It's About Payroll

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

🎙️ 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.

Join us for an incredible conversation with Hayley Paterson, founder of The Payroll Guide and author of "The Value of Payroll"! Hayley shares her mission to transform how businesses view payroll—from a mundane transaction to a strategic business asset. In this episode, we dive deep into: ✅ Hayley's journey from accidentally falling into payroll to becoming a leading voice in the industry ✅ The Three Ps of Payroll: Process, People, and Profit—and why they matter ✅ Real payroll crime stories and lessons learned from embezzlement cases ✅ Why payroll deserves a seat at the leadership table ✅ How to shift from seeing payroll as a cost to viewing it as an investment ✅ Practical systems and habits to prevent payroll chaos ✅ Advice for new payroll professionals on avoiding perfectionism while maintaining excellence Hayley brings both boots-on-the-ground experience and big-picture leadership insights that every payroll professional and business owner needs to hear. Whether you're new to payroll or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with wisdom, practical frameworks, and inspiration. 📖 Get Hayley's book: "The Value of Payroll" https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-value-of-payroll-hayley-paterson/1147355300 https://www.amazon.com/Value-Payroll-Turning-biggest-asset/dp/1068447605 🔗 Connect with Hayley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayleypaterson/ #Payroll #PayrollProfessionals #TheValueOfPayroll #HayleyPaterson #PayrollStrategy #BusinessStrategy #PayrollLeadership #PayrollPodcast #PayrollCommunity #HRPayroll #PayrollCompliance #PayrollTips #SmallBusinessPayroll #PayrollManagement #PayrollExperts #PayrollIndustry #PayrollEducation #PayrollBook #ThreePs #ProcessPeopleProfit #PayrollGuide https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll itsaboutpayroll.io https://youtu.be/Y88aNvzTXG4

Episode 196 of It’s About Payroll features Terrence Wright, founder of Wright People Solutions and a people-first HR leader with 20+ years of experience, including leadership roles supporting global brands like Google, Synchrony, and GE Capital. Terrence shares his origin story starting as a fifth-grade teacher until a parent challenged him with a simple question: “What are you doing here?” which pushed him to pivot into HR. The conversation blends payroll news with HR strategy, from NFL referee compensation and “jock tax” concepts to big operational numbers like USPS payroll spending. Terrence explains how he helps organizations move from “policing” HR to true partnership through assessment, design, activation, and ongoing support bringing enterprise-level people strategy to small and mid-sized businesses. Listeners walk away with practical insights on hiring, onboarding, culture vs skills, workforce expectations (flexibility and growth paths), and how AI can boost productivity if leaders train teams to use it well.

Payroll isn't just about cutting checks—it's one of the riskiest areas in your organization. In this episode, we sit down with Jennie Wallace, CPA, CISA, CGMA, and founder of Melody Advisory Services, to uncover the hidden risks that could land you in serious trouble. Jennie shares real stories of payroll chaos, from reports with mismatched headcounts to the dangers of under-resourced teams managing highly regulated processes. Learn why "efficiency without controls is just faster chaos" and how to build audit-ready operations that actually work. Key Topics: ✅ Why payroll is where you go to jail (seriously) ✅ The difference between process problems and control problems ✅ How to right-size controls without creating red tape ✅ The power of audit trails and cross-functional collaboration ✅ Why every payroll pro needs a champion, not just a mentor Connect with Jennie Wallace: 🌐 melodyadvisory.com 📧 jennie@melodyadvisory.com 💼 LinkedIn: Jennie Wallace #podcast #PayrollRisk #JennieWallace #payrollcompliance #riskmanagement #processimprovement #internalaudit #PayrollProfessionals #HRPayroll #PayrollData #AuditTrails #PayrollControls #ItsAboutPayroll #payrolltips #PayrollExperts #risk #expert https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll itsaboutpayroll.io https://youtu.be/BJ9gAdVuQIQ

