It's About Payroll

In this episode, we dive deep into the future of payroll, automation, and the impact of AI on the world of work with special guest Brent Skinner—renowned HCM and HR tech analyst, podcast host, and industry thought leader. Join us as we explore: What “autonomous payroll” really means and how close we are to letting AI run the show The evolving role of payroll professionals in an automated world Why “payroll pilots” (humans) are still essential, even as technology advances The importance of adapting, learning, and controlling the narrative around AI in payroll Real-world insights, stories, and a few laughs about branding, learning, and the future of work Whether you’re an HR pro, payroll specialist, business leader, or just curious about how technology is changing the workplace, this conversation is packed with practical advice and big-picture thinking. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on the future of work, technology, and leadership! Connect with us: Podcast:[https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payrol] https://youtu.be/zBS3iZXl0q4 Guest: Brent Skinner (LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentskinner/) #payroll #ai #futureofwork #automation #hrtech #podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready for an inspiring deep dive into the world of payroll, time tracking, and people-first leadership! In this episode of "It's About Payroll," we sit down with Dean Matthews, visionary CEO and founder of On the Clock—a leading time tracking solution trusted by over 15,000 businesses. Dean shares his journey from self-taught developer to SaaS leader, revealing how he built On the Clock from the ground up and transformed it into a powerhouse for payroll professionals and small business owners. Discover how Dean’s passion for innovation, transparency, and servant leadership has shaped his company’s culture and product. We explore: • The biggest payroll and time tracking challenges facing businesses today • How automation and AI are changing the payroll landscape • Practical tips for financial fitness and saving money in your organization • The importance of compliance, transparency, and customer-driven innovation • Dean’s advice for aspiring tech leaders and entrepreneurs. Plus, don’t miss our fun “This or That” segment, where Dean and the hosts reveal their favorite foods, leadership philosophies, and more! If you’re a payroll pro, business owner, or just love stories of innovation and leadership, this episode is for you. Like, subscribe, and join the conversation in the comments! 🔗 Learn more about On the Clock: https://www.ontheclock.com🔗 Connect with Dean Matthews on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanmatthews/ https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll,   itsaboutpayroll.io   https://youtu.be/OHgJqTX4w6M  Payroll #Leadership #SaaS #TimeTracking #Podcast #OnTheClock #BusinessInnovation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this gripping It’s About Your Paycheck true-crime episode, we unravel the unbelievable payroll fiasco at Palm Beach Equine Clinic, where a receptionist was mistakenly paid a veterinarian’s $400K salary for nearly a year. Key Points Covered: The Error: A third-party payroll provider assigned the wrong salary, and internal controls failed at every level—no alerts, no audits, no red flags caught. The Fallout: The employee spent over half the funds on luxury goods, Zelle transfers, and even sent $100K overseas. She later returned $200K, but only after being investigated. The Legal Side: She now faces first-degree felony charges for grand theft and money laundering, raising debates about intent vs. negligence. The Bigger Lesson: Employers, payroll vendors, and employees all share responsibility. Lack of oversight, absent variance checks, and poor communication created the perfect storm. Pro Tips for Payroll & HR: Build automated alerts, conduct variance audits, review W-2 data for anomalies, and always reconcile payroll with actual employee roles and pay rates. This case isn’t just a shocking headline—it’s a wake-up call for every business. Trust but verify, because payroll mistakes don’t just cost money… they can cost careers and freedom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this lively episode of It’s About Payroll, Brian and Walt welcome UK payroll veteran and Payroll Support Network (PSN) co-founder, Jody Cox. With over 20 years of experience, Jody shares her career journey from finance into payroll leadership, including building a payroll function that supported over 11,000 employees. She reveals how PSN started as a mentoring connection that grew into a thriving community of thousands of payroll professionals, offering support, laughter, and learning across industries. The conversation takes fun turns as Jody shares her dream of being a marine biologist (inspired by Free Willy), her secret TV appearance on a car show, and the not-so-glamorous moment