Meet Adam James, Xenium’s Implementation Specialist, who has been with the team for nearly a year. Adam’s journey in the outsourced HR and payroll industry spans over five years, bringing a wealth of experience to his role at Xenium.
What is your role at Xenium, and how long have you been on the team?
My current role is Implementation Specialist, and I’ve been here at Xenium for one year.
Tell me a little bit about your career progression and what led you to work at Xenium.
I’ve been in the outsourced HR and payroll industry for over five years now. Coming over to Xenium felt like a natural progression since I was mainly responsible for managing client implementations at my previous PEO provider. I’ve been really impressed with the processes Xenium has in place that create a fantastic working environment.
What do you like about implementation?
I enjoy the technical aspect of implementation. It’s a nice combination of technical work and client interaction, which makes for a really satisfying work environment for me.
What’s your favorite part about working in outsourced HR and payroll?
No client fits into one mold when it comes to HR and payroll processes. Our job is to curate solutions that are easy for both us and the client to adopt. While this can be challenging, it’s also very rewarding.
What’s changed in your experience and in the field over the years?
Technology, technology, technology. Both employees and administrators want that seamless user experience, being able to access and manage their information online.
Can you talk about a project or accomplishment you’re especially proud of at Xenium?
Not to toot my own horn, but earlier this year, I onboarded my largest client to date, with roughly 1,700 worksite employees. It took a village to get to the finish line, but I’m proud of the heavy lifting I did, particularly with payroll data imports, client training, and payroll processing.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the field and interested in implementation work?
Don’t expect every client to fit into one nice box. Keep an open mind about how you can accommodate a client’s needs with the resources you have. If you don’t know how to answer something, it’s also okay to tell a client—lean on your team for the right answer.
Can you share a good memory or experience working with a client?
I was recently working with a client who had trouble seeing some departments that were added to their payroll account. It was a bit of a clunky process initially, but the client was patient and appreciative as I troubleshot the issue and updated the settings to resolve it. Moments like these, where you can make a real difference, are really fulfilling.
How do you see your role evolving in the future, and what are your goals?
Honestly, I love what I do now, and I don’t see myself evolving anytime soon. But down the road, I’d like to be more involved with the HRIS side of Prism, helping to build out processes and resolve technical issues. Moving up to that tier three level would be a great next step for me.
What do you wish more people knew about working in the outsourced payroll HR industry?
We’re fortunate to work with many clients across various industries, which gives us valuable knowledge and experience to help new clients who may not know where to start. From building a simple PTO plan to ensuring accurate and timely payroll, our industry plays a critical role in helping clients grow, allowing them to focus on their business while we take care of the rest.