It's About Payroll

It's About Payroll

Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan III are the hosts of It’s About Payroll. Collectively, they have over 4 decades of experience in the payroll industry. This podcast was created with the intent of sharing their knowledge and attracting new talent to the payroll industry. You can access their LinkedIn profiles. https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/escobarbrian https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/william-duncan-477051187

  1. 3D AGO

    Continuous Learning in Payroll with Laurel Serra, CPP

    In Episode 153 of It's About Payroll, hosts Walt and Brian discuss the impact of tariffs on the payroll industry, budgeting tips from a certified financial planner, and the importance of continuous education in payroll. Special guest Laurel Serra, CPP, Director of Education Services at Payroll Org, joins the conversation to share her journey in payroll, the importance of certification, and how to navigate the evolving landscape of payroll with problem-solving skills, curiosity, and adaptability. Don't miss this episode filled with valuable insights and inspirational stories from industry leaders! 00:00 Introduction and Episode Kickoff 00:23 Casual Catch-Up and Personal Updates 00:49 Financial Fitness and Budgeting Insights 02:15 Impact of Tariffs on Payroll Industry 04:02 Paychex and Paycor Acquisition 04:58 TimeTrak GO Message (50% Off Special) 06:16 Guest Introduction: Laurel Sarah, CPP 07:52 Laurel's Journey in Payroll 17:26 Challenges and Knowledge Gaps in Payroll 24:07 Managing the Patreon Product 25:31 Advice for New Payroll Professionals 27:58 The Importance of Payroll Knowledge 30:06 Engaging the Next Generation 31:16 AI and Payroll: A Cautionary Tale 36:08 The Future of Payroll Professionals 39:37 Challenging the Status Quo 43:09 Excitement for the Payroll Industry's Future 45:33 Upcoming Events and Initiatives 46:32 Final Thoughts and Farewell Links & References www.timetrakgo.com/iap Brian's News Article https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250413165349/en/Paychex-Completes-Acquisition-of-Paycor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
  2. MAR 24

    Payroll Impact: Enhancing Employee Experience and Retention

    In this milestone 150th episode, the hosts delve into the significant role payroll plays in employee experience and retention. They discuss various aspects including financial security, compliance, onboarding, and the impact of payroll errors on employee morale. Personal stories, industry statistics, and practical advice are shared to highlight the importance of accurate and timely payroll processing. Additionally, the episode features news updates on payroll fraud and economic indicators, and emphasizes the importance of good communication skills in payroll management. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Kickoff 00:22 Casual Chat and Personal Updates 03:15 Fitness and Financial Fitness Challenge 05:48 True Payroll Crimes 07:19 Understanding Non-Farm Payroll 10:36 Sponsor Message from TimeTrakGO 12:09 Main Topic: Role of Payroll in Employee Experience 17:30 Compliance and Transparency in Payroll 18:13 Understanding Tax Withholdings 20:33 Onboarding and First Impressions 23:16 Benefits and Total Compensation 24:23 Motivation and Performance 25:22 Flexibility and Modernization in Payroll 26:45 Conflict Resolution and Support 32:21 The Importance of Communication in Payroll 35:10 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement Links & Resources TimeTrakGO 50% 0ff link - www.timetrakgo.com/iap  Walt’s News Update - https://www.indiatoday.in/trending-news/story/chinese-hr-manager-runs-payroll-scam-for-8-years-creates-22-fake-employees-2692562-2025-03-12  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min
  3. MAR 16

    Surprising Payroll Errors: Can Your Business Afford the Risk?