of losing her phone to the sea. Together, they bust myths about payroll (“it’s not just about numbers”), discuss building safe spaces for payroll professionals to be heard, and highlight how payroll accuracy directly impacts employee trust. This episode celebrates the launch of Payroll Support Network US, a collaboration between PSN and It’s About Payroll, marking the beginning of a truly global payroll family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 171 of the It's About Payroll podcast! This week, hosts Brian and Walt sit down with Sanders Offner, President of Crescent and Impact HR, to explore the evolving world of HR and payroll for small to mid-size businesses. Sanders shares his journey from starting in a closet to leading a company known for white-glove service, operational expertise, and people-first leadership. In this episode, you'll learn: Why payroll accuracy is critical for business success How HR outsourcing can empower your team and boost retention The importance of blending technology with human service for a seamless HR experience Strategies for proactive compliance and risk mitigation The future of HR and payroll in the age of AI Sanders also discusses the value of building trust with clients, the real cost of employee turnover, and how Crescent HR’s approach stands out in a crowded industry. Whether you’re an HR professional, payroll pro, or business leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. 🔗 Learn more about Crescent HR: https://crescenthr.com 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more payroll and HR expertise every week! https://youtu.be/67l8VYar83A https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-your-paycheck  https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll,   itsaboutpayroll.io  itsaboutyourpaycheck.com  https://crescent-hr.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of It’s About Payroll and It’s About Your Paycheck, Brian and Walt sit down with Marshall Leitz, a seasoned lending expert with over 35 years in commercial finance. Marshall specializes in helping fast-growing businesses unlock working capital through receivables, inventory, and equipment financing—without sacrificing equity. Marshall breaks down the difference between dilutive vs. non-dilutive capital, explains how asset-based lending works in practice, and shares real client success stories—including a healthcare staffing company that grew revenues 400% during COVID while never missing payroll. He also dispels the myth that “no” from one bank means the end of the road, stressing the importance of finding lenders aligned with your goals. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, payroll leader, or business owner, this episode offers invaluable insights into preserving equity, scaling sustainably, and solving cash flow challenges before they derail growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

✅ Summary – In this episode of It’s About Payroll, hosts Brian and Walter welcome Aaron Martin and Shohan from Rain, a leading Earned Wage Access (EWA) company on a mission to end payday lending and improve financial wellness. Aaron shares how lessons from his father shaped his approach to saving, while Shohan recounts his own experience escaping payday loan cycles. They explain how Rain provides employees with instant access to earned wages, free financial coaching, and educational tools to promote long-term stability. The discussion covers real-world impacts such as reduced 401k loans, improved retention, and fewer employee call-outs. They also highlight Rain’s seamless integrations with major payroll systems and their vision for a future without traditional pay cycles. This episode is packed with insights for payroll pros, HR leaders, and business owners looking to boost financial wellness in their organizations. rainapp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ In It’s About Payroll Episode 168, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Victoria Mattingly (Dr. V)—an organizational psychologist, global keynote speaker, and founder of Mattingly Solutions. From allyship and mental health to data-driven DEI, Dr. V delivers powerful insights rooted in both lived experience and psychological science. Her mission? To make inclusion actionable and allyship a shared responsibility. ✨ In this episode, Dr. V unpacks: How payroll and HR can lead the way in inclusion and equity Barriers to psychological safety (and how to break them down) The power of data in advancing DEI strategy Supporting visible and invisible differences at work Her own journey through cancer, alopecia, and mental health recovery—and how it shapes the way she helps leaders lead with empathy. 🎧 Tune in to hear how we can move from intention to impact in our workplaces—one payroll policy, leadership behavior, and conversation at a time. _______________________________________________ PAYROLL & HR PEEPS, YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED! 