Episode 200

How Deel Is Disrupting Global Payroll with Tech, AI, & In-house Experts with Vic O’Callaghan

Struggling with global payroll complexity? Get Deel’s expert-backed playbook to automate payments, stay compliant in 100+ countries, and simplify multicountry payroll.

Download the report and future-proof your payroll strategy today:  https://shorturl.at/jtKL9


In this episode of The Payroll Podcast, Nick Day speaks with Vic O’Callaghan, Director of Global Payroll Pre-Sales Delivery at Deel, about how Deel is disrupting global payroll and redefining what payroll careers can be.


Vic shares her journey from handing out paper payslips in Manchester to leading payroll transformation at one of the fastest-growing global platforms. She explains why payroll is no longer just about processing, how Deel’s model challenges outdated in-country providers, and why real-time pay and AI are set to transform the employee experience.


The discussion dives into why the traditional monthly cycle may disappear, how payroll is becoming a driver of business strategy, and what professionals can do today to prepare for the payroll function of 2030.


If you want to understand how global payroll is changing and what that means for the future of work, this episode provides insights from one of the industry’s leading voices at Deel.



Vic O’Callaghan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicocallaghan/

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!


(00:00) What Payroll Could Look Like in 2030

(01:07) Introduction to Vic O’Callaghan

(03:22) What Payroll Means Beyond the Payslip

(06:03) Early Days in Payroll

(07:36) Moving from UK Payroll to Global Payroll at THG

(09:32) Learning Global Payroll Through Acquisitions and Challenges

(12:01) Finding Passion and Purpose in Global Payroll

(14:01) Joining Deel and Building Payroll Implementation Teams

(16:47) Transitioning to Pre-Sales and Client Engagement

(18:34) Embracing Client-Facing Roles in Payroll

(20:39) Why Payroll Belongs in Sales and Strategic Conversations

(23:42) Payroll Careers Beyond Processing

(24:55) Will We See a Chief Payroll Officer in the Future?

(26:32) How Deel’s Model Disrupts Global Payroll Operations

(29:22) The Next Five Years: Real-Time Payroll and Employee Demands

(32:29) Payroll as an Employee Experience and Retention Driver

(34:45) The Scale of Deel’s Global Payroll Operations

(37:20) A Culture of Payroll Passion Across Deel Teams

(39:25) Predictions for Payroll in 2030

(42:10) Career Advice

About the Podcast

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The Payroll Podcast
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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.