The Payroll Podcast

Your payroll runs smoothly but that's exactly where payroll compliance risk hides. In this episodeIn this episode of @thepayrollpodcast, Nick Day, CEO of JGA Recruitment Group, sits down with Jay Crider, CPP, MBA, founder and principal of ValuGuard Payroll Advisory, talked about the hidden payroll errors, implementation gaps, and data vulnerabilities lurking beneath green status reports. Discover what audits, acquisitions, and system migrations reveal about payroll maturity, and learn how to identify and remediate silent failures before they cost you.This is not just a conversation about whether payroll gets processed. It is a conversation about whether payroll is governed. Jay and Nick break down the five pillars of payroll risk, why key person dependency quietly puts entire operations at risk, and how payroll leaders can finally translate what they see into language the C-suite actually listens to.They also cover Jay's Payroll Stability Index, or PSI, a free scoring framework built to quantify payroll risk the way a FICO score quantifies credit risk, real statistics on fraud, compliance penalties, and outage costs, and why payroll may be the largest uncontrolled financial process in most companies today.It is not just about getting the paycheck right.It is about proving the process behind it can be trusted under pressure.And if you have never measured that before, this episode will change that.Whether you are a payroll professional trying to earn a seat at the table, a finance leader trying to understand where your real exposure sits, or a business owner who assumes payroll is fine because no one has complained, this episode will give you a new way of seeing one of the most important functions in your organization.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayGuest and Host:Connect with Jay Crider: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-crider/Learn more about ValuGuard Payroll Advisory and run your free PSI snapshot: https://www.valueguardpayroll.comConnect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction: Why a Green Payroll Status Report Can Still Be Hiding Risk(03:01) What Payroll Really Means: Trust Made Operational(04:06) The Iceberg Analogy: What's Hiding Beneath a Stable-Looking Payroll(06:35) Why "Paid Accurately and On Time" Is an Incomplete Definition of Success(11:17) Controlled Process vs. Correct Outcome: The Real Test of Governance(13:29) Key-Person Dependency and the True Cost of Payroll Heroics(20:04) Introducing the Five Pillars of the Payroll Stability Index(24:27) Operational Continuity, Governance Controls, and the Cost of Fraud(32:17) Why a Risk Score Changes the Conversation With the C-Suite(39:55) Who Should Own Payroll Governance: HR, Finance, or a Future CPO?(45:56) Diagnosing Risk Before a Crisis Forces Your Hand(52:21) Payroll Vault: Rapid-Fire Questions and Jay's Boldest Prediction

AI for payroll is reshaping the profession but failed implementations reveal what truly matters. In this episode of @thepayrollpodcast, Nick Day, CEO of JGA Recruitment, sits down with Raju Chauhan, explore why payroll compliance and management require human judgment, what automation gets wrong, and how payroll professionals evolve into strategic oversight roles. Essential for anyone navigating payroll implementation in the AI era and building a resilient careerThis is not just another AI hype conversation. It is a grounded, practical look at where the technology genuinely helps and where it quietly creates risk.Nick and Raju explore why AI does not fix broken payroll processes but exposes them, how AI can act as a structured thinking partner without replacing critical thought, and why safeguarding personal and payroll data has become the single biggest risk facing leaders today.They also cover the real difference between adoption and AI literacy, practical starting points for leaders who feel behind, and why automating the most repetitive manual tasks first is the smartest place for any payroll team to begin.It is not about replacing payroll professionals.It is about revealing where payroll needs to evolve.And those are two very different things.Whether you are just starting to explore AI or already rolling it out across a global payroll function, this episode is an honest, practical look at how to do it without losing the discipline payroll depends on.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayGuest and Host:Connect with Raju Chauhan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajuchauhan40/Connect with Nick Day: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/nickdayFind your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Timestamps:(00:01) Introduction: Is AI Coming for the Payroll Profession?(02:15) What Payroll Really Means: Creating Smiles Behind Every Payslip(06:52) Raju's First Encounter with AI: From ChatGPT to Real Payroll Tools(12:31) Getting Started: Where Payroll Leaders Should Begin with AI(14:27) Overcoming the Two Biggest Fears About AI in Payroll(18:24) The Real Risk: Data Safeguarding and AI Literacy(21:55) How AI Became Raju's Thinking Partner, Not His Idea Generator(26:13) Can AI Actually Improve the Employee Experience?(29:38) Shortcut or Discipline? What Recruitment Teaches Payroll About AI(35:39) Bad Data In, Bad Data Out: Why Structured Prompting Matters(40:00) Automation Priorities and the Future of Payroll in an AI World(44:09) Payroll Vault: Career Advice, Data Risk, and Predictions

Payroll careers are often written off as accidents. Someone needed a job, a shared service center needed a body, and thirty years later they never left. But staying in payroll for three decades and being recognized as one of the best in the profession does not happen by accident. So what actually separates people who simply work in payroll from those who go on to shape its future?In this episode of @thepayrollpodcast, Nick Day, CEO of JGA Recruitment, sits down with Jamie Phillips, CPP, the 2026 Payroll Man of the Year as named by Payroll Org. With over three decades of experience spanning payroll leadership, workforce management, human capital management, industry education, and mentoring, Jamie brings a rare, career-long view of what it actually takes to stay relevant in an industry that keeps changing shape.This is not just a conversation about winning an award. It is a masterclass in what separates accumulating years of experience from becoming more valuable with every one of them.Nick and Jamie unpack how payroll has shifted from a transactional function to a strategic one over the past thirty years, why data analytics has been the single biggest transformation in the profession, and why the idea that payroll resists change is more myth than reality. They dig into Jamie's own path back to graduate school at fifty, why lifelong learning is a mindset rather than a milestone, and how mentoring newcomers through Payroll Org's certification courses has shaped his own legacy. They also talk candidly about the isolation that can come with reaching the top of a payroll career, and why community and networking are two of the most underrated tools for staying sharp.It is not just about winning an award.It is about what you do with thirty years to deserve it.And that is what separates a job from a career.Whether you are six weeks into payroll or thirty years in, this episode makes the case that longevity means nothing without curiosity, contribution, and a willingness to keep evolving.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex; Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayGuest and Host:Connect with Jamie Phillips:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-phillips-mha-mhrd-cpp-19b2505Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction: Is Payroll Longevity Ever an Accident?(01:35) The Elephant in the Room: Jamie's Cycling Accident(03:33) What Payroll Means to Jamie After 30 Years(04:31) Meet Jamie Phillips: Life Beyond the Payroll Desk(08:31) How Jamie Fell Into Payroll By Accident(11:00) The APA's Role in Giving Jamie a "30,000-Foot View"(15:00) 30 Years of Change: From Transactional to Strategic Payroll(20:15) Ranking the Biggest Transformations: Data, Experience, and Technology(22:43) Why Jamie Went Back for Two Master's Degrees After 50(27:59) Community, Networking, and Avoiding Isolation at the Top(29:44) Becoming the 2026 Payroll Man of the Year(37:47) Advice for Newcomers: Learn, Network, Zoom Out

In this episode: Mandatory Payrolling of Benefits, Salary Sacrifice Traps and Zero-Hours Reform | Payroll Question TimePayroll Question Time is brought to you by SD Worx. SD Worx offers smart, tailored and integrated HR and Payroll solutions, along with the local expertise, global reach and reliable service you need to grow your business today!UK payroll has a lot to get through before the summer break. Is your business ready for the biggest shake-up to benefits reporting in a decade?In this episode of Payroll Question Time, host Steve Yardley and our expert panel tackle the most pressing payroll topics of the moment, from mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind to salary sacrifice and national minimum wage risk. From new HMRC data requirements for company cars to the Fair Work Agency's zero-hours contract consultation. With April 2027 mandation now confirmed and phased, this is essential viewing for every payroll professional in the UK.From car benefit reporting quirks and real-time Class 1A charges to holiday pay record keeping and salaried staff hours tracking, this session covers the operational, compliance, and strategic issues you need to act on before September.We cover:• Mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind: the confirmed April 2027 and April 2028 phased timetable• New and dropped HMRC reporting fields for company cars and medical benefits• Why payrolling benefits in kind isn't a lift-and-drop of your P11D process• The new real-time Class 1A employer NI charge and what it means for your April to July bills• When the voluntary payrolling registration service is expected to reopen• Car benefit reporting quirks, the P46 car form, and why real-time alignment still isn't there• Salary sacrifice and national minimum wage: why "voluntary" doesn't mean it's exempt• GymFlex, cycle to work, and other disguised salary sacrifice arrangements• The Fair Work Agency's zero-hours contract consultation: guaranteed hours, notice and canceled shift pay• Why zero-hours reform could create an ongoing obligation, similar to pension re-enrolment• Holiday pay record keeping and why NMW investigators are asking about it• Tracking working hours for salaried staff and the burden of proof on employers• The April 2029 proposal to cap salary sacrifice tax relief at £2,000 a year• Is HMRC getting better? A look at dispute resolution timescales in practiceDon't forget to subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated with every Payroll Question Time and the latest insights on UK payroll changes 2026 and ongoing payroll legislation updates.Learn more about SD Worx Academy training courses: https://www.sdworx.com/en-enFind your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4…Steve Yardley's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syardley/Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/nickdayEnjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Our Panel:Simon Parsons, Director of UK Compliance Strategies, SD WorxRichard George, Senior Bureau Manager, MHAMathew Akrigg, Policy & Advisory Leader, CIPPJeni Morris, National Minimum Wage SpecialistSteve Yardley, Host, Managing Director, JGA Recruitment GroupTimestamps:(00:00) Welcome & Panel Introductions(06:03) Mandatory Payrolling of Benefits in Kind Confirmed(09:50) New HMRC Data Requirements for Company Cars(15:20) Preparing Payroll for Real-Time Reporting(22:37) Live Q&A: Voluntary Registration Reopening(28:07) Car Reporting Quirks & the P46 Car Form(32:58) Salary Sacrifice's Hidden NMW Trap(42:48) Zero-Hours Contract Consultation Breakdown(54:33) Holiday Pay & Worker Status Under NMW Scrutiny(1:04:15) Salary Sacrifice's Future: The 2029 Cap(1:11:14) Tracking Hours for Salaried Staff(1:18:27) Is HMRC Getting Better? Wrap-UpHashtags: #PayrollQuestionTime #UKPayroll #MandatoryPayrolling #PayrollingBenefits #SalarySacrifice #NationalMinimumWage #ZeroHoursContracts #FairWorkAgency #PayrollCompliance #Class1A #EmploymentRightsAct #PayrollLegislation #PayrollProfessionals #SDWorx #CIPP #JGARecruitment

For years, multinational payroll was managed country by country, provider by provider, and spreadsheet by spreadsheet. That model worked when businesses expanded slowly. Global workforces do not expand slowly anymore.In this episode of @thepayrollpodcast, Nick Day, CEO of JGA Recruitment, sits down with Sivanne Fishel, VP of Client Success for Global Enterprise Accounts at Papaya Global, to ask whether the traditional multi-provider payroll model has become one of the biggest risks in global payroll today. With over 12 years of experience supporting large organisations through workforce payments, compliance, and technology transformation, Sivanne brings a rare inside view of what full consolidation actually looks like at scale.This is not just a conversation about switching platforms. It is a masterclass in why fragmentation quietly costs companies far more than they realise.Nick and Sivanne unpack why payroll consolidation has shifted from a hard sell to client-driven demand, why the strongest case for going all-in on one platform is not efficiency but accountability, and why fragmented providers create hidden costs in compliance risk, worker experience, and retention that rarely show up on a balance sheet. They dig into Papaya's new agentic AI compliance tool, One by Papaya, how AI is genuinely saving payroll teams time and cost today, and why the human touch behind every payslip still cannot be automated away. They also look ahead to what a connected global workforce ecosystem could look like by 2030.It is not just about which provider you use.It is about who takes accountability when things go wrong.And that changes everything about how payroll should be built.Whether you are managing one provider or twenty-seven, this episode makes the case that global payroll's next chapter is about ownership, not just optimisation.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayGuest and Host:Connect with Sivanne Fishel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sivanne-fishel-805993218/Explore Papaya: https://www.papayaglobal.comRead Papaya Global's research on the future of global payroll: https://www.papayaglobal.com/research/the-future-of-global-payrollConnect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction: Is This the End of Country-by-Country Payroll?(01:12) What Payroll Really Means Today (and How COVID Changed Everything)(04:07) From Convincing Clients to Client-Driven Demand for Consolidation(09:41) Inside One by Papaya: Agentic AI, BI Analytics and the Payments Merger(17:57) Why Payroll Still Hasn't Earned Full Strategic Recognition(24:25) Is the Multi-Provider Model Still Sustainable?(28:40) Accountability Over Efficiency: The Real Case for Consolidation(32:28) How Compliance Changes on a Consolidated Global Platform(35:56) Where AI Is Delivering Real, Measurable Value in Payroll(42:32) Prompting Tips and Fast-Forwarding to Payroll in 2030(45:06) Building a Global Workforce From Scratch: Sivanne's Blueprint(48:35) Payroll Vault: Career Advice, Predictions and Final Questions

Payroll Has Never Been More Complex. Are You Prepared for What's Next?In this Special Vault edition, Nick Day gathers some of the sharpest minds in global payroll and asks them all the same questions, distilling decades of experience into one powerful episode. The result is a masterclass in why payroll is never just about processing numbers. It's about trust, livelihoods, and leading through change.From navigating the EU Pay Transparency Directive to learning why "no system will solve all your problems," this episode unpacks the real difference between business transformation done right and transformation that fails. Guests share hard-won advice on AI adoption, RFP discipline, career growth, and what it really means to be a custodian of trust in payroll.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayFind your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Timestamps:(00:00) Intro: Wisdom from Payroll's Top Minds(00:37) Welcome to the Payroll Podcast Vault(02:31) EU Pay Transparency Directive: Advice and Predictions(04:51) Payroll as a Livelihood, Not Just a Transaction(06:35) Why No System Solves Everything(07:11) The Future of Payroll: AI and Automation by 2030(09:28) Why Every Payroll Leader Must Learn AI(10:39) Getting RFPs and Transformation Right(13:26) Trusting Your Instincts in a Payroll Career(16:06) Listening First: Lessons for 2026(19:53) Appreciating Your Payroll Team(22:11) Why You Should Never Be Fully Reliant on Software

Most businesses think payroll is simple. Checks go out, employees get paid, and nobody complains. But treating payroll as an administrative task rather than a strategic function is exactly what keeps it invisible, underfunded, and one crisis away from becoming the biggest story in the business.In this episode of @thepayrollpodcast, Nick Day, CEO of JGA Recruitment, sits down with Tiana Neal, Founder and CEO of Transcenders Consulting Group, to make the case that payroll is one of the most human, strategic, and risk-critical functions in any organisation. It is not an admin task sitting quietly in the background, but a direct line to employee trust, compliance exposure, and business intelligence most companies never think to use.This is not just a conversation about clicking a button and running a payroll cycle. It is a conversation about why payroll remains one of the most misunderstood functions in business, and what happens when errors, blind spots, and burnout are left unaddressed. Nick and Tiana explore why data is payroll's most underused strategic asset, why hackers understand payroll's value better than most executives do, and why automation is changing the profession without replacing the expertise behind it.They also cover why unchecked overtime and PTO abuse quietly cost companies far more than most leaders realise, why buying a new payroll system rarely fixes a broken process, why payroll professionals should get involved in building their company's AI tools rather than fear them, the case for treating payroll as a genuine career path rather than a stopgap job, and why getting payroll heard before decisions are made matters more right now than chasing a seat with a job title attached.It is not just about getting the payroll numbers right.It is about the trust, resilience, and business intelligence sitting behind every single payslip.And if you are not thinking about payroll that way yet, this episode will change that.Whether you are a payroll professional tired of being seen as a back office function, an HR or finance leader trying to understand the real risk and value sitting inside your payroll team, or a business owner who has never thought twice about what payroll actually protects, this episode will give you a new way of seeing one of the most business-critical functions in your organisation.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayGuest and Host:Connect with Tiana Neal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiana-neal-emba-22903386/Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Timestamps:(00:01) Introduction: Why "Back Office" Is the Wrong Label for Payroll(02:04) Meet Tiana Neal, Founder and CEO of Transcenders Consulting Group(03:58) The Real Cost of Getting Payroll Wrong(08:35) The Language Gap Between Payroll and Leadership(13:15) Payroll Data, Security, and Why Hackers Get It Before Executives Do(19:44) Overlooked Compliance Risks: Overtime, PTO, and Union Filings(23:39) When Companies Blame the System Instead of the Process(26:25) AI and Automation: A Tool, Not a Replacement(29:19) What Separates a Good Payroll Team From a Strategic One(32:06) Rethinking the Chief Payroll Officer Debate(35:21) Inside the Human Role Podcast and Tiana's Own Journey(39:01) Preparing Payroll Leaders for What's Coming Next(45:05) The Payroll Vault: Closing Advice and Final Thoughts

Most organizations are treating the EU Pay Transparency Directive as a compliance deadline to hit. But the employers who will come out ahead are the ones who understand what it actually represents: the biggest shift in the employer-employee relationship since the internet changed retail forever.In this episode, Vickie Graham is joined by Stuart Hyland, Partner at Ellason, to tackle the EU Pay Transparency Directive head-on. What it means, why the clock is running out faster than most HR and reward leaders realise, and how forward-thinking organizations can use it as a genuine strategic advantage rather than just another box to tick.The core question driving this conversation: is your reward strategy built for a world where employees can see everything?Stuart Hyland breaks down why pay transparency is not just a legal requirement. It is a cultural turning point. He explains why the organizations rushing to comply in May will already be too late, why manager discretion is one of the biggest hidden risks in any reward programme, and why a workforce that can benchmark its own pay in real time will ask very different questions of its employer than the workforce of today.Vickie Graham explores the practical realities facing HR, payroll, and reward professionals right now. From navigating compliance across multiple EU jurisdictions to managing employee expectations when pay structures that have existed for years are suddenly visible. She also draws on live audience poll results throughout the session, revealing that managing employee communication is already seen as the single biggest challenge, ahead of data accuracy, compliance complexity, and even leadership buy-in.Together they cover what organizations need to do right now. Auditing for manager discretion, validating job evaluation methodologies, narrowing salary ranges on job adverts, documenting reward philosophy, and correcting pay anomalies before a grievance or tribunal forces their hand.The biggest theme running through this entire episode is this:Pay transparency is not arriving. It is already here.And the organizations that treat it as an opportunity to rebuild trust, strengthen their employer brand, attract better talent, and create genuinely fair reward structures will be the ones that look back on this moment as a turning point rather than a crisis.Whether you are a reward or HR professional preparing for the June 2026 deadline, a business leader trying to understand the reputational stakes, or a payroll professional navigating the compliance landscape, this episode will change how you think about pay transparency and what it means for the future of reward.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayGuests and Host:Vickie Graham: linkedin.com/in/vickiegrahamdipmacimStuart Hyland: linkedin.com/in/stuarthylandFind your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6..Sign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b1…Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Timestamps:(00:00) Welcome and Introduction to Pay Transparency(00:18) Equal Pay Cases Playing Out in UK Courts(00:55) Poll: Biggest Barriers to Implementing Pay Transparency(02:44) Why Leadership Buy-In and Employee Communication Matter(04:09) Poll: Is Pay Transparency a Compliance Task or Strategic Opportunity?(05:30) Compliance vs Competitive Advantage: Where Do You Stand?(08:34) How Salary Ranges Help You Hire Better Talent(09:15) Fixing Pay Anomalies and Reducing Manager Discretion(18:22) Why the Clock Is Running Out Faster Than You Think(20:40) The Next 3 to 5 Years: A Better-Informed Workforce(25:23) Culture Change, Fairness, and the Road Ahead

In this episode: Zero-Hours Reform, Umbrella Liability and Payrolling Benefits | Payroll Question TimePayroll Question Time is brought to you by SD Worx. SD Worx offers smart, tailored and integrated HR and Payroll solutions, along with the local expertise, global reach and reliable service you need to grow your business today!UK payroll is in one of its busiest consultation periods yet. Are your processes ready for changes that haven't even been finalised?In this episode of Payroll Question Time, host Steve Yardley and our expert panel break down the most pressing consultations and compliance deadlines hitting payroll teams right now. From zero-hours contract reform and SSP qualifying day pitfalls, to umbrella company liability rules and mandatory payrolling of benefits. With the Fair Work Agency expanding its powers and April 2027 approaching fast, this is essential viewing for every payroll professional in the UK.From zero-hours SSP edge cases and unpaid carers' leave proposals to P11D deadlines and devolved tax thresholds, this session covers the operational, compliance, and strategic issues you need to act on today.We cover:• SSP qualifying days for zero-hours workers and a common employer misconception• Zero-Hours Contract Consultation: guaranteed hours and the 12, 26, or 52 week reference period debate• Hours worked versus hours paid: the practical gap payroll systems cannot solve• Why zero-hours reform could create an ongoing obligation, similar to pension re-enrolment• Unpaid Carers' Leave Consultation and what evidence gathering means for employers• Ethnicity pay gap reporting: why a firm start date still doesn't exist• Devolved tax thresholds in Wales and Scotland, and the push to align announcement dates• Managing World Cup related absence, annual leave requests, and SSP under the new day one rules• The Fair Work Agency's growing powers and the shift from individual tribunal claims to direct enforcement• Holiday pay compliance risk and the scale of underpayment employers still aren't addressing• P11D and PSA deadlines, common referencing errors, and what qualifies for a settlement agreement• Mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind from April 2027: phase one covering cars, vans, fuel, and medical• New and dropped reporting fields for company cars and medical benefits• Umbrella company joint and several liability from April 2026 and what it means for agencies• Why HMRC will not accept bills of exchange as payment of taxDon't forget to subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated with every Payroll Question Time and the latest insights on UK payroll changes 2026 and ongoing payroll legislation updates.Learn more about SD Worx Academy training courses: https://www.sdworx.com/en-enFind your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4…Steve Yardley's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syardley/Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Our Panel: Simon Parsons, Director of UK Compliance Strategies, SD Worx Mathew Akrigg, Policy & Advisory Leader, CIPP Samantha Mann, Payroll Team Manager, Armstrong Watson LLP Karen Thomson, Head of Payroll, Armstrong Watson Richard George, Payroll Consultant & Industry Leader Steve Yardley, Host, Managing Director, JGA Recruitment GroupTimestamps: (00:00) Welcome & Panel Intro (06:31) SSP Qualifying Days for Zero-Hours Workers (08:38) Zero-Hours Contract Consultation Deep Dive (29:29) Unpaid Carers' Leave Consultation (34:58) Ethnicity Pay Gap Reporting (37:54) World Cup Workforce Planning & Absence Management (44:06) Fair Work Agency & Holiday Pay Enforcement (54:19) Devolved Tax Thresholds: Wales & Scotland (58:11) P11D & PSA Deadlines (1:02:48) Mandatory Payrolling of Benefits in Kind (1:15:34) Umbrella Market Liability, IR35 & Bills of Exchange (1:20:44) Wrap-Up & Next SessionHashtags: #PayrollQuestionTime #UKPayroll #ZeroHoursContracts #MandatoryPayrolling #PayrollingBenefits #PayrollCompliance #EmploymentRightsAct #FairWorkAgency #HolidayPay #P11D #PSA #Class1A #UmbrellaCompanies #IR35 #PayrollLegislation #PayrollProfessionals #SDWorx #CIPP #JGARecruitment

Most businesses think payroll is working. People get paid, deadlines are met, and no one raises a flag. But compliant payroll is not the same as strategic payroll, and in a regulatory landscape that is shifting faster than most employers realise, the gap between the two has never been more costly.In this episode of @thepayrollpodcast, Nick Day, CEO of JGA Recruitment, sits down with Julie Gunnell, Associate Director of Growth Payroll at Azets, one of the UK's leading accountancy and business advisory firms, to make the case that payroll is no longer a back-office function. It is a compliance risk, a strategic asset, and a direct reflection of how much an organisation respects its people.This is not just a conversation about processing pay. It is a conversation about what is coming, what most employers are not ready for, and why the payroll profession is quietly becoming one of the most important functions in any business. Julie and Nick explore the three game-changers that have transformed the profession, auto-enrolment, furlough, and the imminent arrival of the Fair Work Agency, and why the FWA represents the most fundamental shift in how businesses manage HR and payroll data that the UK has ever seen.They also cover why six-year holiday record retention from April is a wake-up call for every employer, how payroll data is one of the most underused strategic assets sitting inside any organisation, why salary sacrifice and benefits review should be on every employer's agenda right now, the case for making internal payroll audits a non-negotiable part of the annual calendar, and why the next generation of payroll professionals, many of them post-graduates, are choosing payroll as a deliberate, informed career decision.It is not just about getting the numbers right.It is about the trust, compliance, and business intelligence sitting behind every single payslip.And if you are not thinking about payroll that way yet, this episode will change that.Whether you are a payroll professional navigating the wave of regulatory change heading your way, an HR or finance leader trying to understand the real risk sitting inside your payroll function, or a business owner who has never questioned whether your payroll is truly working for you, this episode will give you a new way of seeing one of the most business-critical functions in your organisation.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayGuest and Host:Connect with Julie Gunnell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliegunnell/Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction and Meet Julie Gunnell, Associate Director of Growth Payroll at Azets(01:49) What Payroll Really Means and Why Julie Calls It the Best Profession in the World(03:29) How Julie Fell Into Payroll and the Mentors Who Built Her Foundation(06:30) Bureau vs. In-House and Why Processing for Multiple Clients Changes Everything(08:50) The Three Game-Changers: Auto-Enrolment, Furlough, and the Fair Work Agency(14:55) AI in Payroll: Powerful Tool, Not a Replacement(19:16) The Next Generation and Why Post-Grads Are Choosing Payroll as a Career(23:10) Julie's Proudest Moment: Getting Payroll a National Shout-Out on BBC Radio 2(27:13) Growth Meets Compliance and How Julie Balances Both at Azets(31:01) Payroll as a Strategic Asset and the Data Your Business Isn't Using(34:39) Why Every Employer Needs Regular Internal Payroll Audits(37:35) The Future of Payroll: Recognition, Qualifications, and What's Coming Next

