Why Payroll is the Most Overlooked Strategic Business Function | Davida Lara

This episode is sponsored by Deel, the all-in-one global-first people platform.

Deel helps you build your global team within your budget. When building and scaling your global business, saving money and staying within budget is essential. 

Deel’s here to help you do that. The free Founder’s Guide includes:

• Determining fair and competitive compensation
• Paying yourself and your team
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• Granting stock and equity

The benefits of a global, remote-first team are clear. Staying on budget should be too. 

Download now: https://www.deel.com/resources/global-payroll-consolidation/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_payrollnewsletter-gpconsolidation-feb25_gp_all&utm_content=engage_gp_sponnewsletter_gpconsolidation-sponnews400-fin_en

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The world of payroll is changing, and it’s time to rethink everything we thought we knew. In this episode, Davida Lara, a payroll industry leader and Executive Vice President of Payroll at Entertainment Partners, joins Nick Day to challenge outdated perceptions and redefine payroll’s role as a strategic powerhouse.

From crisis management and compliance to AI-powered transformation and leadership evolution, Davida shares insights on how payroll can move beyond the back office and into the boardroom. If you’ve ever wondered why payroll remains one of the most undervalued yet essential business functions, this conversation is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Why payroll is more than just numbers—it’s a business driver.
• How payroll professionals can claim their seat at the executive table.
• The impact of AI, automation, and self-service technology on payroll’s future.
• Payroll’s role in crisis response, financial wellness, and employee experience.
• The evolving career paths in payroll—beyond processing paychecks.

Ready to transform how you think about payroll? 

Follow us for more expert insights on payroll innovation, leadership, and the future of work!

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

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

If you need the support of a payroll recruitment agency or a payroll staffing partner to help fill your next payroll vacancy, please please contact me!  I possess over 20 years of payroll recruitment agency expertise and I would love to help! nick@jgarecruitment.com or call 01727 800377

Find out more at www.jgarecruitment.com

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

(00:00) Introduction

(01:28) Meet Davida Lara

(03:17) Payroll’s Role in Crisis

(09:17) Impact of Payroll on Employee Experience  

(12:18) The Three Pillars of Payroll: Process, Tech & People  

(15:05) The Role of AI and Analytics in Payroll

(21:46) Challenges in Scaling Payroll

(24:18) The Future of Payroll Leadership: Must-Have Skills  

(27:01) Why Payroll Needs Stronger Partnerships with HR, IT & Legal  

(30:57) Payroll as a Business Driver, Not Just an Admin Function  

(33:29) Attracting New Talent to Payroll

(36:35) Why Payroll Isn’t Just for ‘Numbers People’  

(41:49) The Untapped Power of Payroll Data Analytics  

(44:34) How Payroll Professionals Can Elevate Their Careers  

(48:31) The Path to Executive Leadership in Payroll  

(52:46) Managing Payroll Stress & Avoiding Burnout  

(55:10) The One Thing Payroll Needs to Change in 2025