🎉 Dr. V is thrilled to invite you to celebrate an important milestone with her. The official launch date of the book "Act Like an Ally & Work With an Ally" is Tuesday, September 9th. The book will be sold at a discounted price for one week, so plan to take advantage and buy it between 9/9 and 9/16. We will also be celebrating the book launch with a big party! Whether you’re in Pittsburgh or somewhere else in the world, there’s a way for you to join the fun. For Pittsburgh-area friends: Join Dr. V in person at Alloy 26📍 100 South Commons, Suite #102, Pittsburgh, PA 15212📅 Thursday, September 18, 2025⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM EST✅Register here: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-victoria-mattinglys-allyship-book-launch-party-tickets-1527498893309 What to Expect: with workplace inclusion and allyship champions A peek behind the scenes of the book publishing process Signed copies of Act Like an Ally, Work With an Ally available for purchase For those not in Pittsburgh: Join us virtually and hear Dr. V talk about the book and answer questions📍 Zoom (link provided with EventBrite registration)📅 Thursday, September 18, 2025⏰ 6:00-6:30 PM EST ✅Register here: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-victoria-mattinglys-allyship-book-launch-party-tickets-1527498893309 https://mattinglysolutions.com https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-your-paycheck https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll https://itsaboutpayroll.io http://itsaboutyourpaycheck.com https://youtu.be/bsl5GfrQvg8 Resources for News/Around the Payhorn https://www.selectsoftwarereviews.com/blog/employee-wellness-statistics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Episode 167 of It’s About Payroll is here, and we’re going global—literally. We sat down with John Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of Work From Anywhere, to unpack the real challenges behind remote work across borders—and how smart payroll strategy is the key to making it work. 🧭 From managing permanent establishment risk and multi-country tax compliance, to addressing payroll and social security challenges in a world where teams are distributed across time zones—John breaks it all down. 🛠️ We explored: Common mistakes companies make when letting employees work abroad Real-world horror stories around tax exposure How WFA’s platform automates global compliance for payroll teams The evolving role of payroll in the rise of remote work, “workations,” and digital nomadism What leaders must start doing today to future-proof their payroll strategy ✨ With a background in global finance, 60+ countries lived in, and six languages under his belt—John brings rare insight into what it takes to pay people properly, anywhere in the world. 🎧Don’t miss this one if you: Support a distributed team Work in payroll, HR, or finance Are figuring out your company’s remote work strategy 🔗 Listen to Episode 167: Work From Anywhere, Pay From Anywhere now — available on all major podcast platforms. #Payroll #RemoteWork #WorkFromAnywhere #GlobalCompliance #DigitalNomads #PayrollPodcast #ItsAboutPayroll #HRTech #futureofwork #TaxCompliance #globalmobility wfa.team - Click to find out more about Work From Anywhere https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-your-paycheck https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll, itsaboutpayroll.io itsaboutyourpaycheck.com https://youtu.be/BWek0fLntqI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎧 EPISODE 166: The Global Payroll Playbook with Max van der Klis-Busink Podcast: It’s About Payroll Hosts: Brian Escobar & Walt Tynes This week, we’re honored to welcome Max van der Klis-Busink — global payroll leader, award-winning author of The Global Payroll Manager’s Playbook, and founder of Passion for Payroll & The Payroll Comedian. Max shares his journey from dreaming about global payroll in Amsterdam to launching a book now sold in over 35 countries—with 100% of proceeds going to help kids access sports. 🎙️ In this episode: Why payroll is beautifully complex The power of structure in chaotic payroll worlds Leadership traits every payroll pro needs now Debunking the “one global vendor” myth How AI can (and should) empower frontline payroll teams What’s next for Max in his payroll comedy journey 📌 Quote of the day: “Every day is Day Zero.” If you’re in payroll, HR, finance—or even just pay curious—this is a must-listen conversation. ✅ Subscribe, rate, and share the episode! #PayrollPodcast #ItsAboutPayroll #MaxVanDerKlisBusink #PayrollLeadership #FutureOfWork #GlobalPayroll #PayrollBook #HRTech #ThePayrollComedian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trucking payroll isn’t just complex—it’s a moving target. In this episode, we sit down with Michael Ritzema, President and Founder of Superior Trucking Payroll Service, to talk about the unique challenges and solutions in the world of transportation compensation. From