Episode 187

Exploring the Strategic Value of Payroll in Business Growth | Joe Ranzau

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



Payroll is one of the most critical – yet undervalued – functions in business. 


In this episode, I’m joined by Joe Ranzau, Managing Director at Grant Thornton, to unpack why payroll deserves a seat at the strategy table.


We dive into the real reasons payroll breakdowns often begin in recruitment and onboarding, what it takes to manage dozens of vendors globally, and how payroll leaders can build stronger business cases for transformation. Joe also shares his candid thoughts on AI, the Chief Payroll Officer debate, and the one skill every payroll leader must develop to drive change.


If you’re looking to elevate the role of payroll in your organization, this conversation is a must-listen.



Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-ranzau/


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


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


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) Preview and Intro

(03:00) The Strategic Role of Payroll in Business  

(06:10) Managing Global Payroll Complexity  

(09:30) Becoming the “Payroll Doctor” for the C-Suite  

(11:15) Vendor Chaos and How to Fix It  

(17:14) Why Payroll Deserves Investment and Influence  

(21:25) The Chief Payroll Officer Debate  

(26:43) Using Payroll Data to Drive Real Change  

(31:30) What Payroll Transformation Really Looks Like  

(33:09) AI in Payroll: Hype vs Reality  

(41:38) Choosing the Right Vendors and Consultants  

(46:54) What Drives Joe Ranzau’s Passion for Payroll  

(49:35) Advice for Payroll Leaders 

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About the Podcast

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The Payroll Podcast
🚀 Elevate your payroll game with 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.