Most payroll professionals spend their careers heads down, processing pay, managing compliance, and keeping systems running. But the payroll leaders who will still be standing in ten years are the ones lifting their heads up right now, investing in their people, embracing AI before it is forced on them, and refusing to let the profession stay invisible.This is the final episode of our three-part Payroll Congress 2026 series, recorded live on the floor in Nashville. Host Nick Day is joined by co-hosts Tom Croughton and Natalie Lloyd for an unmissable set of conversations with some of the most committed, forward-thinking payroll professionals in the world.Throughout this episode the conversations cover the real shift happening inside payroll teams right now. Jen Ballack shares how she used AI to write a Python script with zero coding knowledge, recalculating qualified overtime for 2,000 employees in under five minutes. Michelle Clawson breaks down why the language payroll professionals use about their own function is silently holding the entire profession back. Jonny Nash exposes why payments has always been the forgotten part of payroll. And Brian Sparling, attending his very first Payroll Congress as the newly appointed Chair of the CIPP, reflects on why payroll professionals everywhere share the same challenges regardless of country, currency, or regulation.The pace of change in payroll has stopped being a story we tell ourselves. It is the operating condition. AI is no longer a future conversation. The question has moved from should we to where, how, and with what guardrails. And the talent question remains the quietest crisis in the profession.Because you will never know everything. And the minute you think you do, that is the first step to your downfall.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickday

Every year, the conversations at Payroll Congress shift. Five years ago it was platforms and providers. Then remote work and resilience. But at the 44th Payroll Congress in Nashville, every conversation kept circling back to the same two questions: what can we actually trust AI to do, and what is going to be inside our payroll teams in five years' time?In this special live episode of @thepayrollpodcast and PayTalk, recorded on the expo floor in Nashville, Nick Day and Natalie Lloyd sit down with seven payroll leaders and innovators to get honest answers from the people living these challenges right now.Across every conversation, one thing stands out: the payroll professionals who are thriving are not the ones with the biggest budgets or the newest tech stacks. They are the ones with the clearest point of view on where their function is heading and why.Throughout the episode, Nick and Natalie explore how agentic ring-fenced AI is set to become as foundational to payroll as Excel once was, why global payroll is now the dominant conversation on the Congress floor, how cultural intelligence is becoming a core leadership skill, why change management is the steering wheel and technology is only the engine, and how payroll must move from invisibility to influence inside modern organisations.Whether you are navigating AI adoption, managing global teams, or trying to position payroll as a strategic function, this episode will sharpen how you think about the profession and your place in it.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayGuests and Hosts:Connect with Danny Gillespie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannygillespie/Connect with Stanislava Susla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanislava-susla-6a8298b2/Connect with Kira Rubiano: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirarubiano/Connect with Kristi Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-smith-sphr-gphr-2269787/Connect with Susan Baptista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbaptista1967/Connect with Michael Chen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-chen-9761b735/Connect with Dale Wethered: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-wethered-cpp-11977317/Connect with Natalie Lloyd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalielloyd94/ Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9ea Sign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction and Welcome to Payroll Congress 2026 Nashville(00:45) What Every Conversation at Congress Is Really About This Year(02:19) Danny Gillespie on Global Payroll Growth and the Rise of EOR(05:00) How Deel Gets Companies Global in Days Not Months(10:50) Stanislava Susla on AI in Payroll and the Power of In-Person Connection(14:21) Kira Rubiano on Culture, Leadership, and the Global Payroll Mindset(25:13) Kristi Smith on AI Adoption, Change Management, and Cross-Functional Alignment(29:57) Sue Baptiste on Community, Giving Back, and Never Stopping Learning(37:03) Michael Chen on Navigating the Complexity of Asian Payroll Markets(43:08) Dale Wethered on Agentic AI and the Future of the Payroll Profession(49:36) Why Payroll Congress Is the Community the Profession Cannot Afford to Miss(54:51) Closing Reflections and What Is Coming in Episode Three

Most organizations are rushing to add AI to their payroll stack. But here is the uncomfortable truth. AI does not fix broken payroll. It amplifies it. And if your foundation is wrong, your AI strategy will fail before it even starts.In this episode of @thepayrollpodcast, Nick Day, CEO of JGA Recruitment, sits down with Rick Hammell, Founder and CEO of Globalli, to go deep on what intelligent payroll actually looks like, why most AI implementations get it wrong, and what it truly takes to transform payroll from an administrative function into a strategic business driver.This is not just a conversation about technology. It is a conversation about what payroll is really capable of, where most organizations are falling dangerously short, and why the payroll professionals who embrace this shift will be the ones sitting at the executive table.Rick and Nick explore why AI must be the foundation of your payroll platform and not an add-on feature, how Globalli reduced a three-month payroll implementation process down to just a couple of days using AI, why compliance has to come before any AI strategy, the critical difference between automation and true AI and why most vendors are selling you the wrong thing, how AI-powered anomaly detection is catching payroll errors in real time without stopping a pay run, why organizations still running payroll on Excel spreadsheets are exposing themselves to legal, financial, and competitive risk, how the shift to an employee market is forcing payroll to support daily pay, multi-currency payments, and global hiring flexibility, and why the future of payroll is a Chief Payroll Officer with a seat at the executive table, armed with data-driven insights that shape global business strategy.It is not just about paying people correctly and on time.It is about using payroll intelligence to drive decisions that grow the business, retain the best talent, and compete on a global scale.And if your organization still thinks of payroll as a back-office transaction function rather than a strategic asset, this episode will show you exactly what that assumption is costing you.Whether you are a payroll leader trying to understand where AI fits into your roadmap, an HR or finance professional navigating the complexity of global workforce management, or a business owner looking to scale internationally without the chaos, this episode is essential listening.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayGuest and Host:Connect with Rick Hammell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickhammell/Rick Hammell Website: www.globalli.ioConnect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6...Sign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b1...Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Timestamps:(00:00) Why Most AI Payroll Strategies Fail Before They Start(01:40) What Payroll Really Means to a Global CEO(03:51) What Separates Real AI Platforms from the Rest(05:31) Compliance First: The Foundation AI Cannot Replace(08:53) How AI Is Killing the Three Month Implementation Process(11:39) The Hidden Cost of "If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It"(14:04) Will AI Take Payroll Jobs or Elevate Them(18:58) Where Organizations Get AI Implementation Wrong(22:28) How AI Catches Payroll Errors Before They Become Problems(27:01) From Corporate Crisis to Founding Globalli(30:57) What a Truly Intelligent Global Payroll Operation Looks Like(40:54) Rapid Fire: Advice, Predictions and the Future of Payroll

In this video: How Payroll Is Moving from Back-Office Processor to Strategic Powerhouse in the Age of Automation | The Payroll Podcast Live from Payroll Congress 2026For years, payroll has been treated as a back-office function. A necessary process. A cost center. Something that just has to get done. But something significant is shifting across the global payroll profession, and the professionals who recognize this shift now will be the ones leading it in the years ahead.In this special live episode of @thepayrollpodcast and PayTalk, recorded on the floor of Payroll Congress 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, Nick Day and Natalie Lloyd sit down with six leading voices from across the global payroll industry for an honest and forward-thinking conversation about where payroll is headed and what it means for the professionals driving it.Across six conversations, the episode explores how payroll is evolving from a transactional processing function into a strategic, data-driven, and ethically accountable discipline. Topics covered include AI adoption and automation in payroll teams, the rise of pay transparency legislation, earned wage access as an employee wellness tool, proactive employee communication models, and what it truly means to elevate payroll to a seat at the table.One of the most powerful ideas to emerge from this episode is what Nick Day calls the algorithmic conscience of work. As AI and automation take over the transactional layer of payroll, human professionals become the ethical and contextual layer. The people who verify not just whether the numbers are accurate, but whether what is being paid is fair.The episode also tackles the gap between AI ambition and AI reality. Most payroll teams know they should be using AI. Very few know where to start. Guests share practical first steps, real implementation stories, and honest lessons from the field.Because payroll is no longer just about processing pay. It is about workforce intelligence, equitable compensation, employee experience, and the ethical application of technology at the heart of every organisation. And the payroll professionals who embrace that shift will become some of the most influential voices inside modern business.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayGuest and Hosts:Connect with Wendy Muirhead: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendymuirhead0980/Connect with Christian Cooper:https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiancooperprofile101/Connect with Tracee Bowles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceebowles/Connect with Joe Ranzau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-ranzau/Connect with Tom Croughton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-croughton/Connect with Vic Thatcher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriajthatcher/Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Connect with Natalie Lloyd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalielloyd94/Find your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Timestamps:(00:00:00) Introduction and Welcome to Payroll Congress 2026(00:02:20) Wendy Muirhead on Leading Payroll Transformation in the Age of Automation(00:05:04) How to Take Your First Step with AI in Payroll(00:08:12) The Executive Summit and the 50 Billion Dollar Question(00:17:49) Christian Cooper on Earned Wage Access and Employee Financial Wellness(00:23:02) Tracee Bowles on AI Readiness and the Tier Negative One Concept(00:29:34) Can AI Become Your Personal Tax and Financial Wellness Agent(00:35:48) Navigating AI Cautiously and the Importance of Data Governance(00:49:53) Joe Ranzau on Real World AI Implementation and Change Management(00:53:58) Tom Croughton and Natalie Lloyd on AI Use Cases and Elevating the Profession(01:05:00) Vic Thatcher on AI Adoption Gaps and the Coming Pay Transparency Revolution(01:15:20) Final Thoughts and What to Expect in Episode Two

Does Payroll Need a Rebrand? | The Payroll Podcast with Vickie Graham, Nick Day, Ana Laiu, Ian Hodson and Melanie PizzeyFor years, payroll has been viewed as a back office function focused on processing pay, managing compliance, and making sure employees are paid accurately and on time. But payroll has evolved far beyond that, and many organizations still do not fully understand the strategic value payroll professionals bring to modern business.In this episode of @thepayrollpodcast, Vickie Graham hosts a powerful National Payroll Week discussion with Nick Day, Ana Laiu, Ian Hodson, and Melanie Pizzey exploring one major question:Does payroll need a rebrand?This conversation goes far beyond payroll systems and pay processing. The panel explores how payroll is becoming one of the most influential functions inside organizations through workforce intelligence, employee experience, compliance, risk management, analytics, reward strategy, and business decision making.Ana Laiu explains how payroll professionals are increasingly becoming strategic business partners by helping organizations manage workforce costs, global compliance, audit readiness, and reward effectiveness. She shares why payroll data is now critical for budgeting, forecasting, planning, and protecting organizations from financial and operational risk.Ian Hodson discusses how payroll has evolved far beyond the traditional “roll of pay” and why outdated perceptions continue to limit how the profession is viewed. He explores what payroll can learn from the transformation of HR from personnel to people and culture, and why payroll professionals must reposition how they communicate their impact.Nick Day shares why payroll professionals need to stop focusing only on what they do and start communicating how payroll creates business value. The discussion highlights how payroll can influence employee retention, workforce experience, productivity, financial wellbeing, and strategic business growth when payroll leaders learn to tell better stories to the C-suite.Melanie Pizzey explains why payroll may not need a completely new name, but it does need a stronger narrative. She discusses why payroll professionals should move away from conversations about being undervalued and instead focus on communicating the measurable impact payroll has on organizations every single pay cycle.One of the biggest themes throughout this episode is that payroll touches every employee, every pay cycle, and almost every part of the business.Payroll is no longer just about processing pay.It is about workforce intelligence, employee trust, compliance, culture, risk management, financial wellbeing, and business strategy.And the payroll professionals who embrace that shift will become some of the most influential voices inside modern organizations.Whether you are a payroll professional looking to become more strategic, an HR or reward leader trying to improve workforce insight, or a business leader thinking about the future of work, this episode will completely change how you think about payroll.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayGuest and Host:Connect with Vickie Graham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickiegrahamdipmacim/Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Connect with Melanie Pizzey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniepizzey/Connect with Ana Laiu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/analaiumscfcipp/Connect with Ian Hodson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-hodson-mscchmcippdip-26828a22/Find your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Timestamps:(00:00) Welcome and National Payroll Week Introduction(02:42) Meet the Panel and the Big Question(09:33) Does Payroll Reflect the Modern Role?(13:37) Payroll as a Strategic Business Partner(18:35) Compliance, Risk, and Workforce Complexity(22:13) Why Payroll Is No Longer Transactional(28:31) Storytelling, Perception, and Payroll Value(30:23) Technology, AI, and Employee Experience(37:11) What Payroll Can Learn from HR Rebranding(43:51) Does Payroll Need a Rebrand?(51:09) The Future of Payroll and Workforce Intelligence(55:17) Final Thoughts and Changing the Payroll Narrative

