The Payroll Podcast

This episode is sponsored by 'Deel: Your Forever People Platform.'

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 teams worldwide.

See how Deel works: https://www.deel.com/nickday/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=emea-t1a-gb_aware_branding_nickday_podcast_fin-nickday-h125_all_all&utm_content=aware_all_podcast_fin-preroll-h125script_en

Maria Mason, Partner at BDO UK and payroll trailblazer, joins Nick Day to share how she shattered industry norms and redefined what’s possible in payroll leadership.

In this episode, Maria reveals how she built a £5M+ payroll division, mentors high-performing teams, and uses tech like AI and RPA to transform operations. She also breaks down how payroll professionals can earn a seat at the leadership table  and why the future of payroll is strategic, not transactional.

Whether you're leading a team or planning your next career move, this conversation is packed with practical insights.

Maria Mason’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-mason-chmcippdip-a895768/

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) Redefining Payroll

(04:39) From Payroll Professional to Partner at BDO

(09:19) Scaling Teams and Building a Culture of Growth

(17:19) Lessons in Leadership, Risk & Reinvention

(22:24) How to Influence and Communicate Strategically

(25:59) What It Takes to Succeed in Payroll Today

(33:42) Avoiding Burnout & Staying Passionate in Your Career

(37:04) Training, Talent Development & Legacy Building

(46:33) How Tech & AI Are Transforming Payroll Ops

(52:03) Advice for Future Payroll Leaders

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! Visit SD Worx: https://www.sdworx.com/en-en

In this edition of Payroll Question Time, we dive into the most critical payroll developments shaping 2025 and beyond — including the mandatory rollout of Payrolling Benefits in Kind, national minimum wage compliance challenges, and employment allowance updates.

Hosted by Steve Yardley, with expert insights from leading voices in payroll legislation and operations, this episode unpacks the complexities of real-time benefits taxation, evolving salary sacrifice regulations, and strategic planning for the April 2026 mandates.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Payrolling Benefits in Kind – What mandatory implementation in 2026 means for your payroll team
• National Minimum Wage & Salary Sacrifice – Avoiding non-compliance amid rising pay thresholds
• Statutory Neonatal Pay – Understanding new parental leave entitlements and payroll impact
• Employment Allowance & NIC Changes – Strategic planning for rising payroll costs
• Tax Advice Market Reforms – What upcoming HMRC regulation means for payroll providers
• Hot Topics & Q&A – Real-world questions answered, from cycle-to-work schemes to globally mobile workers

Whether you're a payroll professional, HR leader, or finance director, this episode equips you with the knowledge to navigate legislative changes, prevent costly mistakes, and stay fully compliant in a rapidly evolving payroll landscape.

Watch now to stay ahead of the curve and lead with payroll confidence in 2025!

Our Panel:

Simon Parsons, Director of UK Compliance Strategies at SD Worx

Richard George, Director of Education, The Payroll Centre

Margaret Celmer, Senior Payroll Manager, S&W

Robert Day, Associate Director, S&W

Andy Nicholls, Payroll and Pensions Expert 

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e

Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

This episode is sponsored by 'Deel: Your Forever People Platform.'

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 teams worldwide.

See how Deel works: https://www.deel.com/nickday/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=emea-t1a-gb_aware_branding_nickday_podcast_fin-nickday-h125_all_all&utm_content=aware_all_podcast_fin-preroll-h125script_en

Payroll is one of the most critical – yet undervalued – functions in business. 

In this episode, I’m joined by Joe Ranzau, Managing Director at Grant Thornton, to unpack why payroll deserves a seat at the strategy table.

We dive into the real reasons payroll breakdowns often begin in recruitment and onboarding, what it takes to manage dozens of vendors globally, and how payroll leaders can build stronger business cases for transformation. Joe also shares his candid thoughts on AI, the Chief Payroll Officer debate, and the one skill every payroll leader must develop to drive change.

If you’re looking to elevate the role of payroll in your organization, this conversation is a must-listen.

