Episodes

  • Payroll Conversations with Melisa V - What are unsung hero's ?

    Payroll Conversations with Melisa V - What are unsung hero's ?
    Jun 17 2024

    | Pay News Updates! Walter https://federalnewsnetwork.com/veterans-affairs/2024/05/va-rule-change-could-mean-health-care-benefits-for-a-million-more-veterans/ The Department of Veterans Affairs has made a major change in the rules for veterans who left military service with other-than honorable discharges. It opens the possibility of healthcare coverage for those who may have been discharged for willful misconduct or even moral turpitude. For detail, the Federal Drive with Tom Temin spoke with Anthony Kuhn, managing partner of the law firm Tully Rinckey Brian NY Gov tries to increase NYC mobility Tax after congestion pricing was rejected. https://www.politico.com/news/2024/06/06/payroll-tax-hike-hochul-rejected-00162136 Effective July 1, 2024 a final rule that expands overtime protections for millions of the nation’s lower-paid salaried workers by increasing the salary thresholds required to exempt a salaried bona fide executive, administrative or professional employee from federal overtime pay requirements. The salary threshold will increase to the equivalent of an annual salary of $43,888 and increase to $58,656 on Jan. 1, 2025. This means that millions of additional workers will be required to track time and attendance. Whether they are new to time tracking or looking to make a change, TimeTrakGO provides a simply better solution that can have you up and running in a matter of minutes. If you follow the link in our episode notes, you also get your first month free. Don't miss out! To take advantage of this special offer, use the link in the show notes to start your 14-day trial in the month of June to qualify for your first month free. GO to www.timetrakGO.com that’s T-I-M-E-T-R-A-K-G-O .com or call 888-321-9922. Let’s GO! Link: https://www.timetrakgo.com/signmeup?utm_source=SMB24&utm_medium=IAP&utm_id=SBM24





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    51 mins
  • True Payroll Crime Stories

    True Payroll Crime Stories
    Jun 9 2024
    TALK ABOUT PAYROLL CONGRESS ! Pay News Updates! In a 2020 LinkedIn article, Rene Brofft, Owner of Paytech, discusses red flags in payroll processes that could indicate potential fraud. Brofft emphasizes the importance of recognizing these signs to prevent financial losses and reputational damage for businesses. By identifying suspicious activities early, companies can take proactive measures to investigate and mitigate potential risks.Key Points:Unusual Overtime Patterns: Significant fluctuations in overtime hours or sudden spikes in overtime expenses can signal fraudulent activities, such as falsified time records or unauthorized work.Frequent Manual Adjustments: Excessive manual adjustments to employee records, especially without proper documentation or approval, may indicate attempts to manipulate payroll data for fraudulent purposes.High Employee Turnover Rates: Rapid turnover rates or a disproportionate number of terminated employees in a short period could suggest payroll fraud, such as fictitious employees being added or terminated to divert funds.Unexplained Payroll Discrepancies: Discrepancies between expected and actual payroll expenses, including discrepancies in tax withholdings or benefit contributions, should be investigated promptly to identify potential fraud or errors.Employee Complaints or Whistleblower Reports: Complaints from employees regarding payroll inaccuracies or suspicions of fraudulent activities should not be dismissed and should prompt further investigation to address underlying issues.Prevention Measures:Implement robust internal controls and segregation of duties within the payroll process to prevent unauthorized access and manipulation of payroll data.Conduct regular audits and reviews of payroll records to detect anomalies and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.Provide training and awareness programs for employees to recognize and report potential payroll fraud or irregularities.Establish channels for anonymous reporting of suspected fraudulent activities, encouraging whistleblowers to come forward without fear of retaliation.Utilize technology solutions, such as payroll software with built-in fraud detection features, to automate processes and enhance accuracy while reducing the risk of human error and manipulation.https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240529393008/en/Payroll-Sector-Benefiting-from-Technology-Led-Progression-Reveals-Annual-CloudPay-Payroll-Efficient-Index-ReportREAD FROM Top half of article. Effective July 1, 2024 a final rule that expands overtime protections for millions of the nation’s lower-paid salaried workers by increasing the salary thresholds required to exempt a salaried bona fide executive, administrative or professional employee from federal overtime pay requirements. The salary threshold will increase to the equivalent of an annual salary of $43,888 and increase to $58,656 on Jan. 1, 2025.This means that millions of additional workers will be required to track time and attendance. Whether they are new to time tracking or looking to make a change, TimeTrakGO provides a simply better solution that can have you up and running in a matter of minutes. If you follow the link in our episode notes, you also get your first month free.Don't miss out! To take advantage of this special offer, use the link in the show notes to start your 14-day trial in the month of June to qualify for your first month free.Link: https://www.timetrakgo.com/signmeup?utm_source=SMB24&utm_medium=IAP&utm_id=SBM24https://constructioncitizen.com/blog/shell-company-operators-sentenced-multi-million-dollar-wire-and-payroll-fraud-scheme/2311091Chief United States District Court Judge Timothy J. Corrigan sentenced two Honduran nationals, Omar Wilkin Santos-Calix and Oscar Rene Santos-Santos, to 24 months in federal prison for wire and tax fraud conspiracies. Santos-Calix must pay $3,245,161 in IRS restitution and $897,870 in a money judgment, while Santos-Santos owes $1,773,429 in IRS restitution and $490,634 in a money judgment. **Key Points:**- Santos-Calix and Santos-Santos established a fake construction company to perpetrate their scheme.- They acquired minimal workers' compensation insurance and "rented" it to work crews.- The duo cashed payroll checks issued by contractors, deducting a 6% fee before distributing cash to the crews, totaling approximately $19 million.- Neither the shell companies nor contractors reported wages to authorities or paid payroll taxes, resulting in a $5,018,590 tax liability.- The scheme evaded higher insurance costs by purchasing policies for $21,000 instead of the required $2.5 million.- Investigation and prosecution were conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS-CI, and the Florida Department of Financial Services.**Prevention Measures:**- Implement thorough background checks on individuals involved in establishing businesses and issuing workers' compensation insurance.- Conduct ...
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    44 mins
  • Lost Tapes: Tax Anxiety

