Is payroll still just a back-office function? Not anymore. In this episode, Walt and Brian break down how payroll has transformed from a purely administrative role into a strategic, compliance-driven, employee-experience powerhouse — and where it's headed next. 🔑 What We Cover: How payroll evolved from processing checks to influencing company strategy The real story behind payroll cutoffs (and why we need to stop using the term loosely) Earned wage access: perk or expectation? Is biweekly pay becoming obsolete? AI in payroll — error detection, anomaly flags, and what AI still can't replace The payroll "offensive lineman" analogy that hits different Lightning round: Payroll hot takes — will paper checks disappear? Should payroll have a C-suite seat? 💡 Key Takeaways: Payroll professionals are increasingly being pulled into executive-level conversations around compliance, data governance, and employee experience Nearly 80% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck — pay speed is now a strategic priority AI will enhance payroll, but human oversight and compliance expertise remain irreplaceable Bad data = bad results, no matter how smart the AI 📚 Mentioned in This Episode: Andy Valentine (previous episode) Max van der Glees Bussink & "The Payroll Pivot" by Nick Day Celery (AI payroll error detection), Paycom, iSolve, Career Learning, Nerd Outfitters (Troy) CPT (Certified Payroll Technician) Course — first cohort launching June 1st! & more! 🎓 CPT Course Now Open! Learn to process payroll inside a real payroll system before you ever get a job. Cohort 1 starts June 1st. On-demand version coming soon. Free Payroll Nerd T-shirt or hoodie included! 📖 Get the Book: Digital version on sale for just $2.99! https://www.amazon.com/-/es/About-Payroll-Your-Blueprint-Start/dp/B0GPK85YYM itsaboutpayroll.io https://youtu.be/rSFw18ZZqQo https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll 🎙️ It's About Payroll is the podcast for payroll professionals at every stage — from first job to C-suite conversations. Subscribe, share, and tell a friend to tell a friend. #Payroll #PayrollProfessional #HumanResources #EarnedWageAccess #AIinPayroll #PayrollTech #FinancialWellness #PayrollCertification #HRTech #ItsAboutPayroll #PayrollNerd #CPT #PayrollCompliance #FutureOfWork #PayrollLeadership

In this episode of It’s About Payroll, Brian and Walt sit down with Andy Valentine, Key Account Director at Ebury, to talk about the often-overlooked side of payroll: making sure people actually receive their money. Andy explains that payroll accuracy is only half the battle. Once gross-to-net is calculated, companies still have to manage payment timing, banking data, foreign exchange, local payment rails, compliance checks, and global banking relationships. The conversation covers why global payments fail, including incorrect beneficiary data, correspondent banking delays, country-specific payment requirements, and anti-money laundering compliance reviews. Andy also explains the importance of penny testing, payroll calendars, finance approvals, and working backward from payday to avoid missed payments. Listeners will also hear about FX risk, dormant cash sitting in local accounts, payroll leakage, stablecoin, AI, fraud risks, and the growing need for payroll, finance, and treasury to work as one team. The big takeaway: payroll is not complete until employees are actually paid.

Brian and Walt are back with a (much-anticipated) Season 16 review! In this episode, the hosts reflect on what made this season groundbreaking — from game-changing guests to major milestones for the Payroll Universe brand. In this episode: Word of the season: "Groundbreaking" vs. "Impactful" — and why both fit The biggest surprise: just how many payroll-adjacent businesses are shaping the industry The episode that changed everything: Trent from CotaPay and the death of payroll cutoff times Melissa Walker (Sounder Benefits) and how employers can actually save money on benefits Brian Smith (Top to Bottom Solutions) and the myth that benefits only cost you money Behind the scenes: what goes into prepping each season that listeners never see How the podcast has personally changed both hosts Book updates: It's About Payroll has a new cover and formatting, and Walt's Bruised But Not Broken is a must-read The Certified Payroll Technician (CPT) course launch on iSolved This or That: Hip-Hop Edition 🎤 Resources mentioned: It's About Payroll (book) – digital copy on sale for $2.99 Bruised But Not Broken by Walt CotaPay | Sounder Benefits | Top to Bottom Solutions | Payroll Like a Boss Certified Payroll Technician (CPT) course – payrolluniverse.com 🔔 Subscribe, like, and share with a payroll pro who needs this! https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll itsaboutpayroll.io https://youtu.be/kkZ1a4uSx1g #itsaboutpayroll #payrollpodcast #payrollprofessional #season16 #PayrollUniverse #cpt #payrolltips #HRPayroll #smallbusiness #PayrollNerd

