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/jtKL9

In 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 She explains why payroll is no longer just about processing, how Deel’s model challenges outdated in-country providers, and why real-time pay and AI are set to transform the employee experience.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/691ee4537e

Stay 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/jtKL9

How 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/691ee4537e

Stay 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 roadmap
• Major changes to SSP rules and payroll calculation impact
• Zero-hour contract reforms and employee protections
• Pensions, parental leave, and the rise of Fair Work Agency enforcement
• New student loan thresholds and the confusion around Plan 5
• Cross-border payroll challenges with ROI and NI jurisdictions
• What HMRC is doing to fix disputed RTI charges
• Why compliance risks are rising — and how to prepare

Whether 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-en

Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e

Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/

Our Panel:

Simon Parsons, Director of UK Compliance Strategies at SD Worx

Samantha Mann, Payroll Team Manager, Armstrong Watson

Richard George, Director of Education, The Payroll Centre

Mathew Akrigg, Policy & Research Officer, CIPP

Andy Nicholls, Payroll and Pensions Expert, Consultant