    Lost Tapes: Tax Anxiety
    Jun 3 2024

    Overcoming Tax Anxiety: Tips & Strategies | Safe Talk Episode 12

    In Episode 12 of Safe Talk, hosts dive deep into the widespread issue of tax anxiety as tax season approaches. They discuss the fear and stress related to tax complexity, mistakes, financial impact, time consumption, and privacy concerns. The episode highlights real-life challenges faced by individuals, especially self-employed and those with multiple income sources. With advice on early planning, budgeting, utilizing technology, and seeking professional guidance, the hosts aim to help listeners combat their tax-related anxieties. Sponsored by TimeTrak GO, this episode provides a safe space to deliberate and find solutions for tax preparation stress.

    00:00 Introduction to Tax Anxiety
    00:40 Welcome to Safe Talk Episode 12
    00:59 Discussing Tax Brackets and Inflation
    02:24 Why We Get Anxious About Taxes
    02:31 Sponsor Message: TimeTrak GO
    03:35 Complexity and Fear of Mistakes
    04:09 Financial Impact and Self-Employment
    05:57 Privacy and Security Concerns
    08:19 Past Experiences with Tax Preparers
    11:57 Tips to Combat Tax Anxiety
    15:49 The Value of Professional Tax Help
    17:33 Embracing Technology for Tax Filing
    19:36 Budgeting for Tax Liabilities
    21:13 Maximizing Deductions and Credits
    22:10 Practicing Self-Care During Tax Season
    23:12 Communicating with Employers About Taxes
    25:39 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
    31:08 Upcoming Topics and Season Preview
    32:06 Closing Remarks and Community Engagement
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    33 mins
  • Employee insights w/ Anthony Straham

    Employee insights w/ Anthony Straham
    May 30 2024

    We're joined by Anthony Straham as we discuss what he would like to see more of as an employee.