Tom Heys has spent years inside the complexity of pay gap reporting and pay transparency law. And along the way, he learned something most organizations only discover when it is too late. The problem was never the reporting. It was the data behind it.In this episode of @thepayrollpodcast, Nick Day, CEO of JGA Recruitment, sits down with Tom Heys, Co-Lead of the EU Pay Transparency Directive Practice and Head of UK Gender Pay Gap Reporting at Lewis Silkin LLP, to go deep on the regulatory shift that is pulling payroll out of the back office and into the frontline of compliance, legal risk, and organizational strategy. The EU Pay Transparency Directive.This is not just a conversation about a new regulation. It is a conversation about what equal pay actually means, where the data to prove it lives, and why most organizations are not as ready as they think. Tom and Nick explore why payroll data is the only true source of what employees actually receive, why HR systems alone will never be enough for PTD compliance, how poor pay element labeling and missing audit trails create legal exposure, what happens when employees and worker representatives start asking why they are paid what they are paid, how the Directive is reshaping recruitment through mandatory pay ranges and the ban on pay history questions, and why the biggest risk behind the PTD is not a regulatory fine but a wave of equal pay claims worth tens of millions.It is not just about reporting a number.It is about being able to defend every number you report.And if your organization has ever assumed that pay transparency compliance is a legal or HR problem rather than a payroll one, this episode will show you exactly why that assumption is the most expensive mistake you can make.Whether you are a payroll leader being pulled into a PTD project, an HR or reward professional trying to understand the data challenge ahead, or a multinational employer navigating fragmented implementation timelines across the EU, this episode is essential listening.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayGuest and Host: Connect with Tom Heys: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomheys/ Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction: Why Payroll Is Central to Pay Transparency(01:27) What Payroll Really Means, It's All About the Data(03:04) Why Payroll Teams Are Being Pulled Into PTD Projects(04:53) Is Payroll Ready for This Level of Visibility?(07:00) The Data Quality Problem, What's Missing and Why It Matters(09:28) The Legal Consequences of Getting Your Data Wrong(13:51) What To Do When You Discover a Pay Gap(17:59) How the Directive Is Reshaping Recruitment and Pay Ranges(26:53) Employee Questions, Why Am I Grouped With Them?(29:34) Cross-Border and Multi-Entity Pay Risks(33:55) Implementation Timeline, Which Countries Are Ready?(41:38) Closing Advice, What Payroll Leaders Need To Do Now

In this episode: Day-One SSP, Mandatory Payrolling & the New Rules Reshaping UK Payroll | Payroll Question TimePayroll Question Time is brought to you by SD Worx. SD Worx offers smart, tailored and integrated HR and Payroll solutions, along with the local expertise, global reach and reliable service you need to grow your business today!UK payroll is facing one of its most demanding periods ever. Are your processes ready for everything landing at once?In this episode of Payroll Question Time, host Steve Yardley and our expert panel break down the most pressing payroll challenges hitting employers right now. From day-one SSP entitlement and qualifying day complexities, to mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind and the Employment Rights Act. With the Fair Work Agency now operational and April 2027 approaching fast, this is essential viewing for every payroll professional in the UK.From zero-hours SSP edge cases and holiday pay record-keeping obligations to the mileage rate increase and zero-hours contract reform, this session covers the operational, compliance, and strategic issues you need to act on today.We cover:•SSP day-one entitlement and what it means for zero-hours and casual workers•The qualifying days problem and how some employees are already exploiting the new rules•Zero-earnings SSP and the unresolved gap in the SSP1 process and what to do now•Mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind: why preparation must start before the software is ready•Overlapping taxation explained and why you must never call it double taxation•The 50% regulatory limit and why it will catch employers out in 2027Class 1A NIC individual calculations and the complexity this creates•EV salary sacrifice and the company car confusion employers are getting wrong•Mileage rate increase to 55p per mile: what has changed, what is backdated, and what is discretionary•Employment Rights Act: unfair dismissal qualifying period, zero-hours contract reform, and tipping policy changes•Employment tribunal backlogs and the Fair Work Agency's enforcement powers•Holiday pay record-keeping and the six-year obligation employers have not woken up to•Rolled-up holiday pay risks for variable and part-year workers•How the Fair Work Agency could reshape compliance enforcement the way NMW teams did•Skills shift in payroll: analytics, AI, and what the profession looks like going forwardDon't forget to subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated with every Payroll Question Time and the latest insights on UK payroll changes 2026 and ongoing payroll legislation updates.Learn more about SD Worx Academy training courses: https://www.sdworx.com/en-en Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4… Steve Yardley's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syardley/ Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Our Panel: Simon Parsons, Director of UK Compliance Strategies, SD Worx Mathew Akrigg, Policy & Advisory Leader, CIPP Samantha Mann, Payroll Team Manager, Armstrong Watson LLP Richard George, Payroll Consultant & Industry LeaderSteve Yardley, Host, Managing Director, JGA Recruitment GroupTimestamps:(00:00) Welcome & What to Expect(03:41) SSP Day-One Rules Explained(12:13) Zero Earnings SSP & the SSP1 Gap(20:54) Qualifying Days, Risks & Automation Pain(29:02) Mandatory Payrolling of Benefits: Planning Starts Now(38:10) Mileage Rate Rise & Payroll Impact(43:55) The 50% Regulatory Limit & Employee Communications(49:18) Employment Rights Act: What Changes & When(1:04:22) Holiday Pay, Record-Keeping & the Fair Work Agency(1:16:12) Who Should Own Holiday Records? Live Poll Results(1:23:09) Skills Shift, Analytics, AI & CPD in Payroll(1:28:26) Wrap-Up & Next Session: June 18thHashtags: #PayrollQuestionTime #UKPayroll #SSPChanges #DayOneSSP #MandatoryPayrolling #PayrollingBenefits #PayrollCompliance #EmploymentRightsAct #PayrollUpdates #ZeroHoursContracts #HolidayPay #FairWorkAgency #PayrollLegislation #P11D #Class1A #MileageRates #PayrollProfessionals #PayrollTransformation #SDWorx #CIPP #JGARecruitment

Miranda Humphries has spent her entire career inside payroll. Not on the edges of it, not adjacent to it, but deep inside the complexity, the pressure, and the transformation of it. And along the way, she learned something most organizations only discover too late. The vendor is rarely the problem. The process that chose them is.In this episode of @thepayrollpodcast, Nick Day, CEO of JGA Recruitment, sits down with Miranda Humphries, experienced global payroll leader and transformation specialist, to go deep on the one phase of payroll transformation that is most often rushed, most often misaligned, and most often responsible for implementations that fail before they even begin. The RFP process.This is not just a conversation about vendor selection. It is a conversation about what it really takes to make the right decision for your business. Miranda and Nick explore the full spectrum of procurement tools from direct award to RFI to RFP, why the RFI is one of the most underutilized tools in the payroll space, how to build questions that actually drive decisions, why hidden costs in your current vendor contract can completely distort your comparisons, and why no payroll leader should ever run this process alone.It is not just about finding the best vendor.It is about finding the right one for your business.And if your organization has ever gone live with a new system only to find the problems were already baked in, this episode will show you exactly where it went wrong and how to make sure it never happens again.Whether you are a payroll leader preparing to go to market, an HR or finance stakeholder being pulled into a vendor selection process, or a transformation professional who wants to understand what a truly rigorous RFP looks like from the inside, this episode is essential listening.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayGuest and Host:Connect with Miranda Humphries: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miranda-humphries-538aa72/Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Timestamps:(00:00) - Why Most Payroll Transformations Fail Before They Start(01:29) - What Payroll Really Means: Miranda's Story and Identity(04:32) - How Miranda Found Her Way Into Payroll(07:58) - What Is an RFP and What Is It Designed to Achieve(10:31) - RFP vs RFI vs RFQ: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job(17:42) - Who Should Own the RFP Process(22:06) - How to Handle Misalignment Between Payroll, HR, and Procurement(28:38) - Preparation: Knowing Your Current State Before You Go to Market(33:45) - Crafting the Right Questions and Scoring Your Vendors(44:21) - If You Could Redesign the RFP Process From Scratch(48:51) - The One Thing Every Payroll Leader Must Do Before Starting(51:23) - The Payroll Vault: Rapid Fire Advice for 2026

Most payroll teams are still viewed as operational functions focused on processing pay, maintaining compliance, and keeping systems running. But payroll is changing rapidly, and the organizations that understand this shift first will gain a major strategic advantage. Behind the systems, spreadsheets, and workflows sits one of the richest sources of workforce intelligence in any business, yet most companies are still underutilizing it.In this special webinar episode of @thepayrollpodcast, payroll and reward professionals join Vickie Graham and Ana Laiu for an in-depth discussion about how payroll and reward teams are evolving from transactional functions into strategic business partners through workforce analytics, automation, AI, and data-driven decision making.This is not just a conversation about payroll systems or reporting dashboards. It is a wider industry discussion about how payroll and reward functions are becoming central to workforce planning, productivity, cost optimization, business performance, and executive decision-making.Throughout the webinar, Vickie and Ana explore the hidden problems caused by fragmented systems, disconnected workforce data, and inconsistent processes that prevent payroll teams from influencing the C-suite effectively. Together with insights, comments, and perspectives shared by attendees during the session, the discussion highlights the growing demand for better workforce visibility, stronger technology integration, and more strategic payroll leadership across the industry.The webinar also covers the growing role of AI and automation in payroll, including predictive analytics, workforce planning, automated scheduling, and data integration, while exploring why human interpretation, business context, and strategic thinking will become even more valuable as technology evolves.One of the biggest themes from this webinar is that payroll professionals should stop thinking of themselves as administrators and start thinking of themselves as workforce intelligence leaders.Because payroll is no longer just about processing pay.It is about understanding workforce cost, productivity, employee behavior, organizational performance, and business strategy at a much deeper level.And the payroll professionals who embrace that shift will become some of the most influential voices inside modern organizations.Whether you are a payroll professional looking to become more strategic, an HR leader trying to unlock better workforce insights, or a business leader thinking about the future of workforce planning and payroll transformation, this webinar will completely change how you think about payroll and reward.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayGuest and Host:Connect with Vickie Graham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickiegrahamdipmacim/Connect with Ana Laiu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/analaiumscfcipp/Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Timestamps:(00:00) Why Payroll Is Becoming Strategic(02:44) Confidence in Payroll and Reward Data(06:40) The Most Underutilized Workforce Metrics(10:37) Pay Progression and Workforce Trends(16:02) Understanding the True Cost of Talent(23:09) The Problem With Fragmented Payroll Systems(29:44) Creating a Single Source of Workforce Truth(35:25) Why Process Mapping Matters Before New Tech(41:04) AI, Automation, and Workforce Planning(46:21) Why Human Judgment Still Matters in Payroll(48:10) Workforce Cost Optimization and Business Strategy(52:43) The Future of Payroll Leadership#PayrollPodcast #PayrollLeadership #FutureOfPayroll #PayrollAnalytics #PayrollStrategy #PayrollData #WorkforceIntelligence #AIinPayroll #PayrollTechnology #PeopleAnalytics #PayrollTransformation #PayrollProfessionals #WorkforcePlanning #HRTech #PayrollAutomation #PayrollInnovation #PayrollCommunity #AnaLaiu #VickieGraham #NickDay

In this episode: SSP Changes, Holiday Pay & Payrolling Benefits | Payroll Challenges for 2026 & BeyondPayroll Question Time is brought to you by SD Worx. SD Worx offers smart, tailored and integrated HR and Payroll solutions, along with the local expertise, global reach and reliable service you need to grow your business today!Payroll complexity is increasing fast. Are your payroll processes ready for the changes ahead?In this episode of Payroll Question Time, host Nick Day and our expert panel unpack the biggest payroll challenges facing employers this tax year, including SSP changes for zero-hours workers, holiday pay record-keeping, payrolling benefits readiness, AMAP mileage rates, and the future of payroll jobs.From statutory family pay confusion and sickness absence management to P11D transformation and mandatory payrolling concerns, this session explores the operational, compliance, and strategic issues payroll professionals need to prepare for now.We cover:•SSP day one entitlement changes and the impact on zero-hours workers•How qualifying days and average earnings calculations are catching employers out•Holiday pay record-keeping requirements and six-year compliance obligations•Rolled-up holiday pay rules and risks for variable-hours workers•Employment Rights Act changes and what payroll teams should prepare forP11D season priorities and mandatory payrolling of benefits from 2027•Class 1A NIC challenges and why software providers are raising concerns•Company car reporting complexities and benefit provider readiness•AMAP mileage allowance rates and why current rates may no longer be fair•National Minimum Wage calculation pitfalls including 52 vs 52.18 weeks•Payroll transformation, AI, outsourcing, and whether payroll jobs are evolving•Practical advice for reducing payroll risk, improving compliance, and preparing for legislative changeDon't forget to subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated with every Payroll Question Time and the latest insights on UK Payroll Changes 2025 and ongoing payroll legislation updates UK.Learn more about SD Worx Academy training courses: https://www.sdworx.com/en-enFind your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4…Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast ⁨@thehrldpodcast for more great content!Our Panel: Simon Parsons, Director of UK Compliance Strategies at SD Worx Richard George, Payroll Consultant & Industry Leader Samantha Mann, Payroll Team Manager, Armstrong Watson LLP Nick Day, Host, Founder of JGA Recruitment & Author of The Payroll PivotTimestamps:(00:00) Welcome & Panel Introductions(04:06) The New Tax Year: What Payroll Teams Need to Know(09:45) Statutory Sick Pay Overhaul: The Zero-Hours Wake-Up Call(18:11) Holiday Pay Recording: The New Mandatory Requirements(32:22) Employment Rights Act: Positive, Negative, or Indifferent?(44:54) Occupational Sick Pay: What Employers Can and Can't Do(46:25) Payrolling Benefits in Kind: The Road to 2027(1:06:16) AMAP Mileage Rates: Why 45p Per Mile No Longer Cuts It(1:20:12) National Minimum Wage: The 52 vs 52.18 Weeks Trap(1:24:40) Are Payroll Jobs Under Threat?(1:33:30) Free Resources & What's Coming NextHashtags:#PayrollQuestionTime #UKPayroll #SSPChanges #HolidayPay #P11D#PayrollingBenefits #PayrollCompliance #EmploymentRightsAct #PayrollUpdates#ZeroHoursContracts #PayrollLeadership #PayrollProfessionals #AMAP#PayrollTransformation #PayrollJobs #PayrollTraining #HRCompliance#PayrollRiskManagement #PayrollTechnology #SDWorx

