-in calendar help significantly speed up payroll cycles. “Since switching to IRIS, we spend much less time on each payroll run,” Fernandez said. “Less manual work, fewer reminders, smoother runs, all making it much easier for us to grow and scale.” - Automation and Organization
Automated client reminders and a centralized calendar eliminate back-and-forth emails and deadline chasing. Many clients now simply reply to an automated notice with their hours, cutting out wasted time.
As a result of these improvements, ClearPalm has already added nearly 30 new clients since partnering with IRIS.
Looking Ahead: Growth Through Specialization
ClearPalm’s success with IRIS is shaping its future. The company is planning to launch a separately branded firm focused solely on payroll, building on the scalability, efficiency, and client satisfaction that it’s achieved since partnering with IRIS.
“Our number one reason for switching was to improve the client experience,” Fernandez said. “Over time, organization has become just as important, if not more so. IRIS has delivered on both.”
Schedule a demo with one of our payroll experts today to see the difference IRIS Payroll Software can make for your accounting firm or payroll service bureau.