Episode 205

How AI Will Transform Payroll Forever with Michael Francis

This episode is sponsored by Deel

Managing a global team is complex, Deel makes it simpler with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance all in one place. That's why over 35,000 businesses trust Deel to hire, pay, and manage their teams worldwide. 


See how Deel works at www.deel.com/nickday



Payroll is no longer just a back-office function, it’s the heartbeat of every organization.


In this episode of the Payroll Podcast, Nick Day sits down with Michael Francis,a global payroll leader and passionate advocate for AI in payroll, to explore how technology is transforming payroll into a strategic powerhouse.


Michael shares how AI can free payroll teams from repetitive transactions, unlock powerful data insights, improve employee experience, and help payroll secure its seat at the boardroom table. You’ll learn why payroll must evolve beyond “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it,” how to build the business case for tech investment, and what payroll leaders must do today to thrive in the age of AI.


If you want to future-proof your payroll career, attract the next generation of talent, and turn payroll into a driver of business success, this episode is for you.



(00:00) Payroll: The Heart of Every Organization  

(02:30) Introducing Michael Francis, Global Payroll Leader  

(05:14) How AI Is Being Used in Payroll Today  

(09:05) Cross-Department Collaboration

(13:28) Building the Business Case for Payroll Tech Investment  

(15:32) Scalability, Compliance, and Future-Proofing Payroll  

(19:20) Risk, Compliance & The True Cost of Getting Payroll Wrong  

(26:36) Marketing Payroll Internally & Educating Employees  

(28:05) Attracting Gen Z and Millennials to the Payroll Profession  

(35:14) The Future of Payroll: 2030 and Beyond  

(36:26) Why Payroll Leaders Must Embrace AI Now  

(39:10) Michael Francis’ Career Advice & Personal Insights



Michael Francis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfrancismbashareservicespm

Nick Day’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/


Find your ideal candidate with our job vacancy system: https://jgarecruitment.ck.page/691ee4537e


Stay tuned for the next episode of The Payroll Podcast, brought to you by Nick Day, CEO at JGA Recruitment, landing soon!




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About your host

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Nick Day

Nick Day is a globally recognised thought leader in the payroll and HR industry, with over 20 years of experience as the founder and CEO of JGA Recruitment.

As an ILM 7 qualified Executive Coach and Mentor, Nick has dedicated his career to guiding CHROs, entrepreneurs, and payroll industry leaders worldwide.
Nick received the PAYO Global Vision Award in 2024 and was also voted one of Thinkers360’s "Top Voices EMEA" the same year.

In 2023, Thinkers360 ranked Nick as the #1 Global "Thought Leader in Payroll” and #9 Global "Thought Leader in HR.” That same year, he received the Recruitment Leaders Leader Award (RDLC) and the Personality of the Year title at the Reward Strategy Leadership Awards.

Nick's deep knowledge of the payroll industry and his coaching expertise make him a sought-after speaker and mentor for payroll and HR leaders. His presentations are known for their interactive elements, real-world applications, and actionable takeaways, ensuring attendees leave with a clear path to enhance their leadership capabilities.

Nick Day has a rich history of delivering impactful presentations, keynote speeches and workshops at various industry conferences and events. His engaging speaking style and practical insights have earned him recognition as a leading voice in payroll leadership.