Most payroll systems work. People get paid, compliance is met, and no one questions it. But working payroll is not the same as good payroll, and good payroll is not the same as modern payroll. Hidden behind the usual systems are inefficiencies, friction, missed insights, and a quietly eroding level of employee trust that most organizations never see coming.In this episode of @thepayrollpodcast, Nick Day, CEO of JGA Recruitment, sits down with Sylvain Grande, Chief Product Officer at PayFit, to challenge everything payroll leaders think they know about their current setup and make the case for why standing still is no longer an option.This is not just a conversation about software. It is a conversation about what payroll really is, a social contract, a cultural signal, and one of the most underrated artifacts in any business. Sylvain and Nick explore the hidden costs of payroll complacency, why year-end pain is almost always an upstream problem, how AI is genuinely transforming the profession right now, and what a truly modern payroll solution actually looks like in 2026.They also cover the real impact of PayFit Copilot, the AI agent already in the hands of thousands of HR and payroll professionals, the upcoming UK regulatory changes around benefits payrolling in April 2027, and why the future of payroll belongs to better-equipped experts supported by smarter systems, not fewer experts.It is not just about processing pay.It is about the trust, transparency, and culture sitting behind every single payslip.And if you are not thinking about it that way yet, this episode will change that.Whether you are a payroll professional looking to move from invisibility to influence, an HR leader trying to understand where your systems are holding you back, or a business owner who has never questioned your payroll setup, this episode will give you a new way of seeing one of the most important functions in your organization.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayGuest and Host:Connect with Sylvain Grande: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgrande/Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction and What Modern Payroll Really Means(01:48) The Payslip as a Cultural and Business Artifact(04:07) The Hidden Costs of Normalizing Payroll Friction(09:29) Why Compliant Payroll Is Not Competitive Payroll(10:35) Interactive Payslips and the Case for Transparency(11:35) Year End Pain and the Upstream Problem Nobody Talks About(18:55) Where AI Is Actually Making a Difference in Payroll(23:24) PayFit Copilot and AI in Action(30:02) Benefits Complexity and the April 2027 UK Payrolling Change(35:29) What a Modern Payroll Solution Really Looks Like(42:53) Payroll as a Social Contract and Trust Builder(47:27) Payroll Vault: Rapid Fire Questions with Sylvain Grande#PayrollPodcast #ModernPayroll #PayrollTransformation #AIinPayroll #PayFit #SylvainGrande #NickDay #JGARecruitment #PayrollLeadership #HRPayroll #FutureOfPayroll #PayrollProfessional #EmployeeTrust #PayrollTech #PayrollCommunity #UKPayroll #PayrollInnovation #PayrollInsights #HRTech #PayrollStrategy

Tricia Hartley spent 47 years doing the latter. From a chance encounter with a clock card-carrying HR manager at Heathrow Airport in 1977 to becoming one of the first women ever appointed as Director of Global Payroll Services, hers is a career that did not just keep pace with the payroll profession. It helped shape it.In this episode of @thepayrollpodcast, Nick Day, CEO of JGA Recruitment, sits down with Tricia Hartley, global payroll pioneer and recipient of the Reward Strategy Lifetime Achievement Award, to reflect on nearly five decades of payroll leadership across some of the world's most iconic organisations, including Chevron, Reuters, Cognizant, PayPal, and Microsoft.This is not just a career retrospective. It is a masterclass in what payroll truly means. Tricia and Nick explore why the payslip is one of the most important documents in a person's life, what it really takes to lead global payroll teams across multiple countries and cultures, and why the human touch in payroll must never be surrendered to automation. They also cover the honest realities of retiring after a career that consumed and fulfilled in equal measure, a coaching leadership philosophy that produced a generation of senior payroll directors, and what Tricia believes the next generation of payroll professionals must hold onto as AI begins to reshape the profession.It is not just about processing pay.It is about the people behind every payslip.And it always has been.Whether you are just starting out in payroll, leading a global team, or somewhere in between, this episode is proof that payroll is one of the most purposeful, adventurous, and human careers a person can choose.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayGuest and Host:Connect with Tricia Hartley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-hartley-9189259/Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction and Meet Tricia Hartley(01:56) What Payroll Really Means: The Human Responsibility Behind Every Payslip(03:33) How It All Started: Heathrow Airport and a Clock Card Interview in 1977(05:46) World Duty Free, Traveling the World and Catching the Global Bug(10:15) Leading Payroll at Chevron, Reuters, Cognizant, PayPal and Microsoft(12:24) Breaking Barriers as a Woman in Senior Payroll Leadership(15:19) Navigating Real Time Information, Brexit and the Big Industry Shifts(16:31) Winning the Reward Strategy Lifetime Achievement Award(18:26) Mentoring Future Leaders and Building Teams That Outlast You(24:43) The Honest Truth About Retirement and How to Prepare for It(33:19) The Future of Payroll, AI and Why the Human Touch Must Never Disappear(40:18) Payroll Vault: Career Advice for Every Stage of Your Payroll JourneyHashtags:#PayrollPodcast #GlobalPayroll #PayrollCareers #PayrollLeadership #LifetimeAchievement #TriciaHartley #NickDay #JGARecruitment #PayrollProfessional #WomenInPayroll #FutureOfPayroll #AIinPayroll #PayrollTransformation #CareerInPayroll #PayrollCommunity #HRPayroll #RewardStrategy #PayrollHistory #GlobalPayrollLeader #PayrollMentoring

Most companies think payroll integration is an IT project. They build it, they test it, they go live. Done. But here is the truth nobody is saying out loud: payroll integrations rarely fail on day one. They fail on day 100, day 300, or the moment something in your organization changes and the integration that once worked perfectly stops being reliable, compliant, or predictable. In this episode of @thepayrollpodcast, Nick Day, CEO of JGA Recruitment, sits down with David Docherty, Chief Commercial Officer at Epicenter, to unpack one of the most important and consistently underestimated challenges in global HR and payroll today. With over 20 years of hands-on experience and hundreds of real-world deployments behind him, David is one of the most credible voices on why payroll integrations fail and what organizations can do to stop it from happening to them.Nick and David make the case that treating integration as a technical sideshow is one of the most expensive mistakes a business can make, unpacking why payroll integration ROI is so often left on the table, how poor data governance quietly derails even the best-planned HCM implementations, and why integration belongs in the boardroom. They also cover the most common integration mistakes, from starting too late and over-engineering solutions to relying on vendor interfaces that were never built for multinational complexity, and what payroll leaders need to get in place right now as AI begins to reshape what is possible.It is not a technology problem.It is not an IT problem.It is a business risk that most organizations are not treating like one.Whether you are planning a global HCM implementation, currently mid-project, or already live and not getting the results you expected, this episode delivers the honest, practical advice the payroll integration space has been missing.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayGuest and Host: Connect with David Docherty: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjdocherty/ Epicenter website: https://epicenter.eu Connect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/ Find your ideal payroll candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9ea Sign up to the Payroll Podcast Newsletter: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7 Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon! Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content! Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction and Why Payroll Integration Is Underestimated (01:57) Meet David Docherty, CCO at Epicenter (04:20) What Payroll Really Means and Why It Cannot Fail (05:33) Why Integration Is Critical for Global Organizations (07:19) The Hidden ROI of Your HR and Payroll Tech Stack (09:16) Why 67% of HCM Implementations Disappoint (12:43) The Most Common Integration Mistakes and How to Avoid Them (17:12) Building the Business Case for Your Board (22:08) How Epicenter Acts as Your Integration Advisor (27:03) How AI Is Transforming Payroll Integration (34:29) About Epicenter and the Payroll Vault Hashtags: #PayrollIntegration #HRPayroll #GlobalPayroll #PayrollPodcast #PayrollLeadership #HRTransformation #OracleHCM #WorkdayHR #SAPSuccessFactors #HCMImplementation #DataGovernance #PayrollROI #AIinHR #EnterprisePayroll #PayrollStrategy #PayrollManagement #HRIntegration #PayrollProfessionals #FutureOfWork #PayrollInsights

Imagine attending Payroll Congress for the very first time and within a year becoming part of the PayrollOrg team responsible for training payroll professionals across the world. That is exactly what happened to Christina Ruderer, CPP, and her story perfectly captures what makes Payroll Congress unlike any other event in the profession.In this episode of @thepayrollpodcast, Nick Day, CEO of JGA Recruitment, sits down with Christina Ruderer, CPP, Director of Payroll Training at PayrollOrg, to unpack one of the most inspiring career stories in payroll today. From passing her CPP exam in tears to being selected on stage at Congress, to landing a leadership role at PayrollOrg within months, Christina's journey is living proof of what happens when preparation meets opportunity. The conversation also dives deep into what attendees can expect at Payroll Congress 2026 in Nashville, why the connections made at Congress have a compounding effect on your career, and why showing up, even alone and for the first time, could be the single best decision you make this year.It is not luck.It is not timing.It is showing up with intention.Christina shares how a clear mission, a willingness to step outside her comfort zone, and the right connections at Congress unlocked a career opportunity she had only dared to imagine. Whether you are a first-timer on the fence or a seasoned Congress veteran, this episode will remind you exactly why Payroll Congress remains the most powerful event in the global payroll profession.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickday Guest and Host: Connect with Christina Ruderer, CPP: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-ruderer-cpp-35632032b/Get your Payroll Congress 2026 tickets here: www.payrollcongress.comConnect with Nick Day: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537eStay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content! Timestamps: (00:01) Introduction: Christina Ruderer's remarkable Congress-to-career story (02:14) What does payroll mean to you? (02:33) From member to certified: Christina's FPC and CPP journey (05:09) Attending Payroll Congress alone for the very first time (08:21) The Congress connection that changed everything (09:20) From first-time attendee to PayrollOrg Director (11:40) How Congress welcomes introverts and first-timers (15:26) What Christina is presenting at Congress 2026 and the education lineup (21:46) Congress traditions: the themed Fête party and what to expect (27:18) The moment that made the whole trip worth it (35:11) The Payroll Vault: rapid-fire career advice for 2026Hashtags: #PayrollCongress #PayrollPodcast #PayrollOrg #CPP #CertifiedPayrollProfessional #PayrollCareers #PayrollProfessionals #PayrollTraining #Nashville2026 #PayrollCommunity #PayrollLeadership #PayrollIndustry #PayrollConference #PayrollGrowth #FutureOfPayroll

In this episode: April 2026 Payroll Changes | Tax, SSP, NMW & EV Salary Sacrifice ExplainedPayroll Question Time is brought to you by SD Worx. SD Worx offers smart, tailored and integrated HR and Payroll solutions, along with the local expertise, global reach and reliable service you need to grow your business today!The new tax year is here. Is your payroll ready for everything April 2026 brings?In this March edition of Payroll Question Time, host Steve Yardley and our expert panel break down the most critical changes hitting payroll teams right now, from fiscal drag and frozen thresholds to the landmark overhaul of Statutory Sick Pay, the launch of the Fair Work Agency, and the often-misunderstood world of EV salary sacrifice schemes.With the end of the tax year upon us, we cut through the complexity so HR, payroll, and finance professionals can head into the new financial year with clarity and confidence.We cover:Fiscal drag and frozen thresholds: what the rise in tax revenue to 37-38% of GDP means for employees and employersScottish income tax band changes and what payroll teams need to updateStudent Loan Plan 5: the new starter checklist rules and how to apply them correctlyStatutory payment rate increases for SSP, SMP and parental payPayrolling benefits in kind: voluntary registration deadline and preparing for mandatory payrolling in 2027Fair Work Agency launch on 7 April: enforcement powers, naming and shaming, and what it means for complianceNational Minimum Wage pitfalls: unpaid working time, salary sacrifice traps, apprentice rates and the 389 employers named and shamedHoliday pay complexity: average pay calculations, audit risk and Fair Work Agency enforcement aheadStatutory Sick Pay overhaul: day one rights, two-tier rates, transitional protections and software readinessPensions update: frozen auto-enrolment thresholds, pensions dashboard progress and tax relief confusionEV and hybrid car salary sacrifice: myths debunked, NMW risks, company car tax increases through to 2028-29 and maternity leave trapsDon't forget to subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated with every Payroll Question Time.Learn more about SD Worx Academy training courses: https://www.sdworx.com/en-enFind your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4…Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Our Panel:Simon Parsons, Director of UK Compliance Strategies at SD WorxRichard George, Payroll LeaderSteve Yardley, Managing Director, JGA RecruitmentSam Mann, Payroll Consultant, Armstrong Watson LLPHashtags: #PayrollQuestionTime #EmploymentRightsBill #NMW2026 #UKPayroll #PayrollCompliance #HRCompliance #SSPChanges #PayrollingBenefits #HolidayPayRules #PayrollUpdates #TroncAndTips #TaxAdvisory #PayrollRiskManagement #PayrollLeadership #SDWorx #PayrollProfessionals #HRandPayroll #PayrollTraining #UKEmploymentLaw #PayrollAccuracy

