Behind The Button

Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals
  • 5.0 (6)
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  • Updated fortnightly

Behind the Button is your all-access guide to the intricate, fast-moving world of pay. From 2026, every fortnight we sit down with experts from across the pay professions to uncover the stories, challenges and innovations shaping this essential industry. From legislative updates and technological change to the evolving roles found within pay teams, we explore the forces that keep pay professionals sharp, busy and always adapting. Because in payroll, nothing ever stands still. It’s never, ever boring. And there’s certainly more to it than pushing that elusive button to get people paid. But beyond the systems and processes, this is a podcast about people. We get to know the individuals behind the payslips, diving into their motivations, career journeys and the passions that drive them. Join us as we pull back the curtain on the world of pay, and discover what really happens behind the button. https://www.cipp.org.uk

  1. 23 hr ago ·  Video

    ACE26 miniseries episode 2: From education to AI: reimagining the future of payroll

    Join us as we speak to Shane Ormsby, General Manager of the Irish Payroll Association (IPASS). He shares his journey from higher education into payroll and his vision for the profession’s future. Discover how IPASS supports pay professionals in Ireland through education, qualifications and professional development, helping build the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate an ever-changing regulatory landscape. Shane also explores the importance of raising awareness of payroll as a rewarding career and attracting the next generation of talent. The conversation also looks at how artificial intelligence can enhance accuracy, streamline routine tasks and create opportunities for pay professionals to contribute greater strategic insight, while keeping human expertise and trust at the heart of decision-making. Shane highlights the value of collaboration between industry, Government and payroll communities worldwide. By sharing knowledge and learning across borders, professionals can strengthen the wider payroll landscape and help shape a more connected, confident and future-ready profession. *Also, please note, when Shane references 'Jason', he is speaking about the CIPP's Chief Executive Officer, Jason Davenport Glossary AI = artificial intelligence, BIK = benefit in kind, EV = electric vehicle, LLMs = large language models, PAYE = pay as you earn, Links Follow Shane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-ormsby/ IPASS on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/irish-payroll-association/ Bright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightsg/

    ACE26 miniseries episode 2: From education to AI: reimagining the future of payroll

  2. 1 day ago ·  Video

    ACE26 miniseries episode 1: Payroll without borders: the Canadian perspective

    In this episode from our special mini-series of 'Behind the Button', we’re joined by Peter Tzanetakis, President and Chief Executive Officer, from the National Payroll Institute in Canada for a fascinating conversation that goes beyond payroll. We talk all things hockey and Led Zeppelin before exploring his journey from a finance background into the world of payroll. He shares his first impressions of the profession, how pay professionals work alongside the Canadian Government and the key challenges and opportunities facing the pay community across Canada today. Join us for an engaging discussion about the evolving payroll landscape, the importance of collaboration and what the future holds for the profession in Canada.

    ACE26 miniseries episode 1: Payroll without borders: the Canadian perspective

  3. 6 Oct ·  Video

    S1 E23: Where rights meet pay: building the Fair Work Agency

    Payroll sits at the frontline of workplace compliance, and its role is about to become even more important. In this episode, we go behind the scenes with Lisa Pinney, Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Work Agency (FWA), to explore how the new agency is reshaping the way workplace rules are understood, supported and enforced. Lisa shares her journey from public service and environmental protection to building a new organisation from the ground up. She reveals the opportunities brought about by bringing enforcement bodies together, developing new powers and creating a culture built around fairness and collaboration. We get into the issues that matter to pay professionals, from minimum wage and holiday pay to statutory sick pay, and look ahead to what it will mean when the FWA takes on holiday pay enforcement from 2027. Lisa explains why pay professionals are the 'champions of compliance', along with how the FWA will support employers who want to get things right, but how it will take firm action against deliberate exploitation. Plus, she shares her vision for the next three years and what success could mean for workers, employers and the wider pay professions. Glossary NED = Non-Executive Director Links The Fair Work Agency website: Fair Work Agency - GOV.UK The Fair Work Agency Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FairWorkAgency The Far Work Agency LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fair-work-agency The Fair Work Agency Instgram page: https://www.instagram.com/fairworkagency/

