The free, on-demand webinar “From Fear to Future: AI’s Role in the Payroll Profession” explores how payroll professionals can leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their operations both domestically and globally.
The webinar’s panel discussion features seasoned practitioners sharing real-world applications of AI in payroll processes. Moderator Nick Day, CEO, JGA Recruitment Group and Payroll Podcast Host, was joined by Tracee Bowles, CPP, SHRM-SCP, Global Advisory Practice Leader, The Hackett Group; Jen Cozier, Vice President of Payroll Product Management, Workday; Michael Francis, CPP, Director, Global Payroll, SBA Communications; and Bart van der Storm, Global Payroll Strategist, Payrollminds.
Don’t Fear the Future
Day opened the discussion with a concern shared among payroll professionals: anxiety about AI adoption.
"The landscape is shifting," Day said, highlighting AI's versatile applications in learning, problem-solving, and decision support.
While AI represents an evolutionary step in the payroll profession's toolset, the panel agreed that AI would enhance the payroll practitioner’s value instead of replacing them.
This sentiment echo’s Big Four accounting firm KPMG's statement that resonates across the industry: "You won't lose your job to AI; you'll lose it to someone using AI."
For payroll practitioners, the message is simply this: AI adoption isn't optional—it's imperative. The technology offers immediate practical applications, from streamlining policy management and procedural workflows to enhancing customer service through automated responses. Day explored implementation challenges head-on, providing actionable insights for departments at various stages of AI integration, and discussed the obstacles and challenges present in implementation.
The panel discussion reviewed various forms of AI being used in payroll—including generative AI, bots, natural language processing (NLP), and machine learning (ML)—and examined current questions such as data security, personally identifiable information (PII), technology available through payroll vendors, and, of course, costs.
AI will provide a positive impact on the three-legged stool upon which payroll professionals sit—providing accurate paychecks, on time, in regulatory compliance—and add to the ability to provide data analytics for strategic decision making.
During the panel discussion, Francis articulated a critical understanding of what AI offers.
“AI can be thought of as augmented intelligence, providing tools to elevate the payroll profession,” he said.
Francis added that the data and information presented using AI requires responsibility to do the research to ensure that it is accurate.
AI's Transformative Impact: From Data Management to Strategic Partnership
The panel discussed AI's practical applications, with van der Storm opening a discussion on comprehensive data management. He highlighted the benefits to AI which can streamline data navigation, consolidation, reconciliation, and control processes—tasks that consume significant payroll resources.
Meanwhile, Francis pointed out that this automation creates a pivotal opportunity that enables payroll professionals to step into more strategic roles, contributing to broader business discussions and decision-making once they are freed from transactional tasks.
Getting Started: Practical Steps Forward
Addressing the crucial question of where to begin, Cozier emphasized the importance of cultivating a growth mindset.
"Try new things," she advised, suggesting that professionals join early adopter groups to gain hands-on experience. This experimental approach proves particularly valuable as organizations begin implementing AI solutions.
The discussion highlights several promising applications, including the following:
- Fraud detection through anomaly identification
- Automated ghost employee detection
- Customized payslip generation
- Proactive communication systems for payroll changes
Beyond Technology: Creating Business Value
The webinar stands out for its practical approach to AI adoption, offering a roadmap from initial hesitation to confident implementation. As Cozier said, "These are the things that can really catapult payroll careers."
The message to payroll practitioners: AI proficiency isn't just about keeping pace—it's about transforming payroll professionals into valued business partners who drive organizational success.
Everyone can access the insight-packed “From Fear to Future: AI’s Role in the Payroll Profession” for free through PayrollOrg’s on-demand library to discover practical ways to implement AI tools in their daily workflows. The webinar is available through March 31.