My first book: The Payroll Pivot book is out now!https://shorturl.at/rXBXPPayroll has long been seen as a “back office” function but what if that's the biggest myth holding the industry back?In this episode, Anita Lettink steps in as host to interview Nick Day, CEO of JGA Recruitment and author of The Payroll Pivot, to explore why payroll professionals struggle with visibility and influence and how fear, self-perception, and mindset are holding the industry back from stepping into a more strategic role.It's not technology.It's not AI.It's something much deeper: fear.Nick introduces his powerful “Fear Equation” (Anxiety + Uncertainty × Imagination) and explains how it silently shapes decision-making, confidence, and career growth across the payroll profession.This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayConnect with Anita: https://linkedin.com/in/anitalettinkNick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537eStay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!(00:00) Fear, uncertainty, and how payroll professionals perceive their role(01:29) Anita Lettink takes over as host and introduces Nick Day as the guest(02:40) Why Nick wrote The Payroll Pivot and the gap in the industry(03:32) How fear, anxiety, and uncertainty hold payroll professionals back(08:00) Nick's writing journey and finding his authentic voice(13:55) Why the “back office” label is damaging payroll's perception(22:35) The shift from invisibility to influence in payroll(23:41) Why payroll professionals struggle to speak up and be heard(29:41) Leadership, resilience, and navigating challenges with “true north”(33:49) The Fear Equation explained and how it impacts decision-making

This episode is sponsored by DeelHire, manage and pay – anyone, anywhere: https://www.deel.com/nickday/Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) reform is one of the most significant payroll changes in years. Yet most of the complexity isn't in the headline changes. It's in what happens beneath the surface.In this episode of the Payroll Podcast, Nick Day is joined by payroll software expert Jason Sweby to break down exactly what's changing, why it matters, and how payroll teams can prepare for the transition.The reform aims to expand access to sick pay, bringing over a million lower-paid workers into eligibility while removing waiting days and introducing new calculation rules. On paper, it sounds simple. In practice, it introduces one of the most technically complex transitions payroll professionals have had to navigate.Nick and Jason unpack the biggest challenges, including how transitional protection works across the tax year boundary, why payroll systems need to track historical data, and where employers are most likely to get caught out.They also explore the broader impact of the reform. From increased employer costs to potential shifts in employee behaviour, this episode gives you the context you need to understand not just what is changing, but what it means for your organisation.If you are responsible for payroll, compliance, or people operations, this conversation will help you approach SSP reform with clarity and confidence.Topics covered in this episode:What SSP reform is trying to achieveKey changes to eligibility and waiting daysHow the new SSP calculation worksTransitional protection explained simplyPayroll system and compliance challengesEmployer cost implicationsHow to prepare for April implementationFuture payroll trends including payrolling of benefitsSubscribe to the Payroll Podcast for more insights on payroll, compliance, and the future of work.Jason's previous appearance on The Payroll Podcast: https://youtu.be/ty3qv1F1sP0Enjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!Connect with Jason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-sweby-6753bb1/Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Payroll Talent Recruitment: www.jgarecruitment.comAdvertise Payroll Roles: www.payrolljobsboard.comKnow Your Worth in Payroll: www.payrollhrsalary.com(00:00) Introduction to SSP Reform(02:51) What the Reform Is Trying to Achieve(04:03) Why SSP Is Changing Now(05:55) Policy vs System Change Explained(07:13) Key Changes to SSP Rules(09:46) Why Transitional Protection Matters(10:26) Inside HMRC Guidance & Developer Insights(13:05) Technical Challenges for Payroll Systems(17:58) Biggest Risks for Employers(18:44) Is the Payroll Industry Ready?(19:55) Impact on Employees & Behaviour(22:22) How Payroll Leaders Should Prepare(24:32) Edge Cases & Transitional Nuances(25:59) Future Payroll Changes to Watch(30:42) The Role of Payroll Software Moving Forward(33:23) Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways#Payroll #SSP #PayrollPodcast #HR #Compliance #PayrollManagement #EmploymentLaw #HRTech #PayrollReform #FutureOfWork

This episode is sponsored by DeelHire, manage and pay – anyone, anywhere: https://www.deel.com/nickday/The EU Pay Transparency Directive is one of the biggest regulatory changes facing payroll, HR, and reward leaders across Europe. With the June 2026 deadline approaching, many organizations are still figuring out what the legislation requires and how to prepare their pay structures, reporting processes, and reward frameworks.In this special Payroll Podcast panel discussion, Lewis Roskilly (Global Reward Lead at JGA Recruitment) leads a conversation with experts in employment law and reward strategy to break down the real implications of pay transparency.The panel explores gender pay gap reporting, job evaluation, pay architecture, and the risks of manager discretion in compensation decisions, while sharing practical guidance on how organizations can prepare before the directive goes live.If you work in payroll, HR, reward strategy, or compliance, this episode provides clear insights on how to prepare for the EU Pay Transparency Directive.Subscribe to The Payroll Podcast with Nick Day for more conversations shaping the future of payroll and reward.Connect with Lewis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-roskillyNick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Payroll Talent Recruitment: www.jgarecruitment.comAdvertise Payroll Roles: www.payrolljobsboard.comKnow Your Worth in Payroll: www.payrollhrsalary.com(00:00) Methodology And Audit Trails In Pay Reporting(00:52) Why The EU Pay Transparency Directive Matters(03:54) Panel Introduction: Reward, Law And Pay Transparency Experts(09:22) Gender Data And Reporting Without Forced Disclosure(14:37) Equal Value Work: Job Descriptions vs Real Duties(22:07) EU Implementation Timelines And Possible Delays(27:52) Building A Cross-EU Pay Transparency Strategy(34:31) Using Pay Transparency To Build Trust And Culture(40:01) Building Pay Architecture And Fixing Legacy Pay Systems(43:12) Who Is Responsible For Accurate Job Descriptions?(46:33) Why Manager Discretion Creates Legal Risk(48:28) The Four-Step Framework To Prepare For Pay Transparency(51:52) Why UK Employers Will Still Be Impacted(55:09) Unexpected Benefits Of Pay Transparency(58:28) Final Takeaways And Next Steps For Employers

This episode is sponsored by DeelHire, manage and pay – anyone, anywhere: https://www.deel.com/nickday/Most payroll errors are not caused by systems or legislation. They are caused by human decisions made under pressure.My guest today, Lars Hyland, is a global learning strategist, former Chief Learning Officer, and Founder of Enlytning, a behavioural learning platform designed to improve judgement, reduce risk, and strengthen compliance.While companies invest heavily in payroll technology, automation, and compliance processes, the real challenge often lies in how people interpret policies, make decisions, and apply processes in real situations.Lars explains why traditional compliance training and tick-box learning rarely change behavior, and how organisations can improve payroll accuracy by focusing on judgment, context, and behavioral reinforcement. The conversation also explores how AI, micro-learning, and scenario-based training can help teams make better decisions and reduce risk before mistakes ever reach the payroll run.If you want to understand the real drivers of payroll accuracy and how modern learning and performance support strategies can strengthen compliance across your organisation, this episode offers valuable insights for payroll leaders, HR professionals, and operations teams.Connect with Lars on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larshyland/Enlytning - Your policies and training, automated by AI: https://www.enlytning.comNick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Payroll Talent Recruitment: www.jgarecruitment.comAdvertise Payroll Roles: www.payrolljobsboard.comKnow Your Worth in Payroll: www.payrollhrsalary.com

This episode is sponsored by DeelHire, manage and pay – anyone, anywhere: https://www.deel.com/nickday/From accidental payroll clerk to award-winning NHS leader.In this episode of The Payroll Podcast, Nick Day speaks with Karen Beckett, Head of Payroll & Benefits at Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, about her 40-year journey in payroll and how the profession has evolved from manual processing to strategic influence.They discuss NHS payroll complexity, pensions, RTI, technology transformation, hybrid leadership, and why payroll is shifting from transactional work to transformational impact. Karen also shares insights on building an award-winning team and why payroll is now a powerful, purpose-driven career path.If you work in payroll, HR, finance, or reward, this episode explores the future of payroll leadership and the growing strategic value of pay and pensions.Karen Beckett's' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-beckett-ba-hons-chfcipp-2116a211b/Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537eEnjoyed this? Check out our sister podcast @thehrldpodcast for more great content!(00:00) Why Payroll Really Matters in the NHS(03:13) Lesson after 40 years in Payroll(07:59) Public vs Private Sector Payroll(10:13) Major Milestones: ESR & RTI Implementation(14:43) From Technical Expert to Payroll Leader(19:32) Building an Award-Winning Payroll Team(25:12) Leadership Lessons & Not Taking It Personally(30:58) Leading Through Crisis(34:13) The Evolution of Payroll Technology(42:32) Raising the Profile of the Payroll Profession(46:25) Why Payroll Is a Serious Career Path(49:02) Transactional to Transformational: The Future of Payroll(51:44) Vault: Career Advice & Underrated Skills(56:29) Legacy: The Impact of 40 Years in Payroll

This episode is sponsored by DeelHire, manage and pay – anyone, anywhere: https://www.deel.com/nickday/Payroll runs every business.Yet most leaders still treat it like admin.After 51 years in the profession, Stephen Abbotts says that mindset is costing companies millions.Stephen is Director of Payroll Services at Azets and a Lifetime Achievement Award winner. He's seen payroll evolve from paper payslips to AI, and he's built payroll teams into strategic, revenue-driving functions along the way.In this conversation, he shares the lessons that shaped his career and why payroll deserves a seat at the boardroom table.Stephen Abbotts' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-abbotts-2530232Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e(00:00) Why Payroll is Undervalued(03:42) What Payroll Really Means(04:17) Payroll in the 1970s(05:25) The Biggest Shift in Payroll(08:47) Learning Payroll With Zero Training(10:29) Public vs Private Sector(13:32) Changing Jobs at 62 (And Taking the Risk)(18:13) The Power of Payroll Data Most Leaders Miss(20:01) Turning Payroll From Cost Centre Into Profit Driver(23:52) Hiring for Data, Not Payroll(37:55) Will AI Replace Payroll?(40:43) Scaling a £20M Payroll Operation(44:36) One Rule for Success(47:14) Why Payroll Deserves a Seat at the Boardroom

Vistra Website: https://www.vistra.com/Curtis' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tcurtisholmes/Payroll isn't just admin anymore. It's one of the most strategic functions in your business.In this episode of The Payroll Podcast, Nick Day sits down with Curtis Holmes, Executive Vice President, Global Payroll at Vistra, to unpack how payroll is evolving from back-office processing into a people-first, AI-enabled, trust-driven business function.After scaling iiPay 20x and helping power payroll across 170+ countries, Curtis shares what most organizations still get wrong about payroll, why trust matters more than technology, and how AI is transforming compliance, automation, and the future of payroll careers.If you think payroll is just payslips and processing, this conversation will change your perspective.This episode is sponsored by DeelHire, manage and pay – anyone, anywhere: https://www.deel.com/nickday/Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e(00:00) Preview and Intro(01:36) Curtis' Background and iiPay to Vistra Journey(03:56) From Software Leadership Into Payroll Tech(11:31) Why Payroll Is Now a Strategic Function(16:36) Pay Transparency and Global Compliance Challenges(24:13) How AI Enables Automation and Zero Touch Payroll(30:43) Vistra Scale, Enterprise Clients, and Trusted Partnerships(34:36) Career Advice and The Future of Payroll Leadership

This episode is sponsored by DeelHire, manage and pay – anyone, anywhere: https://www.deel.com/nickday/Payroll leadership is not about control, perfection, or staying invisible. It is about trust.In this episode of the Payroll Podcast, Wendy Uutala shares how the most successful payroll teams are built by removing fear, developing confidence, and leading people before systems. Drawing from decades of experience across domestic and global payroll, Wendy breaks down what it actually takes to create high-trust teams that perform under pressure.The conversation explores mentorship as a leadership responsibility, why payroll professionals underestimate their expertise, and how confidence changes the way teams show up. Wendy also shares lessons from building global payroll operations, navigating compliance complexity, and leading across cultures without losing alignment.This episode is a deep dive into what modern payroll leadership really looks like and why people-first leadership is no longer optional for payroll teams that want to scale, retain talent, and earn trust across the business.If you work in payroll, HR, finance, or lead operational teams, this episode will change how you think about leadership inside payroll.Wendy Uutala (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-uutala-6b97285aNick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e(00:00) The Mindset Behind Great Payroll Leadership(04:21) Wendy's Origin Story and How Payroll Chose Her(06:55) Owning Expertise and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome(09:52) Confidence as a Turning Point in Leadership(12:57) The Three Pillars: Trust, Communication, Collaboration(15:41) Why Trust Is the Currency of Payroll(17:35) From Domestic to Global Payroll Leadership(21:19) Navigating Culture, Compliance, and Global Complexity(25:16) Building High-Trust Teams Without Fear(31:03) Mentorship as a Leadership Responsibility(49:13) Scaling Impact Through Mentoring and Speaking(01:02:42) The Legacy Payroll Leaders Should Leave Behind

