This episode is sponsored by Deel

Managing 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 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 Insights

Michael Francis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfrancismbashareservicespm

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!