per diem strategies and IRS Form 945 to misclassification pitfalls and garnishment headaches, Michael shares hard-earned insights from years on the road supporting carriers. We also dig into how automation is shifting the landscape, what new fleets often get wrong, and where the industry is headed next. If you’re in trucking or just love a good payroll puzzle, this episode delivers. **Website:** [truckingpayroll.com](https://truckingpayroll.com) **Social Media:** - LinkedIn: [Michael Ritzema](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelritzema) - YouTube: [Trucking Payroll](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw0yXxR3fTjxoPoxtI2kOhA) - TikTok: [Trucking Payroll](https://www.tiktok.com/@truckingpayroll) - Instagram: [Trucking Payroll](https://www.instagram.com/truckingpayroll) - Twitter: [Trucking Payroll](https://twitter.com/truckingpayroll) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of It’s About Payroll, we welcome Michael Steen, Client Solutions Director at Payroll Minds, for a powerful and insightful conversation on the intersection of payroll, leadership, and humanity. Michael shares his nontraditional journey from crisis intervention and mental health to global payroll consulting, and how compassion, personal branding, and listening are his keys to success. We dive into: What the future of payroll could—and should—look like Why AI hasn’t quite arrived (yet) in payroll processing The power of showing up authentically in a sales-driven world The importance of building a personal brand on LinkedIn Real talk on burnout, balance, and leading with kindness If you’re a payroll professional, HR leader, or just someone who values thoughtful leadership and industry disruption, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we hit pause to look back and talk through: ✅ What really stood out to us this season ✅ The challenges we navigated behind the scenes ✅ Powerful lessons learned along the way ✅ And most importantly—the amazing guests who brought their wisdom, energy, and heart to every conversation. From compliance curves to pay transparency, global payroll trends to financial wellness tips, these seasons have been full of insights and impact. 🙌 Whether you're a payroll pro or just trying to better understand your paycheck, we’ve got something for you. 🎙️ Tune in to hear our takeaways, favorite moments, and what’s next for both shows. 👉 https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll, https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-your-paycheck, itsaboutpayroll.io, itsaboutyourpaycheck.com. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250623026106/en/Dallas-YMCA-Unleashes-Workforce-Efficiency-Saves-600-Hours-a-Year-with-AI-First-UKG-Suite https://www.economicshelp.org/blog/2180/economics/economic-impact-of-war/ To all our listeners, guests, and supporters—THANK YOU. You help make these conversations real, relevant, and resonant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of It’s About Payroll, we’re joined by the brilliant Tiana Neal—a dynamic leader in global payroll and benefits operations, founder of Transcenders Consulting Group, and host of The Human Roll podcast. With deep expertise at the crossroads of compliance, care, and technology, Tiana brings a refreshing and insightful perspective to the evolving relationship between HR and Payroll. Together, we dive into the essential (and sometimes messy) collaboration between HR and Payroll—from recruiting and onboarding to time tracking, benefits, compliance, and system integration. Tiana unpacks the common pitfalls organizations face, shares strategies for aligning people, systems, and processes, and weighs in on the hotly debated question: Should Payroll report to HR, Finance… or stand alone? wrkdefined.com https://youtu.be/cLwt4pVh8fQ itsaboutpayroll.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 161 of It’s About Payroll, we dive deep into the growing conversation around cryptocurrency and fiat currency—and how both could shape the future of payroll. We explore three major areas of debate: 🔹 Decentralization vs. Centralized Control 🔹 Inflation Resistance vs. Economic Flexibility 🔹 Transparency vs. Regulatory Protection From the transparency and autonomy offered by blockchain, to the economic stability and legal safeguards built into the U.S. dollar system, this episode unpacks how each side stacks up when it comes to paying people fairly, securely, and sustainably. As digital currencies continue to evolve, payroll professionals need to understand the opportunities and the risks. Could decentralized finance revolutionize how we pay employees? Or is the traditional system still the most reliable anchor in times of economic uncertainty? Tune in for an insightful debate and practical payroll takeaways from both sides of the coin. Links & References  wrkdefined.com  itsaboutpayroll.io  https://youtu.be/loISEZr38UU  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices