Struggling with global payroll complexity? Get Deel’s expert-backed playbook to automate payments, stay compliant in 100+ countries, and simplify multicountry payroll.

Download the report and future-proof your payroll strategy today: https://shorturl.at/jtKL9

How do you go from an entry-level payroll role to becoming a Partner at one of the UK’s leading accountancy firms?

In this episode, payroll leader Karen Thomson shares her 30-year journey and the career moves, leadership skills, and mindset shifts that helped her break barriers in the industry.

Karen opens up about her path from administrator to partner, the importance of building influence beyond payroll, and why embracing technology is key for the future. She also speaks candidly about navigating personal challenges like menopause while leading, managing mergers and acquisitions, and keeping people at the heart of every decision.

If you’re ready to stand out, move up, and make an impact in payroll, this conversation is packed with insights you can put into action right away.

Karen Thomson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenthomson/

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) Why Payroll Professionals Keep the World Ticking

(01:38) Introducing Karen Thomson and Her Career Highlights

(03:20) What Payroll Means to Karen

(05:10) From Pensions to Payroll: Karen’s Early Career Steps

(07:04) Discovering a Passion for Payroll and Early Promotions

(10:07) Moving to Larger Payrolls and Implementing New Systems

(13:43) Transition to Policy Work at the IPPM (Now CIPP)

(17:05) Achieving Chartered Status for the Institute

(18:29) Joining Armstrong Watson as Director of Payroll

(20:48) The Journey to Becoming Payroll Partner

(26:45) Team Reactions and Raising Payroll’s Profile

(30:27) Navigating Menopause While Leading in Payroll

(39:24) Modern Payroll Leadership and Employee Experience

(42:49) Mentoring Apprentices and Client Communication Skills

(45:18) A Day in the Life of a Payroll Partner

(47:55) Lessons Learned from Early Career Mistakes

(51:20) Managing Payroll Through Mergers & Acquisitions

(57:29) Patience, Communication, and Leadership Themes

(58:27) Advice for Payroll Professionals Starting Out

(59:01) Karen’s Leadership Philosophy and Payroll Predictions

Payroll Question Time is brought to you by SD Worx. SD Worx offers smart, tailored and integrated HR and Payroll solutions, along with the local expertise, global reach and reliable service you need to grow your business today!

UK Payroll Is Changing: Are You Ready for What’s Coming in 2026?

In this episode of Payroll Question Time, host Nick Day and a panel of leading payroll and compliance experts break down the most critical changes set to impact UK payroll over the next two years.

From the upcoming Employment Rights Bill to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) reforms, zero-hour contract regulation, and the rollout of Student Loan Plan 5, this episode is your comprehensive guide to navigating what's coming — and what it means for payroll professionals, HR teams, and business leaders.

We cover:

• The 2026–2027 Employment Bill roadmap
• Major changes to SSP rules and payroll calculation impact
• Zero-hour contract reforms and employee protections
• Pensions, parental leave, and the rise of Fair Work Agency enforcement
• New student loan thresholds and the confusion around Plan 5
• Cross-border payroll challenges with ROI and NI jurisdictions
• What HMRC is doing to fix disputed RTI charges
• Why compliance risks are rising — and how to prepare

Whether you’re a payroll manager, HR lead, finance director, or compliance officer, this episode is packed with the insights you need to stay compliant and ahead of the curve.

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications to stay updated with every Payroll Question Time.

Learn more about SD Worx Academy training courses: https://www.sdworx.com/en-en

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

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

Our Panel:

Simon Parsons, Director of UK Compliance Strategies at SD Worx

Samantha Mann, Payroll Team Manager, Armstrong Watson

Richard George, Director of Education, The Payroll Centre

Mathew Akrigg, Policy & Research Officer, CIPP

Andy Nicholls, Payroll and Pensions Expert, Consultant

Struggling with global payroll complexity? Get Deel’s expert-backed playbook to automate payments, stay compliant in 100+ countries, and simplify multicountry payroll.

Download the report and future-proof your payroll strategy today: https://www.deel.com/resources/gartner-guide-multicountry-payroll-2024/?utm_medium=sponsored-newsletter&utm_source=nickday&utm_campaign=ww_engage_download_nickday_sponnewsletter_payrollnewsletter-gartnerreportpayroll-jul25_gp_all&utm_content=engage_gp_sponnewsletter_gartnerreportpayroll-sponnews400-fin_en

Payroll is no longer just about processing pay. It’s about people, data, trust, and strategy. In this solo episode, I explore why payroll is fast becoming one of the most strategic functions in business—and how it’s shaping the future of work.

From AI and automation to earned wage access, DEI, and employee wellbeing, I break down the trends that are transforming payroll into a true driver of business performance. I also explain what this means for payroll professionals today—and why the opportunity to lead has never been greater.

Whether you’re a payroll leader, HR executive, or business decision-maker, this episode will show you how payroll is evolving, and how you can stay ahead.

If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your team. Let’s elevate payroll together.

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!