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-ranzau/

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e

Nick Day’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Find out more at www.jgarecruitment.com

Stay 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

(03:00) The Strategic Role of Payroll in Business  

(06:10) Managing Global Payroll Complexity  

(09:30) Becoming the “Payroll Doctor” for the C-Suite  

(11:15) Vendor Chaos and How to Fix It  

(17:14) Why Payroll Deserves Investment and Influence  

(21:25) The Chief Payroll Officer Debate  

(26:43) Using Payroll Data to Drive Real Change  

(31:30) What Payroll Transformation Really Looks Like  

(33:09) AI in Payroll: Hype vs Reality  

(41:38) Choosing the Right Vendors and Consultants  

(46:54) What Drives Joe Ranzau’s Passion for Payroll  

(49:35) Advice for Payroll Leaders 

This episode is sponsored by 'Deel: Your Forever People Platform.'

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 teams worldwide.

See how Deel works: https://www.deel.com/nickday/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=emea-t1a-gb_aware_branding_nickday_podcast_fin-nickday-h125_all_all&utm_content=aware_all_podcast_fin-preroll-h125script_en

Payroll Is Evolving—Are You Ready to Lead the Change?

In this Enter the Vault special, Nick Day brings together some of the brightest minds in payroll to discuss how professionals can move from being back-office operators to boardroom influencers.

From busting the myth of payroll as just a "cost center" to embracing bold moves in global mobility, this episode is packed with practical advice, career-defining insights, and strategic thinking.

Featured Guests:

• Cari Breitinger, Director, HRIS and Payroll, Belfor Property Restoration
• Imelda Keane, Global Mobility Manager, Wise
• Sarah Chasney, Director, Banfield Pet Hospital 
• Davida Lara, Executive Vice President of Payroll, Entertainment Partners
• Adam Flight, Director of Payroll and HR, Moore Kingston Smith
• Wendy Muirhead, Co-founder and Director, WH People
• Laurel Serra, CPP, Director of Education Services, PayrollOrg
• Sherri Sullivan, EY’s Global Payroll Operate Leader

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e

Nick Day’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Find out more at www.jgarecruitment.com

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

(00:55) Advice for Payroll Professionals

(04:45) Exploring Global Mobility

(07:10) Payroll Career Advice

(12:17) How to Become a Payroll Leader

(20:45) Navigating a Career in Payroll

(23:51) Payroll Congress

(27:31) How to Stay Ahead of The Curve

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!

Everything You NEED To Know About the Latest Legislative Changes in Payroll

In this March edition of Payroll Question Time, host Nick Day and a panel of expert payroll leaders dive deep into the latest legislative shifts transforming the payroll landscape in the UK.

From major updates to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) to the far-reaching implications of the Employment Rights Bill, this episode is a must-watch for payroll professionals, HR leaders, and employers preparing for what’s next.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Statutory Sick Pay Reform – Day-one rights, LEL removal, and phased return complexities
• Employment Rights Bill – New rules for zero-hour contracts, umbrella companies & worker protections
• Minimum Wage Increases – What April’s rise means for compliance and salary structures
• Salary Sacrifice – Avoiding NMW breaches and understanding new employer risks
• Fair Work Agency – How this new body will enforce payroll and employment law
• Family Leave Proposals – Changes to paternity, carers, bereavement, and maternity pay
• Spring Statement Recap – What payroll pros need to know (and ignore)

Whether you run payroll in-house or through a provider, this episode will help you prepare for 2025 and beyond, avoid compliance pitfalls, and understand how these changes could affect your people and your bottom line.

Our Panel:

1. Karen Thomson, Head of Payroll, Armstrong Watson
2. Simon Parsons, Director of UK Compliance Strategies at SD Worx
3. Matthew Akrigg, Policy and Research Officer, CIPP
4. Richard George, Director of Education, The Payroll Centre

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e

Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

This episode is sponsored by Deel, the all-in-one global-first people platform.Deel helps you build your global team within your budget. When building and scaling your global business, saving money and staying within budget is essential. Deel’s here to help you do that. The benefits of a global, remote-first team are clear. Staying on budget should be too. 

Download the free Founder’s Guide now: https://www.deel.com/resources/global-payroll-consolidation/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_payrollnewsletter-gpconsolidation-feb25_gp_all&utm_content=engage_gp_sponnewsletter_gpconsolidation-sponnews400-fin_en

What if payroll wasn’t just a back-office function—but the strategic heartbeat of your organization?