🔥 Is your payroll career stuck on autopilot? In this episode of It's About Payroll, Brian and Walt break down the real payroll career arc — from entry-level grind to strategic leadership — and the stage nobody talks about: the waiting period. Whether you're just starting out, feeling stagnant, or ready to level up, this episode is your roadmap. In this episode, we cover: ✅ The 4 stages of the payroll career journey ✅ Entry-level mistakes that hold payroll pros back ✅ How to move from "task-heavy" to strategic payroll leadership ✅ The dangerous waiting period — and how to survive it ✅ Why more money doesn't always mean less stress at the top ✅ The difference between being a payroll manager vs. a payroll LEADER ✅ AI layoffs in 2026: What 100,000+ tech job cuts mean for payroll pros ✅ Why 53% of employees would leave over ONE payroll mistake ✅ "I Should Have Known Better" — payroll war stories you'll relate to 💡 Key Insight: Payroll accuracy isn't just an operational issue — it's a retention strategy. One mistake can trigger turnover. 🎓 New Course dropping soon! Learn payroll inside a live payroll system. Perfect for career changers and new grads. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly payroll industry insights, career tips, and real talk from payroll professionals who've been in the trenches. 👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 📤 Share with a payroll pro who needs to hear this https://youtu.be/oTALfUt0KVo itsaboutpayroll.io #Payroll #PayrollCareers #HumanResources #HR #PayrollManager #CareerGrowth #PayrollProfessional #AILayoffs #PayrollTips #ItIsAboutPayroll #PayrollLeadership #CareerDevelopment #WorkplaceStrategy

In Episode 204 of It’s About Payroll, Brian welcomes two powerhouse voices in payroll leadership: John Bernatovicz, founder of Willory, author, keynote speaker, podcast host, and HR/payroll leader, and Tammy Gillenwater, CPP, senior consultant at Willory, speaker, and advocate for the payroll profession. Together, John and Tammy discuss their upcoming book, Payroll Like a Boss, scheduled for release on April 28, 2026, during Global Payroll Week. The conversation explores how payroll professionals often feel invisible, why payroll must be seen as a strategic business function, and how leaders can develop payroll teams beyond gross-to-net processing and tax compliance. Tammy shares her journey of “falling into payroll” and later realizing it was a true career, while John explains how the “Like a Boss” concept grew from HR leadership into a payroll movement. Listeners will gain encouragement, practical perspective, and a renewed understanding of payroll’s role in business strategy, workforce planning, compliance, technology, and organizational impact.

In Episode 202 of It’s About Payroll, Brian and Walt unpack a growing trend they are seeing across the profession: more HR and payroll professionals publicly sharing that they are open to work. They connect that observation to a softer 2026 labor market, slower hiring, longer job searches, and the pressure companies are feeling to stay lean. The conversation explores how payroll teams are being asked to do more with fewer people, why some senior professionals may be more vulnerable in tighter markets, and how automation is changing payroll roles without eliminating the work itself. The episode also dives into what makes payroll professionals more marketable today, including education, certifications, multi-state compliance knowledge, and a willingness to learn how AI can support the job. Brian and Walt also share the thinking behind PayQuest, their app designed to reduce spreadsheet chaos, improve accountability, and create cleaner audit trails for payroll-related payment requests. Listeners will walk away with perspective on the payroll job market, the future of the profession, and practical ideas for staying relevant in a changing environment.

