Why Free Payroll is a Game-Changer for SMEs with Employment Hero's Kevin Fitzgerald

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 

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!UK Payroll Is Changing: Are You Ready for What’s Coming in 2026?In this episode of Payroll Question Time, host Nick Day and a panel of leading payroll and compliance experts break down the most critical changes set to impact UK payroll over the next two years.From the upcoming Employment Rights Bill to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) reforms, zero-hour contract regulation, and the rollout of Student Loan Plan 5, this episode is your comprehensive guide to navigating what's coming — and what it means for payroll professionals, HR teams, and business leaders.We cover: The 2026–2027 Employment Bill roadmapMajor changes to SSP rules and payroll calculation impactZero-hour contract reforms and employee protectionsPensions, parental leave, and the rise of Fair Work Agency enforcementNew student loan thresholds and the confusion around Plan 5Cross-border payroll challenges with ROI and NI jurisdictionsWhat HMRC is doing to fix disputed RTI chargesWhy compliance risks are rising — and how to prepareWhether you’re a payroll manager, HR lead, finance director, or compliance officer, this episode is packed with the insights you need to stay compliant and ahead of the curve.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 WorxSamantha Mann, Payroll Team Manager, Armstrong WatsonRichard George, Director of Education, The Payroll CentreMathew Akrigg, Policy & Research Officer, CIPPAndy Nicholls, Payroll and Pensions Expert, Consultant

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://www.deel.com/resources/gartner-guide-multicountry-payroll-2024/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_payrollnewsletter-gartnerreportpayroll-jul25_gp_all&utm_content=engage_gp_sponnewsletter_gartnerreportpayroll-sponnews400-fin_enPayroll is no longer just about processing pay. It’s about people, data, trust, and strategy. In this solo episode, I explore why payroll is fast becoming one of the most strategic functions in business—and how it’s shaping the future of work.From AI and automation to earned wage access, DEI, and employee wellbeing, I break down the trends that are transforming payroll into a true driver of business performance. I also explain what this means for payroll professionals today—and why the opportunity to lead has never been greater.Whether you’re a payroll leader, HR executive, or business decision-maker, this episode will show you how payroll is evolving, and how you can stay ahead.If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your team. Let’s elevate payroll together.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!

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://www.deel.com/resources/gartner-guide-multicountry-payroll-2024/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_payrollnewsletter-gartnerreportpayroll-jul25_gp_all&utm_content=engage_gp_sponnewsletter_gartnerreportpayroll-sponnews400-fin_enMax van der Klis-Busink didn’t just write a payroll book. He created the guide he wished he had when he started his global payroll journey.In this episode, Max breaks down the structure behind The Global Payroll Manager’s Playbook and why it's becoming an essential resource for payroll professionals worldwide. He explains how to turn payroll into a strategic business driver using his four-pillar framework: strategy, governance, operating model, and delivery.You’ll hear stories about real payroll failures, lessons in leadership, and how the right KPIs can shift payroll from a cost center to a source of insight and trust. This is a conversation about purpose, precision, and progress.If you're managing payroll at any level and want to elevate your impact, this episode is your blueprint.Connect with Max:https://www.linkedin.com/in/passionforpayroll/Max’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Global-Payroll-Managers-Playbook-Definitive/dp/B0F2SNJ622Nick 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!

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!With over 518 employers recently named and shamed for National Minimum Wage (NMW) breaches, this month’s Payroll Question Time exposes the hidden risks in payroll compliance and why C-suite leaders, HR directors, and payroll heads must pay attention.Join Nick Day and a panel of industry experts as they unpack the real-world consequences of salary sacrifice missteps, apprentice misclassification, and the Employment Rights Bill.Whether you're a payroll professional, HR leader, or executive decision-maker, this episode delivers critical insights to future-proof your payroll operations in a fast-changing legislative environment.Don’t wait to be audited. Watch now and stay ahead.Find 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 WorxRichard George, Director of Education, The Payroll CentreKaren Thomson, Head of Payroll, Armstrong WatsonAndy Nicholls, Consuntant/Former Industry Liaison Manager

For anyone who wants to learn more about CloudPay, or explore the 3 A’s for themselves, head over to: https://www.cloudpay.com/In this episode of The Payroll Podcast, we sit down with Nick Webb, Chief Marketing Officer at CloudPay, to explore how AI, automation, and APIs are redefining global payroll. With CloudPay’s “3A Strategy” (Automation, APIs, and Artificial Intelligence), Nick reveals how enterprise payroll teams are reclaiming 10+ days a month, eliminating manual errors, and delivering on-demand employee pay across the globe.Whether you're a payroll leader, HR tech enthusiast, or CFO navigating digital transformation, this episode breaks down the tools and strategies needed to build high-performance payroll systems that scale.What You’ll Learn:The 3 A’s powering next-gen payroll systemsWhy legacy payroll tech is holding teams backHow CloudPay helped global brands slash errors & increase retentionThe rise of on-demand pay & the end of traditional pay cyclesWhy AI should support — not replace — payroll professionalsReal-world results: saving 10 days/month for global payroll teamsHow to modernize payroll with visibility, control & automationConnect with Nick Webb: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmwebb/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: Why Payroll Needs a Tech Makeover  (02:17) Meet Nick Webb, CMO of CloudPay  (04:10) How AI Is Transforming Payroll Operations  (09:24) The Power of Automation, APIs & AI (The 3 A’s)  (15:10) Real Case Study: Saving 10 Days a Month with Tech  (21:35) On-Demand Pay & The End of Traditional Pay Cycles  (25:20) Why Payroll Pros Must Embrace Tech Fluency  (30:49) Global Integrations: Visa, Avis & the API Advantage  (36:46) Payroll’s Role in Employee Experience & Retention  (41:06) Human Expertise + Tech = High-Performance Payroll  (47:04) Final Advice for Payroll Leaders Going Digital