About this episode

This episode discusses the transformation of payroll from a back-office function to a strategic role in organizations.

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…

People in this episode

Hosts: Walt, Brian

Topics covered

• payroll evolution
• employee experience
• AI in payroll
• compliance
• earned wage access
• biweekly pay
• payroll strategy

Keywords

• payroll
• AI
• employee experience
• compliance
• earned wage access
• biweekly pay
• payroll strategy
• data governance
• C-suite

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Paycom, iSolve, Career Learning, Nerd Outfitters, CPT (Certified Payroll Technician)

Books & works: The Payroll Pivot

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• Season 16 in Review · May 18, 2026 · 50 min
• Payroll Like a Boss: The Movement Begins · April 28, 2026 · 55 min
• Why Are So Many Payroll Pros Open to Work? · March 30, 2026 · 36 min
• All Roads Lead to Payroll: 201 Episodes and a Book Later · March 23, 2026 · 47 min
• Episode 200 Just Changed the Future of Payroll! · March 17, 2026 · 47 min

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