What if benefits weren’t just a cost center—but your biggest competitive advantage? In Episode 193, we’re joined by Melissa Walker, Co-Founder & VP of Brokerage at Sounder Benefits, to break down how AI + innovation + human connection are reshaping healthcare benefits for modern companies. Melissa went from working inside major insurance carriers to building a brokerage that brings enterprise-level strategy to small and mid-size businesses—without the complexity. We talk real results, real strategy, and what it takes to make benefits actually work for employers and employees. Why only 1 in 4 Americans understand basic health insurance terms How AI took a 25% renewal increase down to 9% while improving coverage Why the “once-a-year renewal broker” model is dying The benefits + payroll connection (and how to stop deduction errors) Level-funded vs fully insured: when it’s time to rethink your plan The truth about the Affordable Care Act — helped or hurt? How to tell if your broker is driving value—or just quoting plans Why planning before renewal season is the new power move What tech actually reduces payroll/benefits mistakes How modern benefits help attract and retain younger talent The future of payroll: becoming payroll pilots, not just processors Payroll pros, HR leaders, benefits admins, CFOs, business owners—and anyone tired of watching premiums rise while employee understanding drops. Melissa is licensed in all 50 states with 15+ years across both brokerage and carrier sides. Her mission: make healthcare more affordable, accessible, and less confusing through strategy + proprietary tech. 📲 Connect with Melissa LinkedIn: Melissa Walker Sounder Benefits: sounderbenefits.com Email: info@sounderbenefits.com 🎙️ About It’s About Payroll A show where payroll professionals, HR leaders, and innovators share real talk on payroll, benefits, workforce operations—and what’s next.

In this Season 15 Review episode of It’s About Payroll, Brian Escobar and Walter dive into the biggest conversations, lessons, and surprises from the season — and uncover some eye-opening payroll realities along the way. The episode kicks off with a look at major news impacting payroll professionals, including minimum wage increases across multiple states starting January 1, with more coming later in 2026 in states like Alaska, Florida, and Oregon. The hosts also break down Amazon Business Prime’s new partnership perks, offering payroll, HR, accounting, and cybersecurity benefits through Gusto, QuickBooks, and CrowdStrike — saving businesses an average of $1,000 annually. The heart of the episode revisits Season 15’s most popular topics: payroll disasters, implementation failures, true payroll crime stories, and compliance breakdowns that cost companies millions. Brian and Walt highlight a recurring theme across all episodes — most payroll fraud lasts 16–18 months before detection, often due to lack of internal controls and oversight. From time theft and wage theft to insider data breaches, the hosts make one thing clear: payroll is no longer just processing checks — it’s protecting the business.

In Episode 191 of It’s About Payroll, Brian and Walt sit down with Trent Sorbe, Chief Payments Officer at First International Bank & Trust and leader of Kotapay, one of the nation’s largest ACH and electronic payments originators supporting more than 100,000 payroll clients nationwide. With over 33 years in financial services, Trent shares his journey from the FDIC to fintech founder to payments executive and offers a powerful look into how real-time payments, modern funding models, and “windowless payroll” are reshaping the industry. Trent explains how payroll is undergoing a generational shift as longtime professionals retire and technology becomes the new gateway for attracting talent. He outlines why traditional ACH cutoffs, banking hours, and multi-day payroll windows are becoming obsolete and how real-time funding can compress a payroll event from days into minutes. The conversation dives deep into risk management, small-business payroll access, earned wage access challenges, regulatory complexity across 50 states, and why payroll must evolve into a real-time financial services experience. This episode is a must-listen for payroll leaders, processors, and technology providers preparing for the next era of payroll.

Join us for an insightful conversation with payroll industry expert Jon Schausten, CPP, as we dive into the evolving world of payroll. 🔑 In this episode, we tackle the big questions: * What happens as seasoned payrollers age out? * How do you find your payroll tribe as a newer payroll pro? * What does it take to truly succeed in this ever-changing industry? Whether you’re a payroll veteran, just starting out, or looking to build your network, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiring stories, and actionable tips. Jon shares his legendary payroll journey, the importance of community, and strategies for thriving in payroll’s next era. Don’t miss out on this must-listen episode for anyone passionate about payroll, career growth, and professional community! 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes and industry insights. https://youtu.be/DyaH-NjNltg https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payrollitsaboutpayroll.io

In this holiday-themed episode of It’s About Payroll, hosts Brian and Walt dive into common payroll challenges and real-world solutions—all while sprinkling in humor, seasonal cheer, and industry insights. They kick things off with a discussion on automating manual processes, noting that many organizations still rely on spreadsheets, paper timesheets, and even fax machines. The conversation shifts to the importance of system integration across HRIS, timekeeping, payroll, and benefits to reduce errors and boost efficiency. Walt shares timely pay news, including RSUs and how vesting impacts tax obligations—often causing unexpected tax bills for employees if not planned properly. Brian highlights new research from Deel revealing stark PTO usage differences between European and North American workers, exposing cultural gaps around taking time off and the pitfalls of unlimited PTO. The core of the episode: ten realistic payroll crisis scenarios—from system outages to misclassification—and practical contingency strategies. The hosts emphasize communication, backup workflows, and proactive planning as key to preventing costly payroll errors. The episode delivers tactical advice payroll pros can apply immediately.

