COMPLIANCE
Adaptability in action
Srihari Daivanayagam, manager, strategic marketing, Neeyamo, discusses how payroll professionals can thrive in a changing landscape
I n today’s rapidly evolving business environment, the role of payroll professionals has become increasingly complex and dynamic. From technological advancements to global workforce shifts, the payroll landscape is constantly changing. This article looks at how payroll professionals can adapt and thrive amid these changes, ensuring they remain valuable assets in their organisations. The evolving payroll landscape The payroll profession has undergone significant transformations in recent years. Technological advancements have automated many routine tasks, including complex gross-to-net calculations, while globalisation has expanded the scope of payroll operations across borders. The rise of remote work and the gig economy has further complicated payroll processes, requiring professionals to manage diverse employment models and compensation structures. Moreover, the regulatory environment continues to evolve, with frequent changes in tax laws, reporting requirements and data privacy regulations. Over time, it’s clear that adaptability is not just beneficial – it’s essential for survival and growth in this field. Common challenges and solutions To keep up with changing regulations, professionals should consider implementing a system for regular
updates on legal changes, including new regulations on wage garnishments. This could include subscribing to industry newsletters, attending webinars, and participating in professional forums. It’s advisable to develop a process to quickly disseminate and implement new regulatory requirements across the payroll team. Another challenge often faced is managing remote and hybrid workforces, so it would be wise to adapt payroll processes to accommodate different work models. This might involve implementing new time-tracking software, addressing nexus issues, understanding reciprocity agreements between states and ensuring secure access to payroll systems for remote team members. To ensure the successful integration of payroll data with other business systems, it’s a good idea to work closely with information technology teams and other departments to ensure seamless data flow between payroll, human resources (HR) and finance systems. Develop skills in data integration, focusing on Application Programming Interface -driven integrations and single sign-on implementation to facilitate this process. Balancing automation with personalised service is another common challenge organisations contend with, so while embracing automation for routine tasks, focus on developing strong interpersonal skills to handle complex employee queries and provide strategic insights to management. Create a tiered
support system where automated responses handle basic inquiries, freeing up time for personalised attention to more complex issues. Key areas requiring adaptability Embracing technological evolution: today’s payroll professionals face a transformative challenge – adapting to new technologies while elevating their strategic value. As HR information systems, robotic process automation and cloud- based payroll solutions automate routine tasks, payroll experts must pivot their focus towards more strategic aspects of their role. Success in this evolving landscape demands a blend of technical expertise, soft skills and business acumen. Developing proficiency in areas like payroll benchmarking and cost-of-labour analysis is crucial. These skills enable professionals to provide strategic insights, transitioning from data processors to valuable business advisers. By embracing this evolution, payroll experts can position themselves as indispensable assets, capable of driving efficiency, ensuring accuracy, and contributing to the overall success of their organisations in an increasingly complex and technology-driven business world. Mastering compliance: staying ahead of changing tax laws, labour laws, requirements and reporting standards is no longer just a job requirement – it’s a strategic imperative. Simultaneously, the digital transformation of payroll processes demands a new
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | November 2024 | Issue 105 48
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