This episode is sponsored by DeelHire, manage and pay – anyone, anywhere: https://www.deel.com/nickday/In this episode, we sit down with Kay Augustus, founder of Augustus Payroll Services, to unpack what it really takes to build a career in payroll by choice, not by accident.With over two decades of hands-on experience, Kay shares how the payroll profession has evolved, why compliance pressure is increasing for payroll teams and bureau owners, and where many businesses are still getting payroll wrong. We talk about legislation, systems, automation, and the human responsibility that sits behind every payslip.This conversation goes beyond processes and software. It explores the mindset required to run payroll well, the importance of professional standards, and why payroll is becoming one of the most critical operational functions inside modern organisations.If you work in payroll, HR, finance, or run a payroll bureau, this episode offers grounded insight from someone who lives and breathes the profession every day.Watch now to understand where payroll is heading and what it takes to stay compliant, credible, and confident in a fast-changing landscape.Connect with Kay: Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e(00:00) What Payroll Really Means: Trust and Responsibility(04:13) From School Struggles to a Career in Payroll(07:45) Why Payroll Is Undervalued and Needs a Stronger Voice(09:17) Building a Business Through Personal Crisis(13:35) Acquiring 85 Clients in Two Weeks(18:40) How Personal Service Creates Client Trust(20:14) Building a Payroll Brand from Scratch(24:52) Winning Awards and Redefining Payroll Innovation(27:36) Becoming a Recognized Voice in the Payroll Industry(29:32) Leading with Empathy and Mental Health Awareness(33:55) Losing Identity at Work and Choosing Authenticity(37:26) Advice for Payroll Professionals Starting a Business(42:28) Lessons on Resilience and Dyslexia(44:06) Payroll as a Human Profession

Today's workforce looks nothing like it did a decade ago. Contingent workers, contractors, freelancers, and cross-border talent now make up a growing share of global teams, and payroll is right at the center of the risk.In this episode of The Payroll Podcast, Nick Day is joined by Anita Milašinović from Papaya Global to unpack why contingent workforce payroll is becoming the biggest compliance challenge of our time. Together, they explore how misclassification risk, fragmented systems, unclear engagement models, and fast-changing global regulations are putting pressure on payroll teams worldwide.The conversation breaks down why spreadsheets and disconnected processes no longer work at scale, how payroll leaders can step into a more strategic role across HR, finance, and procurement, and where AI can support compliance without replacing human judgment. Anita also shares practical insights on building consistent compliance frameworks, educating managers, and preparing for tighter enforcement across global markets.If you work in payroll, HR, finance, or workforce strategy, this episode offers a clear look at what is changing, where the real risks sit, and how payroll can lead the way in managing a compliant, blended global workforce.Papaya Global Workforce AI & CWX: https://www.papayaglobal.com/embedded-ai/Data Validation / Compliance Automation: https://www.papayaglobal.com/data-validation/Anita Milasinovic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitamilasinovicNick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e(00:00) The Contingent Workforce Compliance Challenge(02:16) Payroll, Trust, and Paying People Right(03:24) Why Contingent and Global Work Is Growing(05:21) Talent Shortage vs Cost Pressure(06:40) Why Spreadsheets Fail at Scale(09:44) Common Payroll Compliance Mistakes(12:39) Aligning Payroll, HR, and Finance(14:30) Misclassification Risk Explained(16:42) What CFOs Worry About Most(18:22) Navigating Global Workforce Compliance(20:51) AI's Role in Payroll Compliance(23:14) Where Human Judgment Matters(25:07) Payroll's Role in Blended Workforces(28:02) Preparing for Global Enforcement(31:54) How Providers Reduce Compliance Risk(33:40) Advice for First Global Hires(36:23) Lessons From Regulatory Change

This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide.See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayIn this episode, April Smith, VP of Payroll and Benefits at Senior Lifestyle, joins Nick Day to break down how payroll is evolving from a back-office function into a strategic driver of retention, wellbeing, and workforce insight.April shares why she was initially opposed to Earned Wage Access and what changed her mind once she saw the real data and employee behavior firsthand. She explains how on-demand pay supports financial stability without creating dependency, why dignity and privacy matter in payroll programs, and how payroll teams are uniquely positioned to spot workforce issues before anyone else.The conversation also dives into how automation is shifting payroll from balancing numbers to diagnosing patterns, how payroll data influences executive decision-making, and why payroll leaders are earning a stronger seat at the leadership table.If you work in payroll, HR, or people operations, this episode offers a grounded, operator-level perspective on the future of payroll and what modern payroll leadership really looks like.Connect with April: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-smith-cpp-98681a246?utm_source=chatgpt.comNick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537eStay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!(00:00) Introduction and April's Payroll Background(05:10) Why April Was Initially Against Earned Wage Access(10:35) What Changed Her Perspective on On-Demand Pay(16:40) Earned Wage Access as Financial Stability, Not a Perk(22:55) Dignity, Privacy, and Removing Payroll from Personal Hardship(29:30) Recruiting and Retention Impact of Same-Day Pay(35:45) Payroll as the Earliest Signal of Workforce Issues(41:20) Automation Shifting Payroll from Processing to Insight(47:10) Payroll's Growing Role in Executive Decision-Making(52:30) The Future of Payroll and HRIS Ownership(57:20) Final Thoughts on Modern Payroll Leadership

This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide. See how Deel works at https://www.deel.com/nickday Payroll is no longer just a back office function. It has become the foundation of compliance, employee trust, and organizational credibility.In this episode of the Payroll Podcast, host Nick Day is joined by payroll thought leader and compliance expert Simon Parsons to unpack why HR, employment law, and payroll are rapidly converging and what this shift means for modern businesses.Simon shares how increased government enforcement, evolving employment rights, and rising expectations around pay accuracy are forcing organizations to rethink where payroll sits and how it operates. You will hear why separating HR and payroll now creates real risk, how payroll data has become critical to employee experience and retention, and why compliance can no longer be treated as a reactive process. The conversation also explores earned wage access, real time and any day pay models, the rise of misinformation in payroll technology, and how leaders can innovate without creating new compliance or data risks.If you want to understand the future of payroll, avoid costly compliance mistakes, and position payroll as a strategic driver of trust and performance, this episode is for you.Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/ Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!

This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide. See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayPayroll is facing one of its biggest turning points. Complexity is rising, risks are increasing, and the latest UK Budget is reshaping how every employer must run payroll.In this episode of the Payroll Podcast, Nick Day breaks down the new government announcements, including mandatory payrolling of benefits, the incoming salary sacrifice NI cap, the frozen tax thresholds, and the national minimum wage increases that will place new pressure on both employers and payroll teams.Nick explains how these changes will affect costs, compliance, employee communication, and the systems and data that payroll relies on. You will hear why real time reporting may soon become more demanding, how HMRC specifications could impact software providers, and why these policies will challenge small businesses, bureaus, and in house teams in ways many are not expecting.This episode also uncovers the wider economic picture behind the Budget, from the national insurance landscape to workforce trends and the shrinking labour pool. Nick shares practical steps payroll leaders can take today, including how to audit salary sacrifice populations, prepare for payrolling of benefits, collaborate with HR and finance, and communicate with clarity during a period of rapid policy change.If you want to stay ahead of upcoming legislation, protect employee trust, and position payroll as a strategic partner during the most significant policy shift in years, this episode is for you.Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537eStay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!

In this episode of The Payroll Podcast, host Nick Day sits down with Amit Levi, Senior VP of Product at Papaya Global, to explore how AI powered workforce agents are transforming global payroll. The conversation breaks down why paying people across 160 plus countries is still so complex, how compliance and payments create hidden risk, and where embedded AI can finally simplify global workforce operations at scale. You will hear how an AI workforce agent can validate payroll data before mistakes ever reach the bank, surface real time insights across multiple countries, and automate repetitive checks that drain payroll, HR, and finance teams. Amit shares practical examples from Papaya Global, including data validation for payroll and payments, AI driven onboarding flows, and measurable reductions in time, cost, and error. The discussion also covers safeguards and governance for trustworthy payroll AI, from human in the loop controls to audit trails and secure environments that protect sensitive employee data. Whether you are a payroll leader, HR director, CFO, or founder, this episode will help you move from manual reconciliation and fragmented systems to a strategic, AI enabled payroll model. Expect actionable ideas on how to use workforce agents to strengthen compliance, improve employee experience with on demand support and earned wage access, and turn global payroll into a resilient, data rich engine for financial wellbeing and business performance. For listeners who want to dive deeper, you'll find links in the show notes to Papaya Global's embedded-AI solutions:• Embedded AI at Papaya Global: https://www.papayaglobal.com/embedded-ai/ • Data Validation AI for Payroll & Payments: https://www.papayaglobal.com/data-validation/ Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/ Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/919cf6b9eaSign up to the HR L&D Newsletter - https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/23e7b153e7

This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide. See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickday Payroll is more than compliance. It shapes trust, drives policy outcomes, and anchors how organisations support their people.In this episode of the Payroll Podcast, Nick Day brings together leading experts to unpack HMRC's new plans for mandatory payrolling of benefits and why the latest RTI specifications could create one of the most complex shifts payroll has ever faced. What was introduced as simplification is now raising serious concerns across the payroll community.You will hear how the new reporting structure transforms RTI into a monthly P11D process, why the volume of data required will put pressure on software providers and employers, and how the changes could impact employees through tax adjustments and Universal Credit interactions. We explore the risks of inaccurate benefit data, the hidden workload behind reconciliation, and the challenges for payroll teams already managing limited resources and rising operational demand.If you want to understand how HMRC's 2027 changes will reshape payroll, what your organisation must prepare for, and how to protect both accuracy and employee outcomes during one of the biggest reform periods in years, this episode is essential listening.Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/ Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!

In this episode: NMW & Employment Rights Bill and How it Changes HR & CompliancePayroll Question Time is brought to you by SD Worx. SD Worx offers smart, tailored and integrated HR and Payroll solutions, along with the local expertise, global reach and reliable service you need to grow your business today!UK payroll is changing fast. Are you ready for 2026 and beyond?In this episode of Payroll Question Time, host Nick Day and our expert panel unpack the Employment Rights Bill timeline, National Minimum Wage hot spots, SSP day one changes, payrolling benefits readiness, and the expanding tax advisory landscape that could affect payroll teams.From holiday pay averaging and tips or tronc rules to AML supervision proposals and software readiness for SSP, we break down what matters now so HR, payroll and finance leaders can prepare with confidence.We cover:- Employment Rights Bill milestones and what to prepare now- National Minimum Wage compliance risks including unpaid working time and apprentice rates- Holiday pay using 52 worked weeks and where employers go wrong- SSP day one entitlement and the impact on processes and software- Payrolling benefits timelines, registration dates and P11D phase out planning- Tips and tronc treatment and what cannot count toward NMW- Tax advisory market changes and AML obligations for payroll providers- Equal pay case lessons and how job design choices create risk- ONS and data reporting workload and what to streamline- Practical actions to cut audit risk and improve accuracyDon't forget to subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated with every Payroll Question Time.Learn more about SD Worx Academy training courses: https://www.sdworx.com/en-enFind your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Our Panel:Simon Parsons, Director of UK Compliance Strategies at SD WorxMathew Akrigg, Policy & Research Officer, CIPPAndy Nicholls, Payroll and Pensions Expert, ConsultantRichard George, Payroll leader

This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide. See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayPayroll is more than process. It is the heartbeat of employee trust and business performance.In this episode of the Payroll Podcast, Nick Day sits down with Stuart Curtis, an accountant turned payroll leader, to explore how passion, people, and purpose can transform payroll from a cost center into a strategic value driver.Stuart shares how an accountant's mindset can elevate payroll operations through people-first leadership, clear pricing, and productized services. You will hear how to position payroll advisory, use automation and AI as quality co-workers, turn data into persuasive stories for decision makers, and protect team wellbeing with simple, sustainable habits. We also dig into financial wellbeing trends, earned wage access, and the “trust triangle” that helps leaders build credibility with clients and stakeholders.If you want to lead payroll with confidence, grow margins without burning out your team, and build a culture that clients love, this episode is for you.Checkout LearnWorlds, the #1 AI-powered LMS built for course creators: https://www.learnworlds.com/Stuart Curtis' LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/stuart-curtis-02a02baNick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537eStay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!