It's About Payroll – Episode 201 | Book Release, Payroll Myths & Economic Uncertainty 🎙️ We hit 201 episodes AND dropped a book — and we're not slowing down! In this milestone episode, Brian and Walt celebrate the release of It's About Payroll, share insider tips for self-publishing on Amazon KDP (including why you should buy your own ISBN numbers), and dive deep into what payroll really means for employees, companies, and the economy. 📌 In This Episode: 📚 Book release update + KDP self-publishing tips (ISBN numbers explained) 💸 Financial fitness: How to avoid subscription traps and sneaky renewal charges 🧾 Busting the biggest payroll misconceptions ("You must be good with numbers!") 🏈 Why payroll pros are the safeties of your organization 🌍 How economic uncertainty, inflation, and rising fuel costs hit payroll teams first ⚖️ The big debate: Technical accuracy vs. human communication — which matters more? 🏢 Compliance function vs. strategic leadership — where does payroll belong? 💡 Whether you're a seasoned payroll professional, an HR leader, or just curious about what payroll actually involves — this episode is packed with real talk, industry insights, and lessons learned from 200+ episodes in the game. 🔗 Get the Book: It's About Payroll — available now on Amazon 📖 Also check out Walt's book: Bruised But Not Broken Links: https://www.itsaboutpayroll.io/payrolluniversemedia https://youtu.be/T-dTJm2Nvic https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll itsaboutpayroll.io 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on payroll, HR, and financial wellness 👍 Like this video if you found it valuable 💬 Comment below: Do you think payroll should report to Finance or HR? #Payroll #PayrollPodcast #HRProfessionals #PayrollTips #FinancialWellness #ItsAboutPayroll #KDPPublishing #EconomicUncertainty #PayrollCompliance #HumanResources #Podcast #CareerAdvice #PayrollLife #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship

In Episode 200 of It’s About Payroll, Brian and Will celebrate a major milestone while sharing several big announcements tied to the future of Payroll Universe. The conversation centers on the recent launch of their book, which they describe as an empowering introduction to payroll careers for new grads, career pivoters, and even seasoned professionals looking for renewed perspective. They also discuss feedback from payroll leader Tasia Walker, who praised the book’s practical content, case studies, and potential to become a meaningful contribution to payroll education. The episode also introduces PayQuest, an app designed to reduce spreadsheet chaos, improve workflow accountability, and streamline fragmented payroll request processes. On top of that, they preview Payla the Panda’s growing role as a lighthearted mascot and educational game character, built to make payroll learning more engaging. Finally, they unveil the upcoming CPT, or Certified Payroll Technician program, a six-week introductory course created to help people break into payroll faster and address the industry’s need for new talent.

🎙️ It's About Payroll Episode 199: True Payroll Crime Story & Book Announcement 📚 Big news! We announce our new book "It's About Payroll: Your Blueprint to Start, Grow and Lead from Entry Level to Leadership" – created to change the narrative that people just "fall into" payroll. This is a career path worth choosing intentionally! In This Episode: ✅ Book announcement & why the payroll industry needs career resources ✅ True payroll crime story: NJ clerk sentenced to 3 years for $80K timesheet fraud ✅ Key payroll control lessons: spreadsheet risks, segregation of duties, and audit discipline ✅ Why payroll leadership matters more than ever ✅ Inflation impact: $100K today = $60K in 2006 purchasing power ✅ Fun rapid-fire questions: movies, food, gaming & more Quotes of the Episode: "On the other side of impossible is greatness." – Brian "Faith and fear both demand you to believe in something you cannot see. You choose." – Bob Proctor 🔗 Important Links: 📖 Podcast Page: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll 🌐 Main Website: https://www.itsaboutpayroll.io 📱 Payroll Universe Media: https://www.itsaboutpayroll.io/payrolluniversemedia 📱 YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/oydrqnefC6E 💬 Got payroll questions or topics? Drop them in the comments! 👍 Like | 🔔 Subscribe | 📢 Share with someone exploring career options! ItsAboutPayroll #PayrollCareer #payrollleadership #BookAnnouncement #payrollpodcast #careerdevelopment #books #reading #career

In Episode 198 of It’s About Payroll, Brian Escobar and Walt Duncan III welcome Christopher Bylone, founder of Innovation Unbiased and host of I Know I Belong When, for a practical conversation on pay equity, belonging, and the role data plays in both. Christopher explains that pay equity is often misunderstood as only a men-versus-women issue, when in reality it must also account for race, ethnicity, disability, tenure, job level, and equivalent work. He breaks down concepts like pay transparency, the “unexplained gender pay gap,” and why companies can create inequity through new hires, promotions, and poor compensation practices. The conversation also expands beyond compensation into culture. Christopher argues that belonging can and should be measured through attrition, engagement, promotion patterns, and employee trust. One of the biggest takeaways: organizations should stop relying only on exit interviews and begin doing stay interviews regularly. For payroll, HR, and business leaders, this episode connects data, employee experience, and accountability in a way that is practical, human, and immediately actionable.