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Lost Tapes Episode 13 - Customer Service

    Lost Tapes Episode 13 - Customer Service
    May 20 2024

    Mastering Customer Service in Payroll: Insights and Strategies

    This podcast episode features hosts Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan II discussing the importance of customer service in payroll and HR. The episode focuses on identifying and rectifying bad examples of customer service, emphasizing communication breakdowns, inefficient issue resolution, lack of accessibility, inadequate training, and ignoring employee feedback as core areas of concern. The hosts share personal anecdotes and stress the necessity of a customer-centric approach, continuous training for payroll professionals, proactive feedback gathering, and prioritizing the employee experience. Additionally, they introduce TimeTrack Go, a time clock software solution, highlighting its compatibility with QuickBooks and its potential to streamline payroll processes. The conversation concludes with reflections on the impact of poor customer service on emotions like frustration, anger, disappointment, stress, and helplessness, advocating for empathy, effective communication, and transparency in payroll operations.

    00:00 Welcome to the Payroll Podcast!
    00:44 Diving Into Customer Service Conversations
    01:15 A Floridian's Cold Weather Tales
    03:12 Exploring Bad Customer Service in Payroll
    05:35 Improving Payroll Customer Service: Strategies and Solutions
    15:35 The Emotional Impact of Poor Customer Service
    17:05 Navigating Customer Service Challenges
    17:47 The High Stakes of Payroll Services
    19:01 Dealing with Irate Customers: Strategies and Stories
    20:49 The Emotional Impact of Poor Customer Service
    24:59 Leadership and Customer Service: A Manager's Perspective
    27:58 Closing Thoughts on Customer Service Excellence
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    36 mins
  • Payroll Conversations with Amy Travis

    Payroll Conversations with Amy Travis
    May 12 2024
    Empathy in Payroll: A Conversation with Amy Travis This episode of 'It's About Payroll', hosted by Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan II, delves into the significance of empathy in the payroll profession. The hosts share their personal journeys and growth towards understanding and advocating for empathy in the workplace. Special guest, Amy Travis, CPP and soon-to-be president of the Greater Atlantic Payroll Association, shares her unique entry into the payroll field, starting from buttering garlic bread to ascending into leadership. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, especially in leadership positions, to foster a supportive and efficient team environment that enhances both employee satisfaction and performance. The episode also covers potential dangers of modern technologies like AI and the necessity of continuous vigilance against payroll fraud. Additionally, a discussion on the impact of company culture on payroll departments, whether they fall under finance or HR, is explored, highlighting the evolving focus on the human element in HR. Amy Travis' story of perseverance and her emphasis on the importance of empathy in payroll make for an enlightening conversation. 00:00 Introduction to the Payroll Podcast00:30 Celebrating Milestones and Personal Growth01:34 Special Guest Announcement: Amy Travis02:07 Deep Dive into Empathy and Personal Evolution02:57 Payroll News Segment: Tackling Payroll Fraud11:49 Exploring Technological Solutions to Prevent Fraud19:10 Guest Spotlight: Amy Travis's Payroll Journey22:15 Choosing a Career Path: Payroll or Dental Assistant?22:44 The Professionalism and Planning Behind the Scenes23:56 Empathy in Payroll: A Deep Dive25:49 Building an Empathetic Team: Strategies and Successes26:46 The Ripple Effect of Empathy in the Workplace27:33 The Importance of Employee Experience in Today's Workforce29:05 Navigating the Current Job Market: Insights and Advice39:25 Exploring the Role of Empathy in Payroll Careers43:39 Why We Love Payroll: A Personal Insight45:01 Closing Remarks and Community Engagement Link: https://www.timetrakgo.com/signmeup?utm_source=SMB24&utm_medium=IAP&utm_id=SBM24 WALT https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/news/payroll-fraud-in-the-news-types-of-fraud-and-how-to-prevent-it/#:~:text=A%20recent%20report%20released%20by,loss%20of%20$2%2C800%20per%20month Key Points from the Article: 1. **Prevalence of Payroll Fraud**: Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) revealed that Payroll fraud makes up 15% of all occupational fraud schemes in the United States and Canada. It often goes undetected for an average of 18 months, resulting in an average loss of $2,800 per month. 2. **Industries Affected**: While no industry is immune, payroll fraud is most common in the construction industry and in government and public administration. 3. **Common Types of Payroll Fraud**: - Payroll diversion through phishing tactics. - Ghost employees, where non-existent employees receive wages accessed by fraudsters. - Overpayment schemes, such as inflating overtime payments. - Embezzling withholding, involving pocketing legitimate withholdings from wages. - Expense reimbursement fraud, including padding expenses or submitting fictitious expenses. 4. **Prevention Strategies**: - Educating employees about phishing threats. - Implementing two-factor authentication. - Segregation of duties in employee onboarding and termination. - Running exception reports to detect unusual patterns. - Requiring original receipts for expense reimbursement. 5. **Future of Technology Solutions**: - The use of AI and machine learning for fraud detection is expected to nearly triple over the next two years. - Despite technological advancements, vigilance remains crucial as technology can both enable and prevent fraud. 6. **Ongoing Vigilance**: Employers and accounting professionals should remain vigilant even with technological solutions, as new tools for perpetuating fraud can emerge alongside advancements in technology. BRIAN Pay News Updates! https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240423366537/en/Frost-Bank-Improves-Customer-Experience-with-Atomic-Direct-Deposit-Switch Direct deposit switching (DDS) is a mobile banking feature that allows customers to send their direct deposits to a new bank account or debit card without leaving their banking app.
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    45 mins
  • Earned Wage Access with Aaron and Chris from Payactiv

