Elevating payroll: the need for visibility and voice

The recent GPA Payroll Symposium offered a powerful reminder: payroll is no longer just a back-office function. It’s a strategic pillar that touches every part of an organisation, from compliance and culture to talent attraction, employee engagement and financial planning. Here are some key takeaways from the GPA Payroll Symposium.

1. Payroll: from button-pushing to strategic leadership

One of the most striking themes was the shift in how the payroll function is perceived. Traditionally seen as a transactional task, payroll is now being recognised as a critical component of organisational strategy. Rather than just processing payslips, it’s about managing risk, ensuring compliance and contributing to the financial and cultural health of a business.

Today’s payroll professionals are expected to operate as strategic business partners, not just administrators. Their work underpins employee satisfaction, supports regulatory compliance and provides real-time data that can inform everything from workforce planning to diversity and inclusion initiatives.

2. The expanding scope of payroll responsibilities

Speakers at the symposium highlighted the growing complexity of payroll operations. Professionals in this space are now expected to navigate an ever-changing web of statutory requirements, tax regulations and social security systems (often across multiple jurisdictions).

With legislation evolving rapidly and payroll processes becoming more complex, businesses need to stay current. This dynamic environment demands a payroll function that is proactive, technically skilled and agile. Today, payroll requires fewer manual processes and more continuous learning, automation and strategic foresight.

3. Who leads payroll: HR or finance?

A recurring question throughout the event was where payroll should sit: under HR or finance? The consensus was refreshingly pragmatic. It doesn’t matter where payroll sits as long as its voice is heard.

Whether reporting to a Chief HR Officer (CHRO) or Chief Financial Officer (CFO), payroll teams must advocate for their function. They need to ensure that leadership understands the strategic value of payroll, not just in terms of compliance but in supporting broader business goals. What matters most is influence, not reporting lines.

4. Gaining C-level buy-in

Without executive support, payroll teams can struggle to secure the resources, technology and recognition they need. One practical takeaway from the symposium was the importance of using payroll data to tell a compelling story.

A simple one-pager that outlines the scope of payroll’s responsibilities (from tax compliance and salary processing to employee wellbeing) can be a powerful tool. Highlighting the risks of payroll errors alongside the value of getting it right helps make the case for investment. Numbers speak volumes, especially at board level.

5. The need for visibility and voice

Payroll needs a seat at the table. It’s time to elevate the function, not just internally but across the industry. This means better communication with stakeholders, more cross-functional collaboration and a stronger presence in strategic decision-making.

The payroll function is more than running payroll; it’s about enabling business success. When payroll is involved early in workflow design and policy development, organisations benefit from smoother implementation, better compliance and improved employee experience.

6. Attracting the next generation: a growing challenge

One of the more sobering discussions at the symposium was the difficulty in attracting younger professionals into payroll. Despite its critical importance, payroll often lacks visibility as a career path. Many early-career professionals simply don’t know what the role entails or how impactful it can be.

To change this, payroll needs a rebrand. We need to tell better stories about the global payroll landscape, the problem-solving involved and the real-world impact payroll professionals have on people’s lives. It’s a career that combines technical skill, strategic thinking and human impact which is a compelling proposition.

Here’s some guidance for making payroll exciting to new talent:

• Show the global scope: International payroll gives the opportunity to work across borders and cultures, adding richness and complexity to the role
• Emphasise tech and innovation: From payroll software and automation to dashboards, APIs and on-demand reporting, payroll is becoming increasingly digital
• Highlight career progression: Payroll offers clear pathways into leadership, compliance, finance and even global mobility
• Tell real stories: Sharing case studies can highlight the personal journeys of payroll leaders who’ve made a difference e.g., through blogs, podcasts or social media
• Engage early: You can partner with universities, offer internships and speak at career fairs to raise awareness. Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase the future of payroll

7. The global payroll perspective

As more companies operate internationally, global payroll is becoming increasingly important. Managing payroll across borders means understanding different legal systems, cultural expectations and communication styles. It’s challenging but also incredibly rewarding.

Payroll providers and outsourcing partners are playing a growing role in helping businesses streamline their payroll services and ensure compliance. But even with external support, in-house payroll management requires strong internal leadership, robust payroll systems and a clear payroll strategy.

Global payroll professionals are compliance experts, project managers, communicators and ecosystem navigators. Their work ensures that employees are paid accurately and on time, no matter where they are in the world.

8. Technology, integration and the future of payroll

The future of payroll is digital, integrated and data-driven. As organisations adopt more sophisticated HCM and HRIS platforms, payroll must be part of that transformation. Seamless integration between human capital management systems and payroll software enables better real-time reporting, fewer errors and improved notifications for both employees and managers.

Microsoft, for example, has invested heavily in cloud-based payroll solutions that integrate with broader business systems. These tools allow for better metrics tracking, validation and decision-making – all of which support a more agile and responsive payroll function.

The GPA Payroll Symposium made one thing clear: payroll is evolving quickly. It’s finally being recognised for its strategic importance; giving it the voice, visibility and validation it deserves.

Whether you’re in HR or leadership, understanding payroll’s role is crucial. And for those just starting their careers, we can show them that payroll offers a dynamic, impactful and truly global opportunity.

As the future of work continues to evolve, payroll will sit at the heart of human capital management. With the right payroll solution, the right people and the right mindset, we can optimise not just how we process payroll but how we support the people behind it.

Get in touch today to discuss your hiring needs or explore job opportunities.