Episodes

  • True Payroll Crime Stories: Shady Business in the Sunshine State

    True Payroll Crime Stories: Shady Business in the Sunshine State
    Jul 1 2026
    What happens when the person processing your payroll is the fraudster? In this episode of It's About Payroll, Brian and Walt break down a jaw-dropping real case out of Miami — a payroll manager at an orthopedic practice who allegedly stole over $1.5 million by increasing her own salary, issuing herself unauthorized bonuses as large as $25K, and racking up $400K+ in personal charges on the company credit card. Oh, and it went undetected for more than two years. This isn't just a crime story. It's a masterclass in what happens when internal controls don't exist. In this episode: 🔍 How she allegedly set herself up as the account owner — giving herself God-mode access 🚨 The control failures that made $1.5M disappear without anyone noticing 📋 A NEW segment: Payroll Crime Prevention Scenarios (multiple choice — test yourself!) 💡 Brian's Payroll Fitness Tip: How to build a payroll dashboard that catches anomalies before they become felonies ✅ Lessons for employers, small business owners, and payroll service providers The real takeaway: No honest payroll professional should be placed in a system where their work is never independently reviewed. Trust is not a control. 🎓 Interested in leveling up your payroll career? Check out our Certified Payroll Technician (CPT) course — cohort 1 is already underway! 📲 Subscribe, like, share, and tell a friend to tell a friend. 💬 Got a topic or guest you want us to cover? Drop it in the comments. Links: https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll itsaboutpayroll.io https://youtu.be/Bcx9MFYjZE0 https://local12.com/news/nation-world/payroll-manager-stole-million-millions-doctors-office-doctor-back-neck-orthopedic-authorized-unauthorized-paymaster-administrative-access-discovered-arrest-fraud-steal-stealing-poor-miami
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    41 mins
  • AI Is Coming for Payroll, but Not How You Think

    AI Is Coming for Payroll, but Not How You Think
    Jun 23 2026
    In Episode 207, Brian Escobar and Walt Duncan examine one of the biggest questions facing the payroll profession: Is artificial intelligence an adversary, an ally, or simply the newest tool in the payroll toolbox? The conversation explores how AI could reshape payroll departments by answering employee questions, detecting anomalies, researching compliance requirements, supporting tax-notice processing, and automating routine work. Brian and Walt agree that AI is unlikely to eliminate payroll professionals completely, but it will reduce certain processing and data-entry roles while increasing the value of strategic leaders who can interpret information, investigate trends, and connect payroll results to the business. They also emphasize that AI cannot own compliance liability. Payroll professionals must verify AI-generated information using federal, state, and local government sources rather than presenting “AI said so” as support. The episode also examines payroll fraud controls, post-approval payroll changes, direct deposit, daily pay, unlimited PTO, and where payroll should sit within an organization. Listeners will gain a practical understanding of how to use AI responsibly while preparing for a future in which payroll professionals operate more like pilots managing increasingly automated systems.
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    42 mins
  • Jim O'Connor's Playbook for Fixing America's Broken Benefits System

    Jim O'Connor's Playbook for Fixing America's Broken Benefits System
    Jun 15 2026
    In this explosive episode of It's About Payroll, we sit down with Jim O'Connor, President & Founder of Premier Health USA, to expose the hidden truths behind America's healthcare benefits crisis — and what employers, employees, and payroll professionals can do RIGHT NOW to fight back. 💥 What you'll learn in this episode: ✅ Why America's benefits system gets a D (and what it would take to earn an A) ✅ The "Insurance Hamster Wheel" trapping employers with the Big Four carriers ✅ How level funded & partially self-insured plans can get your money BACK at the end of the year ✅ The #1 mistake employers make when selecting benefits (hint: they never ask their employees) ✅ Why the paycheck is the most powerful benefits communication tool you're not using ✅ How payroll and benefits teams can team up for a home run ✅ What employee benefits will look like by 2030 ✅ Jim's surprising take on what employees STILL want — same as they did 40 years ago 💡 Whether you're a payroll professional, HR leader, small business owner, or benefits consultant — this episode will change how you think about healthcare, compensation strategy, and the future of work. 🔗 Connect with Jim O'Connor & Premier Health USA: 🌐 Website: www.premierhealth-usa.com 📧 Email: joconnor@ph-usa.com 🌐LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joconnorpremierhealthusa/ 📲 Enjoyed this episode? Do us a favor: 👍 LIKE this video 🔔 SUBSCRIBE & hit the bell so you never miss an episode 📤 SHARE with a payroll pro, HR leader, or business owner who needs to hear this https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll, itsaboutpayroll.io https://youtu.be/RkVPNtuyAbg 💬 Drop your thoughts in the COMMENTS — what grade would YOU give America's benefits system? 🎙️ It's About Payroll — the podcast where payroll professionals, business leaders, and HR innovators come together to make sense of the workforce landscape. Quote of the Day 💬 "Every meaningful breakthrough in life begins with a long season of unnoticed work." — Robin Sharma #employeebenefits #payroll #healthinsurance #hrstrategy #smallbusiness #LevelFundedPlans #healthcarecosts #payrollpodcast #BenefitsStrategy #humanresources #workplacebenefits #JimOConnor #PremierHealthUSA #ItsAboutPayroll #openenrollment #affordablecareact #employeeretention #hrleadership #businessgrowth #healthcarebenefits
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    40 mins
  • Payroll: The Past, Present & Future