*In this episode: Payroll Compliance Explained & How New Laws Are Changing HR and Finance | Payroll Podcast*Payroll Question Time is brought to you by SD Worx. SD Worx offers smart, tailored and integrated HR and Payroll solutions, along with the local expertise, global reach and reliable service you need to grow your business today!Payroll is evolving faster than ever. Are you ready to keep up?In this episode of Payroll Question Time, host Nick Day and a panel of leading payroll and compliance experts explore how technology, legislation and policy updates are reshaping the future of payroll.From new HMRC guidance and data security requirements to EV reimbursement rates, salary sacrifice schemes and the latest anti-money laundering obligations, this session breaks down the biggest issues affecting payroll, HR and finance teams right now.We cover:The latest payroll compliance and policy developmentsEV charging rates and salary sacrifice scheme challengesAccuracy, automation and the future of payroll technologyHow payroll impacts employee wellbeing and mental healthNew anti-money laundering rules and agent registration requirementsStudent loan updates and starter checklist changesThe connection between payroll accuracy, cost control and business riskExpert predictions for the next phase of payroll transformationWhether you're a payroll professional, HR leader or finance director, this episode offers practical insights to help you stay compliant, improve accuracy and build a more resilient payroll function.Don't forget to subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated with every Payroll Question Time.Learn more about SD Worx Academy training courses: https://www.sdworx.com/en-enFind your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537eNick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Our Panel:Simon Parsons, Director of UK Compliance Strategies at SD WorxKaren Thompson, Partner and Head of Payroll Services at Armstrong WatsonMathew Akrigg, Policy & Research Officer, CIPPAndy Nicholls, Payroll and Pensions Expert, Consultant*Hashtags:*#PayrollPodcast #PayrollQuestionTime #EmploymentRightsBill #PayrollCompliance #NickDay #SDWorx #PayrollLegislation #PayrollUpdates #PayrollProfessionals #PayrollLaw #PayrollRegulations #PayrollManagement #PayrollStrategy #PayrollLeadership #PayrollReforms #PayrollIndustry #PayrollTrends #PayrollInsights #PayrollGovernance #PayrollOperations #PayrollSolutions #PayrollEducation #PayrollAudit #PayrollExperts #PayrollChanges

This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide. See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayWhat does it take to turn a payroll job into a leadership career? In this episode of The Payroll Podcast, Nick Day sits down with Carlyn Davis, CPP – Director of Payroll at CBRE Government & Defense Services, 2024 Texas Payroll Professional of the Year, and President of the Alamo Chapter of Payroll Professionals.After spending 18 years in payroll before pursuing her CPP certification, Carlyn's career transformed. Today, she's a respected leader, speaker, and advocate for payroll professionals everywhere. If you've ever wondered how to grow from processing paychecks to becoming a true payroll leader, this episode will inspire you to take action.Carly Davis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlyn-davis-cpp-35988485/Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537eStay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!(00:00) Preview(03:25) Carlyn's Start in Payroll (09:04) Winning Texas Payroll Professional of the Year (12:44) Leading the Alamo Chapter (15:57) Overcoming Overwhelm(17:18) Finding Balance in Payroll Leadership (22:12) The Power of Reliable Payroll (27:32) AI in Payroll(29:12) The Biggest Obstacle Holding Payroll Back(33:52) Payroll's Collaborative Community (35:37) The Dream of Global Payroll Consistency (38:38) Carlyn's Timeless Advice for Payroll Professional

This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide. See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayPayroll is no longer just a back-office function, it's the heartbeat of every organization.In this episode of the Payroll Podcast, Nick Day sits down with Michael Francis,a global payroll leader and passionate advocate for AI in payroll, to explore how technology is transforming payroll into a strategic powerhouse.Michael shares how AI can free payroll teams from repetitive transactions, unlock powerful data insights, improve employee experience, and help payroll secure its seat at the boardroom table. You'll learn why payroll must evolve beyond “if it isn't broken, don't fix it,” how to build the business case for tech investment, and what payroll leaders must do today to thrive in the age of AI.If you want to future-proof your payroll career, attract the next generation of talent, and turn payroll into a driver of business success, this episode is for you.(00:00) Payroll: The Heart of Every Organization (02:30) Introducing Michael Francis, Global Payroll Leader (05:14) How AI Is Being Used in Payroll Today (09:05) Cross-Department Collaboration(13:28) Building the Business Case for Payroll Tech Investment (15:32) Scalability, Compliance, and Future-Proofing Payroll (19:20) Risk, Compliance & The True Cost of Getting Payroll Wrong (26:36) Marketing Payroll Internally & Educating Employees (28:05) Attracting Gen Z and Millennials to the Payroll Profession (35:14) The Future of Payroll: 2030 and Beyond (36:26) Why Payroll Leaders Must Embrace AI Now (39:10) Michael Francis' Career Advice & Personal InsightsMichael Francis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfrancismbashareservicespmNick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537eStay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!

This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide. See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayPayroll is no longer just about processing payments.It's about driving strategy, compliance, and employee experience. In this episode of The Payroll Podcast, host Nick Day sits down with Richard George, Director of Education at The Payroll Centre, to break down the future of payrolling benefits and what payroll professionals must do to prepare for the mandatory changes coming by 2027.Discover how payroll has shifted from a back-office function to a seat at the boardroom table, why salary sacrifice schemes and real-time Class 1A NIC reporting are reshaping payroll strategy, and what steps you should take now to avoid last-minute chaos.Whether you lead a global payroll team or are just starting your career, this conversation will help you stay ahead of industry changes, reduce risk, and position yourself as a strategic payroll leader.Richard George's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-george-289a71117/Nick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537eStay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!(00:00) Intro (03:20) Richard's Career Journey & Payroll Centre Mission (06:30) Payroll's Strategic Evolution & Tech's Role (07:02) Payrolling Benefits Landscape in 2025 (13:20) Preparing for Mandatory Payrolling of Benefits (2027) (16:50) Process Changes, Cash Flow & Communication Planning (18:50) What the New Operational Process Will Look Like (20:30) Tax Collection & Reporting Challenges (21:00) Payroll Centre Training & Support for Teams (26:20) Path to the C-Suite & Chief Payroll Officer Discussion (32:10) Turning Payroll into a Profit & Strategy Function (33:20) Leveraging AI & Technology to Boost Efficiency (35:35) Addressing Payroll's Talent Crisis & Upskilling (40:30) Recruitment Challenges in the AI Era (45:30) Quickfire Advice, Resources & Career Lessons (48:20) Predictions for the Future of Payroll

This episode is sponsored by DeelManaging a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide. See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickdayEvery conversation is public speaking, and legendary speech coach Patricia Fripp is here to teach payroll professionals how to own the stage, win respect, and communicate with clarity.In this episode, Patricia shares her journey from hairstylist to Hall of Fame keynote speaker, reveals her best Frippicisms (memorable communication principles), and explains why storytelling, structure, and specificity are essential for payroll leaders. You'll learn how to overcome stage fright, open and close strong, avoid common presentation mistakes, and inspire action with every conversation.Whether you're presenting payroll strategy to the C-suite, leading a team meeting, or speaking at a conference, this episode gives you a masterclass in public speaking skills for payroll professionals that will elevate your career.Patricia's LinkedIn: https://www.frippvt.comNick Day's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537eStay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!(00:00) Preview (01:08) Raising Payroll's Profile (03:33) PayrollOrg Roots and 1987 Origin Story(04:52) Why Everyone in Payroll Presents Every Day(07:04) How to Beat Stage Frigh(16:25) Frippicisms: Specificity, Structure and Storytelling(23:42) Communication as a Leadership Differentiator + Case Study(28:49) Practical Communications Basics(32:29) Story Technique: Deliver the Dialogue(34:31) Level Up: FrippVT training and Book(39:14) No Boring Subjects: OSHA Story that Opens with Emotion(44:48) The Payroll Vault: Advice, Misconception, Daily Habit

Managing global payroll shouldn't mean juggling vendors and compliance risks. Deel, recognized in the Gartner® Market Guide for Multicountry Payroll Solutions, helps finance teams automate payments, standardize reporting, and stay compliant in 100+ countries. Get key insights from industry experts to future-proof your payroll strategy.Download the Report: https://bit.ly/4g5mfQGPayroll never sleeps and neither did we at Global PayFest 2025. For 24 hours straight, payroll leaders from 24 countries came together to share the latest insights on compliance, tax, legislation, and payroll innovation. From Germany's complex tax classes to Singapore's unique foreign worker levies, from Argentina's strict penalties to the Netherlands' collective labor agreements, this episode brings you the best highlights from around the globe.Whether you're a payroll leader, HR professional, or finance executive, these insights will help you stay ahead of changing regulations and position payroll as a true strategic powerhouse.Nick Day's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537eStay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!

Managing global payroll shouldn't mean juggling vendors and compliance risks. Deel,recognized in the Gartner® Market Guide for Multicountry Payroll Solutions, helps financeteams automate payments, standardize reporting, and stay compliant in 100+ countries. Get key insights from industry experts to future-proof your payroll strategy.Download the Report: https://bit.ly/4g5mfQGKevin Fitzgerald, Managing Director UK at Employment Hero, joins Nick Day on The Payroll Podcast to unpack one of the boldest moves in HR tech: free payroll software for UK SMEs. They dig into why a third of small businesses still run payroll on spreadsheets, how AI-powered checks can flag anomalies before pay run, and why consolidating HR and payroll into one platform reduces errors, saves time, and lifts payroll's strategic profile. Kevin shares early UK results, lessons from global markets, and how Employment Hero is rethinking earned wage access to improve cash-flow for employees without predatory costs. If you care about accuracy, compliance, employee experience, and turning two and a half days of processing into a couple of hours, this one's for you.Employment Hero UK: https://www.employmenthero.com/uk Free Payroll Software: https://www.employmenthero.com/uk/products/free-payroll-software/ Kevin Fitzgerald's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-fitzgerald-acca/Nick Day's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537eStay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!(00:00) Preview and Intro(03:05) Payroll as a strategic opportunity(04:25) Why Employment Hero made payroll free in the UK(07:28) What free payroll includes (and what it doesn't)(08:42) Proving payroll's value to leadership(12:19) Spreadsheet risks and hidden costs(16:05) Overcoming fear of payroll change(19:20) AI-powered pre-payrun error detection(22:32) Turning saved time into strategy(27:09) Why SMEs are adopting new payroll tech(29:19) UK rollout results and case studies(33:24) Global lessons shaping UK payroll(36:20) Benefits of unified HR and payroll systems(41:37) Enhancing employee experience with accuracy and access(44:47) The Employment Hero app for hiring and ratings(47:32) Quickfire: career lessons, digitisation, and Fast & Furious

Struggling with global payroll complexity? Get Deel's expert-backed playbook to automate payments, stay compliant in 100+ countries, and simplify multicountry payroll.Download the report and future-proof your payroll strategy today: https://shorturl.at/jtKL9In this episode of The Payroll Podcast, Nick Day speaks with Vic O'Callaghan, Director of Global Payroll Pre-Sales Delivery at Deel, about how Deel is disrupting global payroll and redefining what payroll careers can be.Vic shares her journey from handing out paper payslips in Manchester to leading payroll transformation at one of the fastest-growing global platforms. She explains why payroll is no longer just about processing, how Deel's model challenges outdated in-country providers, and why real-time pay and AI are set to transform the employee experience.The discussion dives into why the traditional monthly cycle may disappear, how payroll is becoming a driver of business strategy, and what professionals can do today to prepare for the payroll function of 2030.If you want to understand how global payroll is changing and what that means for the future of work, this episode provides insights from one of the industry's leading voices at Deel.Vic O'Callaghan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicocallaghan/Nick Day's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537eStay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!(00:00) What Payroll Could Look Like in 2030(01:07) Introduction to Vic O'Callaghan(03:22) What Payroll Means Beyond the Payslip(06:03) Early Days in Payroll(07:36) Moving from UK Payroll to Global Payroll at THG(09:32) Learning Global Payroll Through Acquisitions and Challenges(12:01) Finding Passion and Purpose in Global Payroll(14:01) Joining Deel and Building Payroll Implementation Teams(16:47) Transitioning to Pre-Sales and Client Engagement(18:34) Embracing Client-Facing Roles in Payroll(20:39) Why Payroll Belongs in Sales and Strategic Conversations(23:42) Payroll Careers Beyond Processing(24:55) Will We See a Chief Payroll Officer in the Future?(26:32) How Deel's Model Disrupts Global Payroll Operations(29:22) The Next Five Years: Real-Time Payroll and Employee Demands(32:29) Payroll as an Employee Experience and Retention Driver(34:45) The Scale of Deel's Global Payroll Operations(37:20) A Culture of Payroll Passion Across Deel Teams(39:25) Predictions for Payroll in 2030(42:10) Career Advice

Struggling with global payroll complexity? Get Deel's expert-backed playbook to automate payments, stay compliant in 100+ countries, and simplify multicountry payroll.Download the report and future-proof your payroll strategy today: https://shorturl.at/jtKL9How do you go from an entry-level payroll role to becoming a Partner at one of the UK's leading accountancy firms? In this episode, payroll leader Karen Thomson shares her 30-year journey and the career moves, leadership skills, and mindset shifts that helped her break barriers in the industry.Karen opens up about her path from administrator to partner, the importance of building influence beyond payroll, and why embracing technology is key for the future. She also speaks candidly about navigating personal challenges like menopause while leading, managing mergers and acquisitions, and keeping people at the heart of every decision.If you're ready to stand out, move up, and make an impact in payroll, this conversation is packed with insights you can put into action right away.Karen Thomson's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenthomson/Nick Day's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537eStay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!(00:00) Why Payroll Professionals Keep the World Ticking (01:38) Introducing Karen Thomson and Her Career Highlights (03:20) What Payroll Means to Karen (05:10) From Pensions to Payroll: Karen's Early Career Steps (07:04) Discovering a Passion for Payroll and Early Promotions (10:07) Moving to Larger Payrolls and Implementing New Systems (13:43) Transition to Policy Work at the IPPM (Now CIPP) (17:05) Achieving Chartered Status for the Institute (18:29) Joining Armstrong Watson as Director of Payroll (20:48) The Journey to Becoming Payroll Partner (26:45) Team Reactions and Raising Payroll's Profile (30:27) Navigating Menopause While Leading in Payroll (39:24) Modern Payroll Leadership and Employee Experience (42:49) Mentoring Apprentices and Client Communication Skills (45:18) A Day in the Life of a Payroll Partner (47:55) Lessons Learned from Early Career Mistakes (51:20) Managing Payroll Through Mergers & Acquisitions (57:29) Patience, Communication, and Leadership Themes (58:27) Advice for Payroll Professionals Starting Out (59:01) Karen's Leadership Philosophy and Payroll Predictions