Portfolio Insights Applying the Future of Payroll – Now
By Rosie Moretto Senior Business Manager, Portfolio Payroll, part of the Portfolio Group
The Power of Being Heard
The challenge is getting that message across. That may mean using risk registers, creating audit frameworks, or showing the real cost of “just one” error. It’s about being heard, through the right person, in the right way.
Payroll is evolving quickly. No longer just a back-office function, it’s becoming a strategic asset that touches every employee, every pay cycle, and every stage of financial wellbeing. Back in May, I attended a Future of Payroll roundtable hosted by the CIPP, where passionate professionals shared insights, challenges, and ideas. What became clear is this: the future of payroll isn’t something we’re waiting for — it’s already here. But that doesn’t mean the work is done. One message stood out above the rest. Payroll professionals aren’t necessarily asking for a seat at the top table, but they do need to make sure there’s someone there who’s really listening. Payroll Has a Bigger Role Than People Realise Payroll has always done more than people give it credit for. It’s not just paying people on time (though that matters). Payroll touches everyone in a business and follows them through major milestones: renting a house, starting a job, building credit. It’s financial trust, in action. Yet around 40% of employees don’t open their payslips. That says something about engagement, awareness, and missed opportunities to show how payroll data supports broader financial wellbeing. Some businesses now add benefits and financial info straight into the payslip view: small move, big impact. What Payroll Needs: Someone to Listen (and Act) Despite its strategic potential, payroll often lacks representation at board level. It doesn’t need a seat; but it does need someone who’ll listen, understand, and advocate. Especially when it comes to risk. Payroll errors can push staff to leave after just one mistake. Add in data breaches, compliance failures, system breakdowns… suddenly payroll is critical to business continuity. These aren’t admin errors; they’re business risks.
Let’s Talk About System Burnout
Where Tech Helps - and Where It Doesn’t
One major frustration was system implementation. Too often, payroll teams roll out software changes while running daily operations - no pause, no support, and no say in system choice. Involving payroll earlier in decisions prevents mis-scoped projects, clunky workarounds, and costly add-ons later. And budgeting for contractors isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity if you want things done right.
There’s a lot of talk about AI and bots in payroll. They can help — reading policy docs or auto-checking spreadsheets — but tech is only as good as the processes behind it. That’s why documenting processes matters. Training guides matter. Knowing what problem you’re solving before applying automation? Essential. Bots can support us, but they can’t replace payroll professionals who spot something’s off because “it just doesn’t look right.”
Redefining the Value of Payroll
Payroll still carries the perception of “running in the background.” But payroll is proactive, powerful, and people-focused. It shapes retention, wellbeing, compliance, and employee experience. Innovations like “live pay” - where employees view real-time pay updates - improve transparency, reduce errors, and hold managers accountable. When discrepancies are fixed before payday, engagement improves. It’s part of a broader shift toward Earned Wage Access (EWA), which could become a key attraction tool for talent.
Moving Forward
As Payroll shifts from operational to strategic, the path forward includes:
Education: Stakeholder sessions, employee webinars, public literacy. Advocacy: Making the case for payroll’s voice at the executive table. Support: Budget and bandwidth for contractors during system changes. Innovation: Embracing live pay, automation, and AI, while ensuring clear processes. And maybe, just maybe, it’s time to talk about a Payroll Union - not for disruption, but for support, visibility, and shared standards. Because payroll isn’t just about pay - it’s about people. It’s about trust, accuracy, and helping people feel financially secure.
Where’s the Next Generation?
Another theme was the future workforce. Payroll as a career path is still invisible. Schools don’t prepare young people for real-world financial topics - let alone payroll as a profession. Few grow up saying, “I want to work in payroll.” Most stumble into it and stay because it’s challenging, rewarding, and well paid. We need more people to know it blends maths, logic, people, tech, problem-solving… and a bit of detective work. Bureaux are even hiring former retail professionals with customer service experience, prioritising empathy and communication - payroll knowledge can be taught.
And that deserves to be heard - loud and clear.
Come find me at Stand 8 & 9 at the Annual Conference & Exhibition on 1st-2 Oct 2025! nd
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