Episode 189

Why Payroll Deserves a Seat at the C-Suite Table | Maria Mason

This episode is sponsored by 'Deel: Your Forever People Platform.'

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 teams worldwide.

See how Deel works: https://www.deel.com/nickday/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=emea-t1a-gb_aware_branding_nickday_podcast_fin-nickday-h125_all_all&utm_content=aware_all_podcast_fin-preroll-h125script_en


Maria Mason, Partner at BDO UK and payroll trailblazer, joins Nick Day to share how she shattered industry norms and redefined what’s possible in payroll leadership.


In this episode, Maria reveals how she built a £5M+ payroll division, mentors high-performing teams, and uses tech like AI and RPA to transform operations. She also breaks down how payroll professionals can earn a seat at the leadership table  and why the future of payroll is strategic, not transactional.


Whether you're leading a team or planning your next career move, this conversation is packed with practical insights.



Maria Mason’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-mason-chmcippdip-a895768/

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) Redefining Payroll

(04:39) From Payroll Professional to Partner at BDO

(09:19) Scaling Teams and Building a Culture of Growth

(17:19) Lessons in Leadership, Risk & Reinvention

(22:24) How to Influence and Communicate Strategically

(25:59) What It Takes to Succeed in Payroll Today

(33:42) Avoiding Burnout & Staying Passionate in Your Career

(37:04) Training, Talent Development & Legacy Building

(46:33) How Tech & AI Are Transforming Payroll Ops

(52:03) Advice for Future Payroll Leaders

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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.