    S1 E23: Where rights meet pay: building the Fair Work Agency

  4. 28 Sept ·  Video

    S1 E22: From Westminster to the payslip: making work pay

    What does the Employment Rights Act mean for pay professionals and the people they pay? In this very special episode of 'Behind the Button', we’re joined by the Minister for the Future of Work, Kate Dearden MP, to talk about the changes coming to employment rights across the UK. Kate talks about what first drew her into politics and her family’s trade union background. She also explains why she believes the Employment Rights Act is such an important step forward for workers. We look at some of the key changes, including statutory sick pay, day-one paternity leave, zero-hours contracts and unfair dismissal protection. Kate also explains why the changes need to be introduced carefully, giving businesses time to prepare. There’s a particular focus on payroll. As Kate points out, pay teams are often closest to how changes like these work in practice. And their feedback matters massively to Government. We also look at what the UK can learn from other countries and what Kate hopes will have changed for workers a year from now. Glossary OECD = Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Links Employment Rights Act 2025 changes guidance: https://www.business.gov.uk/campaign/employment-changes/ Revised Tipping Code of Practice - Make Work Pay: revised tipping code of practice - GOV.UK Equal Pay and Pay Discrimination - Equal pay and pay discrimination - GOV.UK Workplace Monitoring Technologies - Make Work Pay: workplace monitoring technologies - GOV.UK Timelines - Plan to Make Work Pay and Employment Rights Act: timeline update - GOV.UK

    S1 E22: From Westminster to the payslip: making work pay

  5. 14 Sept ·  Video

    S1 E21: Leading through change: payroll takes centre stage

    Payroll is no longer just about processing pay; it’s becoming a strategic force for change. On this episode of ‘Behind the Button’, Abigail Vaughan, CEO of Zellis, explores how legislation, technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and shifting workforce expectations are reshaping payroll. From her unconventional career journey to leading through rapid change, Abigail shares why communication and prioritisation are essential in an increasingly change-fatigued workplace. She discusses how payroll teams can balance non-negotiable compliance with a better employee experience, and why payroll deserves a consumer-grade experience rather than remaining an ‘unloved’ back-office function. Abigail also reflects on the pandemic, when payroll’s critical role became impossible for CEOs to ignore and how investment in people and technology can strengthen organisations. Looking ahead, AI could transform payroll roles from repetitive data entry to higher-value work centred on interpretation, judgment and insight, but only if professionals commit to continuous learning and reskilling. Automation could also help improve work-life balance. From financial wellbeing and benefits to real-time reporting and industry collaboration, this episode asks a bigger question: what could payroll become next? Glossary AI = artificial intelligence, HMRC = HM Revenue and Customs Links Follow Abigail on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-vaughan-731642/ The Zellis website: https://www.zellis.com/ Follow Zellis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zellisukltd/ Gartner Workforce Change Fatigue Survey: https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/LVwmCxGD2t192Wpf8fEEiyNAco?domain=gartner.com Zellis Financial Fitness Report: https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/JmvYCy8E9Ir0lBGHMhmmixRA4f?domain=solutions.zellis.com CIPP 'Payroll for non-payroll professionals' course: https://www.cipp.org.uk/course/payroll-for-non-payroll-professionals.html

    S1 E21: Leading through change: payroll takes centre stage

  6. 31 Aug ·  Video

    S1 E20: The future and potential of payroll: National Payroll Week special

    Anthony Macey, Chief Operating Officer of CIPP's Corporate Partner, Portfolio Payroll, talks about the growing opportunities within the pay professions and why payroll has become such a rewarding and varied career, using his experience of working in payroll recruitment for the last 22 years . Payroll is becoming more complex, with professionals needing to understand data, analytics and the wider needs of the business. Anthony discusses how the role is developing, the skills needed to succeed and why there are more opportunities for progression than ever. He also reflects on National Payroll Week and Portfolio Payroll’s long-standing relationship with the CIPP, which has seen us work together on this hugely important event in the payroll calendar for more than two decades. Anthony shares Portfolio Payroll’s approach to adding value beyond recruitment, including its support for initiatives such as the CIPP's Payroll Quick Learn training, as well as his own, personal journey of hard work and a relentless drive for excellence. Glossary AI = artificial intelligence, RTI = real time information, SMEs = small and medium-sized enterprises, SMP = statutory maternity pay, SSP = statutory sick pay Links Follow Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coorecruitment/ Portfolio Payroll website: https://www.theportfoliogroup.com/payroll/ National Payroll Week: https://www.cipp.org.uk/events/npw-landing.html Payroll Quick Learn: https://www.cipp.org.uk/training-landing/payroll-quicklearn.html

