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Switch from Deputy to RosterElf step by step

Sean Wyse By Sean Wyse Updated 13 January 2026 3 min read
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Transfer your data from Deputy to RosterElf

This guide explains how to transfer your key data from Deputy to RosterElf, including your locations, positions, staff, and payroll setup. Following these steps ensures your RosterElf account mirrors your existing Deputy structure for a smooth transition.

You'll learn how to recreate your locations and positions, import your staff via CSV, and connect payroll to Xero. Once completed, your RosterElf setup will be ready for rostering, time tracking, and payroll integration with minimal disruption to your business.

1. Recreate your locations in RosterElf

Locations in RosterElf are called sites. Each site represents a physical location of your business. This section explains how to recreate your existing Deputy locations as RosterElf sites. Setting these up correctly ensures accurate time tracking, shift assignment, and reporting for each location.

Learn more here:

  • Adding and managing sites
  • An overview of time & attendance settings

1.1 Add your sites

1.1.1 Go to the Sites tab in your RosterElf account.

Sites tab in RosterElf

1.1.2 Click the plus (+) symbol to add a new site.

Add new site button

1.1.3 Enter your site's address and details.

Site details form

1.1.4 Click Time and attendance to configure your time and attendance settings.

Time and attendance settings

2. Create your positions in RosterElf

In RosterElf, positions are similar to areas in Deputy. However, unlike Deputy, positions are not tied to a specific site and can be assigned across multiple locations. Setting up positions helps you define job roles and responsibilities clearly for scheduling and payroll purposes.

Learn more here: Introduction to positions

2.1 Add your positions

2.1.1 Go to the Positions tab.

Positions tab

2.1.2 Click the plus (+) symbol to add a new position.

Add new position button

2.1.3 Enter the position name.

Position name field

2.1.4 Choose a colour for the position (optional).

Position color selector

2.1.5 Add a description to explain the role and responsibilities to staff.

Position description field

3. Import your staff from Deputy

You can import your staff list from Deputy into RosterElf using a CSV file or via Xero. Exporting your employee data ensures all active staff details are included and up to date before the import.

Learn more here:

  • Importing staff list (CSV file)
  • Importing staff list (Xero API)

3.1 Export your staff from Deputy

3.1.1 Go to Analytics in Deputy.

Deputy Analytics menu

3.1.2 Click View all reports.

View all reports button

3.1.3 Find and open the Team members details report.

Team members details report

3.1.4 Set Status to Employed.

Set status to Employed

3.1.5 Click Export and select Excel format.

Export to Excel

3.1.6 Open the Excel file and remove any unnecessary columns (keep First name, Last name, Email and Mobile number).

Excel file with columns

3.1.7 Rename the remaining columns to match RosterElf's import format.

Renamed columns

3.1.8 Export the file again as a CSV.

Export as CSV

3.2 Import your staff into RosterElf

3.2.1 Click the Staff tab in RosterElf.

Staff tab

3.2.2 Select CSV import.

CSV import option

3.2.3 Upload your prepared CSV file and hit Upload.

Upload CSV file

4. Set up payroll in RosterElf

Once your staff and positions are added, you can connect your RosterElf account to Xero and set up payroll templates. This ensures your employees' timesheets flow directly into your payroll system, saving time and reducing manual entry.

Learn more here:

  • How to set up and manage payroll in RosterElf
  • Introduction to pay templates
  • Comprehensive Xero payroll setup guide
  • Creating a pay template for Xero

4.1 Connect to Xero and create pay templates

4.1.1 Go to Settings.

Settings menu

4.1.2 Click Payroll.

Payroll settings

4.1.3 Select API Connection to Xero payroll.

API Connection option

4.1.4 Follow the prompts to connect.

Connection prompts

Note:

Following these steps ensures a smooth transition from Deputy to RosterElf with all your essential data intact. Once complete, you can start rostering, tracking time, and managing payroll seamlessly through RosterElf.

Frequently asked questions

1. How do I transfer my data from Deputy to RosterElf?

You can transfer your data by recreating your locations and positions in RosterElf, exporting your staff list from Deputy, and importing it as a CSV file. Once imported, set up payroll and connect your account to Xero to complete the migration.

2. What's the difference between locations and positions in RosterElf?

In RosterElf, locations are called sites and represent each physical workplace. Positions define the job roles that staff can work in. Unlike Deputy, positions in RosterElf aren't tied to one site—they can be assigned across multiple sites for flexibility in rostering.

3. Can I import my Deputy staff list directly into RosterElf?

Yes. Export your staff data from Deputy's Team members details report, remove any unnecessary columns, rename the remaining ones to match RosterElf's import format, and save it as a CSV. Then, upload this file under the Staff tab in RosterElf using the CSV import option.

4. How do I connect RosterElf to Xero for payroll?

Open RosterElf, go to Settings > Payroll, and select Connect to Xero. After connecting, you can create pay templates so your employee timesheets sync automatically, helping streamline payroll processing.

5. Why should I transfer my data from Deputy to RosterElf?

Transferring your data ensures a smooth transition to RosterElf's rostering, time tracking, and payroll tools. It allows you to retain key business information, maintain consistency in schedules and payroll, and take advantage of RosterElf's integration with Xero for easier payroll management.

Still need help?

Our Australian-based support team is here to assist you.