    Earned Wage Access with Aaron and Chris from Payactiv
    May 5 2024

    Earned Wage Access

    In this episode of the It's About Payroll podcast, hosts Brian and Walter delve deep into the topic of Earned Wage Access (EWA) with special guests Chris and Aaron. The conversation explores the stress finances can bring to individuals, the flexibility EWA offers, and its impact on employee wellness and engagement. Through personal stories and professional insights, the episode sheds light on the significance of EWA in today's workforce, its implementation, and the broader conversation around financial wellness.

    Financial Stress and Employee Wellness
    Introduction to Earned Wage Access
    The Impact of EWA on Employee Engagement
    Addressing Financial Wellness
    The Future of Earned Wage Access
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    58 mins
  • Payroll Conversations with Bart van der Storm

    Payroll Conversations with Bart van der Storm
    Apr 28 2024

    IAP EP 109 - Bart: Revolutionizing Global Payroll


    This episode dives deep into the world of payroll with our special guest, Bart Vanderstorm. From the early beginnings in the payroll industry to the intricacies of global payroll operations, Bart shares his vast experience and insights. We discuss the importance of courage, communication, and the role of payroll at the intersection of HR, finance, and operations. The conversation covers the challenges of system integrations, the value of direct communication, and the need for payroll professionals to advocate for change within their organizations. Listen in as we explore Bart's journey, his approach to simplifying payroll processes, and his vision for a more connected and efficient payroll industry.


    Introduction to Payroll Insights

    Bart Vanderstorm: A Global Payroll Visionary

    The Complexity and Dynamics of Payroll

    Payroll Trends and Data Insights

    Discussion with Bart Vanderstorm

    Bart's Payroll Origin Story and Philosophy

    The Future of Payroll and Closing Thoughts

    Pay News Updates!

    WALT

    https://adpemploymentreport.com/


    Private payrolls: In March 2024, private payrolls increased by 184,000 jobs, which is the largest increase since July. This suggests that companies are willing to pay more for new hires.

    Nonfarm payrolls: In March 2024, nonfarm payrolls increased by 200,000 jobs, after rising by 275,000 in February.

    Unemployment rate: The unemployment rate is forecast to remain at 3.9%.

    https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/protest-salem-unresolved-payroll-system-problems/283-096c75dc-a2dd-4d83-9734-795e74838f7


    Questions for Bart


    What’s your payroll origin story?

    Why did you stay in payroll?

    You wrote a book…what inspired you?

    What did you want folks to take away?

    In your opinion, what will the payroll industry look like in 5 years?

    This or That


    Water or Coffee

    Crepes or Stroopwafels (waffle cookies)

    Hiking or Cycling

    Plane or Train

    Museum or Music

    Learning or Teaching
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    33 mins