In this episode of The Payroll Podcast, host Nick Day is joined by Sheri Sullivan, EY’s Global Payroll Operate Leader, to dive into how artificial intelligence is transforming the future of payroll—from real-time analytics and compliance automation to the dream of one-touch payroll.

Sheri shares her 20+ year journey from analytics to becoming one of the most influential leaders in global payroll. You’ll learn how EY is using AI to proactively detect fraud, eliminate manual workflows, and drive decisions with predictive data—all while empowering payroll teams to become true strategic partners.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why payroll is the heartbeat of every business
• The power of AI in identifying fraud and ensuring compliance
• How EY’s AI chatbot and Copilot integration are changing the game
• What the Integrated Global Payroll Solution (IGPS) actually does
• Why 100% of CHROs surveyed believe in the future of integrated payroll
• How to overcome fear and thrive in a tech-powered payroll world

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e

Nick Day’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

If you need the support of a payroll recruitment agency or a payroll staffing partner to help fill your next payroll vacancy, please please contact me!  I possess over 20 years of payroll recruitment agency expertise and I would love to help! [email protected] or call 01727 800377

Find out more at www.jgarecruitment.com

Stay 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

(03:31) What Payroll Means to Sheri  

(07:46) Payroll as a Strategic Function

(09:03) AI’s Role in Transforming Payroll Data  

(13:02) EY’s AI Chatbot for Payroll Compliance  

(15:34) Real-Time Payroll Analytics with AI  

(17:18) Live Examples: Decision-Making Powered by AI  

(19:30) Predictive AI, Fraud Detection & Anomaly Analysis  

(23:39) Will AI Replace Payroll Professionals?  

(29:40) Skills Payroll Leaders Need to Thrive  

(35:59) Inside EY’s IGPS: Integrated Global Payroll Solution  

(42:28) Balancing Stability with Innovation in Payroll Systems  

(44:25) Can AI Help Rewrite Legacy Payroll Systems?  

(46:09) Sheri’s Advice for Payroll Professionals  

This episode is sponsored by Deel, the all-in-one global-first people platform.Deel helps you build your global team within your budget. When building and scaling your global business, saving money and staying within budget is essential. 

Deel’s here to help you do that. The benefits of a global, remote-first team are clear. Staying on budget should be too. 

Download the free Founder’s Guide now: https://www.deel.com/resources/global-payroll-consolidation/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_payrollnewsletter-gpconsolidation-feb25_gp_all&utm_content=engage_gp_sponnewsletter_gpconsolidation-sponnews400-fin_en

The payroll profession is more than compliance—it's the heartbeat of every organization.

In this episode of The Payroll Podcast, Nick Day is joined by Laurel Serra, CPP, Director of Education Services at PayrollOrg, to explore the transformational power of payroll education, community, and professional development. From discovering the magic of Payroll Congress to becoming a champion of compliance and certification, Laurel shares her personal journey and offers inspiration for anyone looking to turn a payroll job into a rewarding career.

Whether you're new to payroll or a seasoned leader, this episode will show you how the right events, networks, and mindset can redefine your payroll path.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Laurel calls payroll the “heartbeat” of every business—and what that really means.
• 
  
• How Payroll Congress can elevate your career, build your network, and keep you ahead of the curve.
• 
  
• The importance of certification (CPP) and how it opens doors to leadership, influence, and impact.
• 
  
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and burnout in payroll—and how community can re-ignite your passion.
• 
  
• How global sessions at Congress help domestic professionals grow with a broader perspective.
• 
  
• Practical tips to convince your C-suite that Payroll Congress is a strategic investment, not a cost.
• 
  

Whether you're managing domestic or global payroll, Laurel's insights will motivate you to think bigger, lead smarter, and grow faster.

Subscribe now for more inspiring conversations with payroll changemakers, and discover how to level up your payroll career—one decision at a time.