    S1 E20: The future and potential of payroll: National Payroll Week special

  7. 17 Aug ·  Video

    S1 E19: A career in pay: four decades of change

    In this episode, payroll expert Clare Warrington shares insights from a career spanning nearly 40 years across retail, healthcare and logistics. Clare discusses the realities of payroll as a high-pressure profession where accuracy, compliance and customer service are essential, while highlighting the importance of maintaining work-life balance and protecting mental wellbeing. From starting as a teenage wages clerk in the pre-digital era to leading payroll operations for thousands of employees, Clare reflects on the value of continuous learning, adaptability and strong people skills. She explains how pay professionals play a vital role in supporting employees’ financial wellbeing and resolving issues with empathy and care. The conversation also explores the future of payroll, including the growing impact of artificial intelligence and automation. Clare believes technology can reduce repetitive tasks and improve efficiency, allowing pay teams to focus on analysis, compliance and employee support. She also shares her passion for mentoring, developing new talent and ensuring the next generation sees payroll as a rewarding and meaningful career. Tune in to hear from someone who truly loves payroll and has built their entire career in the industry. Glossary AI = artificial intelligence, NI = National Insurance, SSP = statutory sick pay Links Follow Clare on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-warrington-msc-fcippdip-68067948/ Culina: https://www.culina.co.uk/ The MSc in Strategic Leadership: https://www.cipp.org.uk/training-and-education/study/msc.html CIPP-approved qualifications: https://www.cipp.org.uk/training-and-education/study.html

    S1 E19: A career in pay: four decades of change

  8. 3 Aug ·  Video

    S1 E18: Beyond the payslip: supporting mental wellbeing in payroll

    In this episode of ‘Behind the Button’, Sarah MacIntosh, Chief Executive Officer of Mental Health First Aid MHFA England, shares how her personal experiences and career journey have shaped her passion for improving workplace mental health. From financial services to leading a national organisation, Sarah explains why psychological safety is essential for both employee wellbeing and organisational success. The conversation explores why mental health is everyone's responsibility and how leaders and managers can reduce stigma by encouraging open, honest conversations. Sarah discusses the importance of listening with empathy, recognising the early signs of stress and burnout, and creating cultures where employees feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work. We also examine the unique pressures faced by pay professionals, where demanding deadlines and high levels of responsibility can impact mental wellbeing. Sarah highlights how Mental Health First Aid training equips people with the confidence to spot the signs of mental ill health, start supportive conversations and guide colleagues towards appropriate help. This fantastic episode offers practical insights into building psychologically safe workplaces where people feel valued, supported and empowered to perform at their best. Creating healthier workplaces starts with more than wellbeing initiatives. It begins with making people feel safe, seen and supported. Links MHFA England website: https://mhfaengland.org/ MHFA England 'My Whole Self' webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=FQKG3exUCpo&time_continue=11&source_ve_path=MjE0Mjgz&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com CIPP and MHFA England joint article in Professional magazine: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/42025276/50/ CIPP and MHFA England joint blog on 'My Whole Self': https://www.aomhfa.org/your-stories/building-leadership-around-difference-adrian-s-my-whole-self-story/ CIPP and MHFA England joint blog on 'Experiences of ADHD in the pay industries': https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/blog/fast-systems-faster-minds-experiences-of-ADHD-in-the-pay-industries/

    S1 E18: Beyond the payslip: supporting mental wellbeing in payroll
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Behind the Button is your all-access guide to the intricate, fast-moving world of pay. From 2026, every fortnight we sit down with experts from across the pay professions to uncover the stories, challenges and innovations shaping this essential industry. From legislative updates and technological change to the evolving roles found within pay teams, we explore the forces that keep pay professionals sharp, busy and always adapting. Because in payroll, nothing ever stands still. It’s never, ever boring. And there’s certainly more to it than pushing that elusive button to get people paid. But beyond the systems and processes, this is a podcast about people. We get to know the individuals behind the payslips, diving into their motivations, career journeys and the passions that drive them. Join us as we pull back the curtain on the world of pay, and discover what really happens behind the button. https://www.cipp.org.uk

Information

  • Creator
    Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright CIPP
  • Show Website
    Behind The Button

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