Episode 217

Why Payroll Is No Longer a Back-Office Function with Kay Augustus

This episode is sponsored by Deel

Hire, manage and pay – anyone, anywhere: https://www.deel.com/nickday/


In this episode, we sit down with Kay Augustus, founder of Augustus Payroll Services, to unpack what it really takes to build a career in payroll by choice, not by accident.

With over two decades of hands-on experience, Kay shares how the payroll profession has evolved, why compliance pressure is increasing for payroll teams and bureau owners, and where many businesses are still getting payroll wrong. We talk about legislation, systems, automation, and the human responsibility that sits behind every payslip.

This conversation goes beyond processes and software. It explores the mindset required to run payroll well, the importance of professional standards, and why payroll is becoming one of the most critical operational functions inside modern organisations.

If you work in payroll, HR, finance, or run a payroll bureau, this episode offers grounded insight from someone who lives and breathes the profession every day.

Watch now to understand where payroll is heading and what it takes to stay compliant, credible, and confident in a fast-changing landscape.



Connect with Kay:

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

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



(00:00) What Payroll Really Means: Trust and Responsibility

(04:13) From School Struggles to a Career in Payroll

(07:45) Why Payroll Is Undervalued and Needs a Stronger Voice

(09:17) Building a Business Through Personal Crisis

(13:35) Acquiring 85 Clients in Two Weeks

(18:40) How Personal Service Creates Client Trust

(20:14) Building a Payroll Brand from Scratch

(24:52) Winning Awards and Redefining Payroll Innovation

(27:36) Becoming a Recognized Voice in the Payroll Industry

(29:32) Leading with Empathy and Mental Health Awareness

(33:55) Losing Identity at Work and Choosing Authenticity

(37:26) Advice for Payroll Professionals Starting a Business

(42:28) Lessons on Resilience and Dyslexia

(44:06) Payroll as a Human Profession

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About the 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.