Payroll Congress Information: https://www.payrollcongress.com/

Laurel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurelserra-cpp/

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e

Nick Day’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

If you need the support of a payroll recruitment agency or a payroll staffing partner to help fill your next payroll vacancy, please please contact me!  I possess over 20 years of payroll recruitment agency expertise and I would love to help! [email protected] or call 01727 800377

Find out more at www.jgarecruitment.com

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

(01:36) Why Payroll is Becoming Strategic

(03:14) Meet Laurel Serra, Director of Education at PayrollOrg

(09:07) Why Attend Payroll Congress

(16:12) Why Outsourcing Doesn’t Mean Stop Learning

(19:36) How Payroll Congress Validates the Profession

(22:10) Combating Burnout Through Connection

(24:02) Real Career Growth Stories from Congress

(27:22) Laurel’s Own Certification and Career Leap

(31:05) The Power of Payroll Networking

(35:38) Payroll Congress as a Strategic Investment in Payroll

(41:36) Important Dates, Events & Final Tips

This episode is sponsored by Deel, the all-in-one global-first people platform.Deel helps you build your global team within your budget. When building and scaling your global business, saving money and staying within budget is essential. 

Deel’s here to help you do that. The benefits of a global, remote-first team are clear. Staying on budget should be too. 

Download the free Founder’s Guide now: https://www.deel.com/resources/global-payroll-consolidation/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_payrollnewsletter-gpconsolidation-feb25_gp_all&utm_content=engage_gp_sponnewsletter_gpconsolidation-sponnews400-fin_en

Maximizing Payroll Innovation for Business Growth with Wendy Muirhead

The payroll industry is undergoing a massive transformation.

In this episode of The Payroll Podcast, Nick Day is joined by Wendy Muirhead, Co-founder and Director of WH People, to explore how companies can maximize value from payroll innovation, and why payroll should be viewed as a strategic business partner rather than just a transactional function.

Wendy shares her extensive experience in the payroll industry, from navigating complex global payroll challenges to leveraging cutting-edge technology for operational efficiency and employee experience. She explains how organizations can align payroll with business goals, utilize data to drive decision-making, and implement technology that maximizes value and growth.

If you're a payroll leader looking to elevate your function or a business executive seeking to understand how payroll can drive business success, this episode is for you!

Key Takeaways:

• How to align payroll with the CEO’s vision and business growth plans.
• The evolution of payroll technology: balancing legacy systems and new innovations.
• How payroll data can be used to solve business challenges and optimize workforce management.
• The growing importance of employee experience in payroll, and how to leverage on-demand pay and other innovations.
• The six models of global payroll and choosing the right one for your business needs.
• Why payroll professionals need to advocate for the strategic value of payroll within their organizations.

Ready to unlock the full potential of payroll? Hit the subscribe button for expert insights on payroll innovation, strategy, and technology!

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e

Nick Day’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

If you need the support of a payroll recruitment agency or a payroll staffing partner to help fill your next payroll vacancy, please please contact me!  I possess over 20 years of payroll recruitment agency expertise and I would love to help! [email protected] or call 01727 800377

Find out more at www.jgarecruitment.com

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:53) Payroll as a Strategic Business Partner

(04:05) Wendy’s Journey in Payroll and HCM

(08:00) Maximizing Payroll Value Through Technology and Transformation

(10:27) Balancing Operational Needs with Payroll Innovation

(13:04) The Role of Legacy Payroll Systems vs. New Technology

(19:04) The Impact of Payroll on Employee Experience and Retention

(20:48) How Payroll Innovation Can Solve Business Challenges

(23:08) Why Getting Payroll Right Is Critical for Retention and Trust

(27:25) How Payroll Can Align with the CEO’s Growth Strategy

(32:48) Leveraging Payroll Data to Optimize Workforce Management

(35:10) Building the Business Case for Payroll Transformation

(37:02) Upskilling Payroll Teams to Navigate Modern Challenges

(41:12) Navigating the Complex Payroll Market

(44:53) The Role of Clarity and Communication in Payroll Transformation

(50:17) How WH People Helps Clients Find the Right Payroll Solutions

(52:36) Quick Fire Questions 

This episode is sponsored by Deel, the all-in-one global-first people platform.Deel helps you build your global team within your budget. When building and scaling your global business, saving money and staying within budget is essential. 

Deel’s here to help you do that. The benefits of a global, remote-first team are clear. Staying on budget should be too. 

