What’s the most significant challenges facing payroll professionals today?

The one nobody names is invisibility. Payroll runs the most accurate workforce data in the business, and most leaders never see it. Legislation, automation, integration — these all matter. But the real challenge is that payroll professionals have been trained to stay quiet. And in the AI era, the cost of that silence is enormous.

What excites you most about participating this year?

Connecting with people from across the industry, sharing what’s working, learning from others. It’s where the conversation actually moves the profession forward.

Which session or theme are you most looking forward to?

The sessions on technology and digital transformation. That’s where payroll’s future is being shaped, and where the most interesting debates will happen.

What is a common misconception about "The Payroll Pivot", and how is your session challenging it?

People think payroll is transactional, not strategic. My session challenges that by showing how payroll drives employee trust, supports strategy, and delivers real business value. The bigger story is what’s holding the profession back, and I believe a lot of it comes down to fear. Fear of speaking up. Fear of being wrong in front of finance. Fear of stepping outside the lane. That’s the Fear Tax, and it’s costing payroll its seat at the table.

How does "The Payroll Pivot" connect to broader organisational strategy or a business’ performance?

Payroll sees what HR can’t and what finance won’t. It’s the only function holding verified data on every person, every pay cycle. Connect that to retention, engagement, and risk, and payroll stops being a back-office function. It becomes one of the most strategically valuable functions in the organisation. The challenge is getting others to see it that way.

What do you hope attendees take away from your session?

A practical way to spot the moments where payroll’s voice is needed and isn’t being used. And the courage to step into them.

What are the biggest opportunities for innovation in payroll over the next 2–3 years?

AI and automation for accuracy and efficiency. Better analytics for decision-making. Deeper integration with HR and finance. All of which free up time for payroll professionals to step into strategy and influence.

What is one thing you’re hoping to learn from the other speakers?

Fresh perspectives on the challenges we all share, and new approaches to stakeholder engagement.

Coffee or tea before your big session?

Coffee (black), please.

Find out more about Nick’s session and everything else on offer at The Reward and Payroll Summit 2026 - Click here to find out more