This week, we explore the incredible true story of David Ghantt, a trusted vault supervisor at Loomis Fargo & Co. who masterminded a $17.3 million inside job in 1997. With the help of former co-worker Kelly Campbell and a crew of unlikely accomplices, Ghantt pulled off one of the largest cash thefts in U.S. history. Discover how a model employee became the architect of a legendary heist, the role of personal relationships in the crime, and the lessons organizations can learn about trust, internal controls, and payroll security. 🎧 Listen to Episode 188 now and join the conversation about payroll fraud prevention and the human stories behind the headlines. https://youtu.be/a_KHgQ5xhDE  https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-your-paycheck  https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll,   itsaboutpayroll.io  itsaboutyourpaycheck.com  Payroll #TrueCrime #InternalControls #FraudPrevention #Podcast #Leadership #LoomisFargo #TruePayrollCrimeStorieshttps://www.oxygen.com/true-crime-buzz/how-did-david-ghantt-kelly-campbell-steve-chambers-steal-more-than-17m

In this cowboy-themed year-end special of It’s About Payroll, Brian and Walter saddle up to ride through the biggest payroll updates every pro must prepare for as 2025 closes and 2026 approaches. They kick off with news around the economy — including U.S. foreclosure filings rising nearly 20% year-over-year and property insurance premiums spiking 70% over five years — highlighting why accurate payroll matters more than ever to employee stability. The conversation turns to technology, including AI agents already being deployed in Amazon Connect and even the IRS, sparking discussion around the future of payroll automation. Then comes the main rodeo: year-end tasks, W-2 rules, 10-form e-file thresholds, penalties ($60, $130, $330+, and up to millions for large filers), Social Security verification tools, and common W-2 mistakes. The hosts break down the OB3 Bill, tip & overtime deductions (up to $25K for tips; $12.5K single / $25K joint for OT), new guidance, and what employers should and should NOT do. They wrap up with retirement updates including 401(k) limit increases and Secure 2.0 catch-up provisions. A practical, funny, relatable year-end run-through for payroll folks everywhere.

🎙️ Welcome to a special holiday mashup episode of "It's About Payroll"! 🎉 In this episode, your hosts dive into a festive mix of payroll hot topics and holiday fun. We break down the real impact of off-cycle payrolls—are they a customer service win or a business headache? We debate whether payroll should stand alone as its own department and if it deserves a seat in the C-suite. Plus, we explore the pros and cons of Earned Wage Access (EWA): is it a true benefit, a bandaid, or a risk for financial fragility? You’ll also get actionable insights for payroll pros, lively debates, and a rapid-fire holiday food edition of "This or That." Whether you’re a payroll nerd, HR leader, or just here for the laughs and gratitude, there’s something for everyone. ⏩ Topics Covered: Off-cycle payrolls: pain points & solutions Earned Wage Access: necessity or overdependence? Should payroll be its own department? Payroll’s place in the C-suite Holiday food debates & gratitude moments 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more payroll insights and industry conversations! https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll itsaboutpayroll.io https://youtu.be/fYAbuK7rzo4

In this episode of It’s About Payroll, Brian and Walt sit down with Trista Yerkich-Faul, an 18-year Certified Payroll Professional and former Workday HCM consultant with deep expertise bridging payroll operations and HR technology . Trista breaks down one of the industry’s biggest misconceptions: that Workday is only for large enterprises. She explains how Workday Go, a streamlined deployment methodology, now enables small and midsize businesses to go live in as little as 60 days at roughly 10–15% of historical deployment costs . She also reveals why 25% of companies switch payroll providers every year, often due to poor service and tech fatigue, and how Workday’s single-code-line architecture eliminates file transfers, manual prorations, and reconciliation headaches that plague other systems . Trista highlights plug-and-play package solutions—like the Payroll Transparency Dashboard, which can reduce HR ticket volume by up to 60%—making Workday even more accessible for lean teams . Listeners walk away with a clear picture of how Workday supports growth, reduces prep time from days to hours, and provides long-term stability that helps businesses avoid repeated system overhauls.