Download the free Founder’s Guide now: https://www.deel.com/resources/global-payroll-consolidation/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_payrollnewsletter-gpconsolidation-feb25_gp_all&utm_content=engage_gp_sponnewsletter_gpconsolidation-sponnews400-fin_en

The payroll industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace. In this episode of The Payroll Podcast, Nick Day is joined by Adam Flight, Director of Payroll and HR at Moore Kingston Smith, to discuss the future of payroll, AI-driven automation, leadership strategies, and the growing connection between payroll and HR.

Adam shares his journey from HR to payroll leadership, how payroll is transitioning from a transactional function to a strategic business driver, and why AI, automation, and data-driven insights will redefine the industry. If you're a payroll professional looking to scale your career or a business leader wanting to unlock payroll's full potential, this episode is for you!

• Why payroll deserves a seat at the executive table and how businesses can leverage it as a profit center, not a cost center.
• The role of AI and automation in streamlining payroll while enhancing employee experience and compliance.
• How payroll and HR integration can drive better workforce management, pay transparency, and financial wellness.
• The impact of real-time payroll reporting and data analytics on payroll strategy.
• The skills payroll professionals need to future-proof their careers in a tech-driven landscape.
• The difference between in-house payroll and payroll bureaus—and why resilience is key in managing multiple clients.

Ready to future-proof your payroll career? Hit the subscribe button for expert insights on payroll innovation, leadership, and technology!

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e

Nick Day’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

If you need the support of a payroll recruitment agency or a payroll staffing partner to help fill your next payroll vacancy, please please contact me!  I possess over 20 years of payroll recruitment agency expertise and I would love to help! [email protected] or call 01727 800377

Find out more at www.jgarecruitment.com

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!

(00:00) Introduction - The Future of Payroll  

(01:52) Meet Adam Flight

(04:07) What Payroll Really Means: Compliance, Complexity & People  

(08:33) Payroll vs. HR vs. Finance: Where Should Payroll Sit?  

(14:15) The Case for Payroll Independence in Organizations  

(18:04) AI, Automation & Payroll: The Future is Here  

(21:49) Scaling Payroll Operations: Growth Strategies & Efficiency  

(24:17) Payroll’s Role in Employee Experience & Retention  

(26:55) Payroll & HR Collaboration: Unlocking Total Rewards & Benefits  

(29:30) The Power of Process Optimization & Payroll Data  

(32:24) Bureau Payroll vs. In-House Payroll: Key Differences & Challenges  

(36:49) Breaking Career Barriers: Moving from Payroll to HR  

(39:27) Leading Large Payroll Teams: People Management Tips  

(43:32) What’s Next for Payroll? Predictions for the Next 5-7 Years  

(49:52) Soft Skills for Payroll Leaders: Why They Matter  

(51:47) The One Payroll Innovation We Need Right Now  

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!

In this edition of Payroll Question Time, we break down the biggest payroll changes coming in the new tax year and what payroll professionals, HR leaders, and finance teams need to do right now to stay compliant and ahead of the curve.

With new statutory regulations, salary sacrifice updates, and pension reforms on the horizon, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you navigate the latest legislative shifts with confidence.

• Statutory Neonatal Pay – What this new entitlement means for payroll teams
• Payrolling Benefits in Kind (PBiK) – The latest updates and compliance requirements
• Salary Sacrifice – How new tax rules impact payroll deductions and benefits
• Pension Reforms – What’s changing and how to prepare for automatic enrolment updates
• Hot Topics & Q&A – Addressing your biggest payroll concerns for 2025
• SD Worx Academy Insights – The latest industry trends and payroll best practices

With industry-leading payroll experts guiding the discussion, we uncover how these changes will reshape payroll operations, what steps employers need to take now, and how to avoid costly compliance mistakes.

If you’re responsible for payroll, HR, or finance, this is a must-watch episode to future-proof your payroll strategy and ensure a smooth transition into the new tax year.

Watch now to get ahead of the 2025 payroll landscape!

Our Panel:

Simon Parsons, Director of UK Compliance Strategies at SD Worx

Matthew Akrigg, Policy and Research Officer, CIPP

Richard George, Director of Education, The Payroll Centre

Karen Thomson, Head of Payroll, Armstrong Watson

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e

Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/