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 episode of Payroll Question Time, Nick Day and a panel of industry experts unpack one of the biggest shifts in UK payroll legislation—the mandatory payrolling of benefits-in-kind (BiKs) coming in 2027.

From the delayed rollout and RTI complexities to how software providers and payroll teams must adapt, this episode dives deep into what the changes mean for your business. You’ll also hear sharp insights on the rising risks around salary sacrifice compliance, student loan deductions, and the ongoing impact of minimum wage increases.

We round out the episode by exploring the evolving role of AI and data analytics in payroll, and how payroll teams can use tech to deliver strategic insights and earn a seat at the boardroom table.

If you're a payroll leader, software provider, or HR decision-maker—this is essential listening.

🎧 Watch now and stay ahead of the legislative curve.

Find 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 Worx

Richard George, Director of Education, The Payroll Centre

Karen Thomson, Head of Payroll, Armstrong Watson

Matthew Akrig, Policy & Research Officer, CIPP

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! nick@jgarecruitment.com 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

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.
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• 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! nick@jgarecruitment.com or call 01727...