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Zenith Prep Academy: HR Cleanup & Payroll Support Case Study

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Industry

Education

The Challenge

Zenith Prep Academy is a premier college admissions program that supports high-achieving students and their families through the competitive application process. As the company scaled its operations nationally, its team grew quickly, with employees working across 37 states. Payroll and compliance tasks were being handled by internal staff with limited capacity, and a recent payroll system migration had become a major challenge. With so many moving parts, Zenith needed expert HR support to untangle the complexity and move forward with confidence.

The Results

With Preferred CFO’s outsourced HR support, Zenith Prep Academy was able to clean up a complex payroll system, navigate compliance across 37 states, and build the foundational HR structure. What started as a one-time project has evolved into a valuable long-term partnership. Today, Zenith’s leadership team has more confidence in their HR operations, more time to focus on growth, and a reliable partner they can turn to as their business evolves.

Key Services

Outsourced HR

www.zenithprepacademy.com/

"Tom and the team have been wonderful. Everything and anything we throw at them, they roll up their sleeves and get it done. Our business pivots often, but we really value their ability to step in, offer thoughtful ideas, and have productive conversations. Preferred CFO has been a very, very good partner for us. We’re thankful for their help and excited to keep working with the HR team."

Elise Perez

Human Resources Operations Manager @ Zenith Prep Academy

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About Zenith Prep Academy

Zenith Prep Academy helps high-achieving students discover and pursue the academic paths that fit them best. Whether it’s a middle schooler curious about biotech or a high schooler looking to gain real experience in business and finance, Zenith’s counselors take a strategic, data-driven approach to mentoring. They meet each student where they are and help them take the next best step—whether that’s deepening a passion or figuring out what that passion might be.

Founded in the early 2000s, Zenith has grown from a small data-focused company into an award-winning team of admissions experts from top universities. Their personalized guidance has helped students not only strengthen their college applications but also uncover meaningful long-term goals.

Zenith Prep Academy Challenges

Zenith Prep Academy first partnered with Preferred CFO for financial strategy and leadership. When the team learned that Preferred CFO also offered outsourced HR solutions, they quickly brought them in to help with a messy and difficult payroll migration, state registrations, and compliance support. Without a formal HR infrastructure, Zenith relied on Preferred CFO to build a scalable, professional foundation. What began as a high-stakes rescue effort has evolved into a trusted partnership focused on sustainable growth.

The Outsourced HR Transformation

Before working with Preferred CFO, Zenith’s HR efforts were being handled on the side by an already-overextended operations lead. There were no formal systems, no dedicated HR staff, and no way to keep up with the growing complexity of multi-state employment.

Preferred CFO’s HR team jumped in to manage the situation. They cleaned up the payroll system, took over the burdensome registration process across 37 states, and guided Zenith through compliance challenges. By offering both outsourced leadership and ongoing hands-on support, the HR team helped Zenith shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive planning.

The Results

With Preferred CFO handling HR operations, Zenith’s internal team can now focus on growth and mission-driven work. What used to feel like a constant scramble is now a structured, responsive system—one that supports both the company’s national footprint and its ambitious vision for the future.

Looking Ahead

Zenith Prep Academy and Preferred CFO are continuing to build on this foundation together. What began with financial strategy and leadership has expanded into a trusted relationship that now spans both HR and CFO support. As Zenith continues to grow its national presence and refine its programs, Preferred CFO will remain a partner in navigating new challenges, strengthening operations, and ensuring the organization has the HR structure to scale with confidence. Both teams are excited for the road ahead and the impact this partnership will continue to create for Zenith’s students and families.

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