    Payroll: The Past, Present & Future
    Jun 1 2026
    Is payroll still just a back-office function? Not anymore. In this episode, Walt and Brian break down how payroll has transformed from a purely administrative role into a strategic, compliance-driven, employee-experience powerhouse — and where it's headed next. 🔑 What We Cover: How payroll evolved from processing checks to influencing company strategy The real story behind payroll cutoffs (and why we need to stop using the term loosely) Earned wage access: perk or expectation? Is biweekly pay becoming obsolete? AI in payroll — error detection, anomaly flags, and what AI still can't replace The payroll "offensive lineman" analogy that hits different Lightning round: Payroll hot takes — will paper checks disappear? Should payroll have a C-suite seat? 💡 Key Takeaways: Payroll professionals are increasingly being pulled into executive-level conversations around compliance, data governance, and employee experience Nearly 80% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck — pay speed is now a strategic priority AI will enhance payroll, but human oversight and compliance expertise remain irreplaceable Bad data = bad results, no matter how smart the AI 📚 Mentioned in This Episode: Andy Valentine (previous episode) Max van der Glees Bussink & "The Payroll Pivot" by Nick Day Celery (AI payroll error detection), Paycom, iSolve, Career Learning, Nerd Outfitters (Troy) CPT (Certified Payroll Technician) Course — first cohort launching June 1st! & more! 🎓 CPT Course Now Open! Learn to process payroll inside a real payroll system before you ever get a job. Cohort 1 starts June 1st. On-demand version coming soon. Free Payroll Nerd T-shirt or hoodie included! 📖 Get the Book: Digital version on sale for just $2.99! https://www.amazon.com/-/es/About-Payroll-Your-Blueprint-Start/dp/B0GPK85YYM itsaboutpayroll.io https://youtu.be/rSFw18ZZqQo https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll 🎙️ It's About Payroll is the podcast for payroll professionals at every stage — from first job to C-suite conversations. Subscribe, share, and tell a friend to tell a friend. #Payroll #PayrollProfessional #HumanResources #EarnedWageAccess #AIinPayroll #PayrollTech #FinancialWellness #PayrollCertification #HRTech #ItsAboutPayroll #PayrollNerd #CPT #PayrollCompliance #FutureOfWork #PayrollLeadership
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    46 mins
  • What Every Payroll Leader Must Know About Global Payments

    What Every Payroll Leader Must Know About Global Payments
    May 28 2026
    In this episode of It’s About Payroll, Brian and Walt sit down with Andy Valentine, Key Account Director at Ebury, to talk about the often-overlooked side of payroll: making sure people actually receive their money. Andy explains that payroll accuracy is only half the battle. Once gross-to-net is calculated, companies still have to manage payment timing, banking data, foreign exchange, local payment rails, compliance checks, and global banking relationships. The conversation covers why global payments fail, including incorrect beneficiary data, correspondent banking delays, country-specific payment requirements, and anti-money laundering compliance reviews. Andy also explains the importance of penny testing, payroll calendars, finance approvals, and working backward from payday to avoid missed payments. Listeners will also hear about FX risk, dormant cash sitting in local accounts, payroll leakage, stablecoin, AI, fraud risks, and the growing need for payroll, finance, and treasury to work as one team. The big takeaway: payroll is not complete until employees are actually paid.
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    48 mins
  • Season 16 in Review

