Wendy Muirhead delivered a detailed and highly practical session on how payroll leaders can modernise global operations through automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and stronger data governance.

In her presentation, Beyond Borders: Building a Future-Ready Global Payroll Operation with Automation & Insight, Muirhead skillfully blended strategic thinking with operational reality, and explored how payroll teams can evolve from transactional functions into strategic business partners.

A major focus of her session was the importance of unified data and process standardisation. She encouraged attendees to begin with detailed process mapping, involving operational teams directly to uncover inefficiencies often hidden within “muscle memory.”

Muirhead introduced the concept of a global data dictionary, explaining how consistent terminology and governance across countries enables cleaner reporting, stronger analytics, and more effective automation.

“When you can harmonise your data, then you can start to look at where the opportunity for improvements really are,” she said.

Muirhead's presentation also explored the rapidly evolving payroll technology landscape, including decentralised, centralised, and “technology wrapper” models.

She highlighted the importance of understanding where payroll data sits, who processes it, and how integrations and APIs impact visibility, compliance, and operational agility.

Real-world examples and case studies brought these challenges to life, including a global retailer that achieved significant savings and operational improvements through a streamlined provider review process.

Throughout the discussion, Muirhead reinforced that AI should not replace payroll professionals, but instead empower them.

From chatbots handling HR enquiries to automation supporting reporting and compliance tracking, she demonstrated how technology can free payroll teams to focus on insight, employee experience and strategic growth.

Energetic, insightful and rich with practical examples, the session gave attendees a realistic framework for building scalable, future-ready global payroll operations while bringing teams confidently along on the transformation journey.

“All automation does is help us to drive that trust in a better, easier, faster way,” Muirhead said.

Natalie Lloyd is the Head of Brand & Partnerships for JGA Recruitment Group