Episode 192

Why Payroll Is Crucial for Business Success | Anna Hammarkvist

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 no longer just about payslips. It’s becoming the beating heart of business strategy.


In this episode, Nick Day speaks with Anna Hammarkvist, CEO of Amesto AccountHouse and former Global Payroll Manager of the Year, to explore how payroll is transforming into a strategic force within organizations.


From her early days as a receptionist to leading one of the top Nordic payroll and accounting firms, Anna shares her remarkable leadership journey—and why collaboration, simplicity, and bravery are shaping the future of payroll. She also reflects on the evolving role of payroll professionals, the need for stronger integration with business leadership, and what the future of work might look like by 2030.


Whether you're in payroll, HR, finance, or executive leadership, this episode will challenge how you think about payroll's role in driving business success.



Connect with Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-hammarkvist-72a73919/

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) Preview

(01:05) Introducing Anna Hammarkvist & the Nordic Payroll Landscape  

(10:25) How Payroll Has Evolved in Europe  

(14:59) AI, Automation & Digital Transformation in Payroll  

(19:14) Human Skills Payroll Leaders Need Now  

(28:27) Anna’s Leadership Philosophy & Lessons  

(33:11) Balancing Strategy with Day-to-Day Operations  

(36:29) Big Challenges: Complexity & Collective Agreements  

(40:50) The Future of Payroll Roles & Business Partnering  

(43:23) What Payroll Could Look Like by 2030 



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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.