Welcome to a special reposting of Episode 89! In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with the incredible Tabitha Brown—America’s mom, actress, author, and social media sensation. Tabitha shares her journey from humble beginnings in Eden, North Carolina, to becoming a beacon of positivity, wellness, and authenticity for millions. In this episode, Tabitha opens up about: - The importance of trust and transparency in business and life. - How she manages her finances and empowers her team. - Lessons learned from her family and her rise to success. - The value of budgeting, giving, and staying true to yourself. - Navigating the entertainment industry and supporting the next generation. Whether you’re here for motivation, business insights, or just some good vibes, Tabitha’s wisdom and warmth will leave you inspired. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more amazing conversations! https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll https://youtu.be/FFwa_Cork8E

In this episode of It’s About Payroll, hosts Brian Escobar and Walter Duncan sit down with industry powerhouse Jenny Lee, a seasoned payroll and HCM expert known for driving transformation through process optimization and collaboration. Jenny shares her journey from hands-on practitioner to strategic leader, revealing what truly makes a payroll implementation succeed—or fail. From the debate between best-in-breed vs. all-in-one systems to the common pitfalls of joining midstream projects, Jenny emphasizes the importance of communication, stakeholder engagement, and post-go-live accuracy. The trio also explores how AI and automation are reshaping the field, but not replacing the human expertise required for compliance and quality. Witty, insightful, and refreshingly candid, this episode gives listeners an insider’s view into the evolving payroll landscape and the mindset it takes to thrive. Whether you’re a payroll veteran or new to the profession, Jenny’s advice will leave you inspired to lead smarter and implement better.

Join us for an inspiring episode of "It's About Payroll" as we sit down with Aron Alexander, founder and CEO of Runa, the company reimagining how money moves across the globe. Discover how Aron’s journey from helping out in his family’s retail business led to building one of the most innovative payment infrastructures in the world. In this episode, we dive into: The evolution of Runa from WeGift and the power of rebranding How Runa is transforming payroll, rewards, and global payouts for businesses and gig workers The challenges and opportunities of building a global payment network Trends in payment preferences for independent workers and businesses Lessons in resilience, leadership, and scaling a startup—even through near-death moments The importance of purpose, people, and product in startup success Aron’s unique background as a paratrooper and how it shaped his leadership style Whether you’re interested in FinTech, payroll innovation, or entrepreneurial journeys, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Links:🔗 Learn more about Runa: https://runa.com📧 Contact Aron: aron@runa.iohttps://bizky.ai/blog/the-future-of-global-payroll-trends-to-watch-in-2026/ https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/news/tax-pros-anxiously-await-guidance-on-new-overtime-deduction/?elq_mid=73157&elq_cid=56659880&elq_ename=CP-Newsstand-Newsletter-Template-2025%20October%2030&cid=NA&email=brian%40payrolluniverse.com&sfdccampaignid=NA&chl=Em&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eloqua&utm_campaign=30%20October%202025%20Checkpoint-Newsstand-Newsletter&utm_content=NA https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll, itsaboutpayroll.io Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on the future of payroll and business innovation! #payroll #fintech #entrepreneurship #Runa #podcast #businessinnovation

Join us for an inspiring episode of "It's About Payroll" as we sit down with Troy Markusson, a seasoned payroll leader and mentor, to discuss the future of payroll and how to attract the next generation of professionals to this essential field. In this episode, Troy shares his journey from college intern to payroll innovator, his passion for making payroll "cool," and the importance of purpose, compassion, and curiosity in building a successful payroll career. We dive into the biggest changes in payroll, the skills that matter most today, and how technology and mentorship are shaping the industry. Whether you're a payroll veteran, new to the field, or just curious about what makes payroll so impactful, this conversation is packed with insights, real-world stories, and practical advice for anyone looking to grow in their career. https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll,   itsaboutpayroll.io  https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-markusson/ https://youtu.be/hH_PjjvUQlg

In Episode 179 of It’s About Payroll, hosts Brian Escobar and Walter Duncan III sit down with Jim Kohl, a payroll leader whose career bridges compliance, creativity, and comic-book storytelling. Jim shares his origin story—from English major and stand-up comic to Paychex trainee and, eventually, one of the first employees at Check Technologies, where he helped pioneer embedded payroll. Together they explore how this new model integrates gross-to-net calculations, tax filing, and payouts directly into SaaS platforms—redefining what it means to “run payroll.” The trio also dive into current payroll news, from the IRS furlough to a shocking comic-book restoration scandal and a 75,000-ghost-employee fraud in Zimbabwe. Jim’s perspective blends humor with hard lessons about compliance, community, and building teams from the ground up. Whether you’re a payroll veteran or new to the field, this episode shows why payroll isn’t just numbers—it’s people, process, and passion.