    Season 16 in Review
    May 18 2026
    Brian and Walt are back with a (much-anticipated) Season 16 review! In this episode, the hosts reflect on what made this season groundbreaking — from game-changing guests to major milestones for the Payroll Universe brand. In this episode: Word of the season: "Groundbreaking" vs. "Impactful" — and why both fit The biggest surprise: just how many payroll-adjacent businesses are shaping the industry The episode that changed everything: Trent from CotaPay and the death of payroll cutoff times Melissa Walker (Sounder Benefits) and how employers can actually save money on benefits Brian Smith (Top to Bottom Solutions) and the myth that benefits only cost you money Behind the scenes: what goes into prepping each season that listeners never see How the podcast has personally changed both hosts Book updates: It's About Payroll has a new cover and formatting, and Walt's Bruised But Not Broken is a must-read The Certified Payroll Technician (CPT) course launch on iSolved This or That: Hip-Hop Edition 🎤 Resources mentioned: It's About Payroll (book) – digital copy on sale for $2.99 Bruised But Not Broken by Walt CotaPay | Sounder Benefits | Top to Bottom Solutions | Payroll Like a Boss Certified Payroll Technician (CPT) course – payrolluniverse.com 🔔 Subscribe, like, and share with a payroll pro who needs this! https://wrkdefined.com/podcast/its-about-payroll itsaboutpayroll.io https://youtu.be/kkZ1a4uSx1g #itsaboutpayroll #payrollpodcast #payrollprofessional #season16 #PayrollUniverse #cpt #payrolltips #HRPayroll #smallbusiness #PayrollNerd
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    50 mins
  • The Payroll Career Arc: Entry Level to Executive — What No One Tells You

    The Payroll Career Arc: Entry Level to Executive — What No One Tells You
    May 4 2026
    🔥 Is your payroll career stuck on autopilot? In this episode of It's About Payroll, Brian and Walt break down the real payroll career arc — from entry-level grind to strategic leadership — and the stage nobody talks about: the waiting period. Whether you're just starting out, feeling stagnant, or ready to level up, this episode is your roadmap. In this episode, we cover: ✅ The 4 stages of the payroll career journey ✅ Entry-level mistakes that hold payroll pros back ✅ How to move from "task-heavy" to strategic payroll leadership ✅ The dangerous waiting period — and how to survive it ✅ Why more money doesn't always mean less stress at the top ✅ The difference between being a payroll manager vs. a payroll LEADER ✅ AI layoffs in 2026: What 100,000+ tech job cuts mean for payroll pros ✅ Why 53% of employees would leave over ONE payroll mistake ✅ "I Should Have Known Better" — payroll war stories you'll relate to 💡 Key Insight: Payroll accuracy isn't just an operational issue — it's a retention strategy. One mistake can trigger turnover. 🎓 New Course dropping soon! Learn payroll inside a live payroll system. Perfect for career changers and new grads. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly payroll industry insights, career tips, and real talk from payroll professionals who've been in the trenches. 👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 📤 Share with a payroll pro who needs to hear this https://youtu.be/oTALfUt0KVo itsaboutpayroll.io #Payroll #PayrollCareers #HumanResources #HR #PayrollManager #CareerGrowth #PayrollProfessional #AILayoffs #PayrollTips #ItIsAboutPayroll #PayrollLeadership #CareerDevelopment #WorkplaceStrategy
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    41 mins
  • Payroll Like a Boss: The Movement Begins

    Payroll Like a Boss: The Movement Begins
    Apr 28 2026
    In Episode 204 of It’s About Payroll, Brian welcomes two powerhouse voices in payroll leadership: John Bernatovicz, founder of Willory, author, keynote speaker, podcast host, and HR/payroll leader, and Tammy Gillenwater, CPP, senior consultant at Willory, speaker, and advocate for the payroll profession. Together, John and Tammy discuss their upcoming book, Payroll Like a Boss, scheduled for release on April 28, 2026, during Global Payroll Week. The conversation explores how payroll professionals often feel invisible, why payroll must be seen as a strategic business function, and how leaders can develop payroll teams beyond gross-to-net processing and tax compliance. Tammy shares her journey of “falling into payroll” and later realizing it was a true career, while John explains how the “Like a Boss” concept grew from HR leadership into a payroll movement. Listeners will gain encouragement, practical perspective, and a renewed understanding of payroll’s role in business strategy, workforce planning, compliance, technology, and organizational impact.
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    55 mins