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 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/691ee4537e

Stay 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