    Title: IAP Ep 149 - It's About Payroll **Summary:** Welcome to Episode 149 of "It's About Payroll" with hosts Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan III. Whether you're new to the world of payroll or a seasoned veteran, this episode has something for you. https://www.osha.gov/workplace-stress#:~:text=Statistics,year%20from%202019%2D20214. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250310148527/en/ServiceNow-to-Extend-Leading-Agentic-AI-to-Every-Employee-for-Every-Corner-of-the-Business-With-Acquisition-of-Moveworks **Episode Highlights:** 1. **Introduction and Banter:**      Brian and Walter kick off the episode with some friendly banter about the rapid passage of time and how it feels different at various stages of life. 2. **Financial Fitness Update:**      The hosts discuss their personal financial health journeys, touching on subjects like credit card usage rates, stock investments, and savings updates. They emphasize the importance of incremental changes in achieving financial fitness. 3. **Wellness Insights:**      Drawing on statistics from OSHA, they highlight the impact of workplace stress on mental health and overall well-being. They stress the importance of addressing this issue to improve both personal and professional life. 4. **Organizational Tips for 2025:**      Learn how to streamline your business operations with Time Track Go, a user-friendly time tracker that helps organize employee hours, time-off requests, and vacation policies. 5. **Main Topic - Common Payroll Mistakes:**      The bulk of the episode focuses on enlightening listeners about common payroll mistakes that can lead to significant financial consequences. Examples include misclassification of employees, mishandling international payroll laws, and incorrect processing of bonuses. Real-world cases involving major companies like Amazon, Uber, and Netflix are discussed to illustrate these points. 6. **Practical Advice:**      Walter shares the importance of regular audits and staying updated with payroll regulations to avoid costly errors and penalties. **Closing Remarks:**   Walter reminds listeners to follow “It's About Payroll” on LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok. As always, they thank their community for joining them on this journey and encourage everyone to keep learning, growing, and moving forward. Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful episodes on payroll and financial wellness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    17 min
  4. MAR 10

    Payroll Professional Confidence Index: Elevating Payroll's Role in the C-Suite w/ Pete Tiliakos

    Welcome to Episode 148! Dive into a deep conversation with Pete Tiliakos, a renowned expert in payroll and HR technology. This episode covers strategies on engaging executives with payroll data, explores the impact of AI on the industry, and discusses the importance of ROI in payroll operations. Pete introduces the Payroll Professional Confidence Index and its role in changing the narrative around payroll's significance. Additional topics include the Paychex and Paycor merger and financial fitness tips. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion aimed at transforming the payroll landscape! 00:00 Introduction: Connecting with Executives 00:10 Casual Catch-Up: Personal Updates 02:02 Financial Fitness Challenge 04:46 Guest Introduction: Pete Tiliakos 06:12 Industry News and Updates 10:18 Time TrakGO Ad 12:43 Discussion: Payroll Professional Confidence Index 14:49 Maximizing ROI in Payroll 15:44 Year Two: Progress and Participation 16:12 Insights from Last Year's Results 17:13 Defining ROI and the Five Pillars of Modern Payroll 21:51 Encouraging Young Talent in Payroll 25:50 Impact of AI on Payroll 28:40 Final Thoughts and Call to Action http://payrollinfluences.com (Company) Pete Tiliakos - Take the 2025 PPCI survey today!!! http://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hr-payroll-2-0/id1643933833 - Pete & Julie always have great things to say! https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/itsaboutpayroll?selected=DIRED8848986882 - Tune in to our IAP episodes here! Links & Resources for Payroll New Update https://www.rippling.com/blog/payroll-mistakes  https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250227135815/en/Paychex-Announces-Expiration-of-HSR-Waiting-Period-for-Paychex%E2%80%99s-Acquisition-of-Paycor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min
  5. FEB 23

    Overlooked and Underpaid? The Surprising Ways Payroll Impacts the Employee Experience and Retention

    In this episode, Brian and Walt dive into a range of topics that impact both your wallet and your mindset. They kick off by discussing the power of staying aligned and motivated, emphasizing gratitude in everyday life. From there, they jump into their ongoing Financial Fitness Challenge, sharing small but impactful strategies—from trying out money-saving apps like Fetch to investing in the stock market—that anyone can implement. You’ll also hear about a real-life IHOP workers’ comp fraud case and why it’s a cautionary tale for both employees and employers. Plus, the hosts peel back the layers on early direct deposits (like Chime) and expose the little-known catch that often stands in the way of getting paid early. To wrap up, Brian and Walt highlight the pivotal role of payroll in the overall employee experience, especially how it directly influences trust and retention. Don’t miss the insightful back-and-forth as they discuss whether payroll pros should have more control over crucial employment data—because one small error can lead to big issues for everyone involved. Key Topics Covered • Staying motivated and aligned in work and life • Financial Fitness Challenge tips (budgeting, saving, and micro-investing) • The truth about “get paid early” apps like Chime • Workers’ comp fraud and how it affects payroll accuracy • Payroll’s critical role in employee satisfaction and retention Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share to spread the word on how to optimize your paycheck and build a better financial future. Let us know your thoughts or questions in the comments below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min

About

Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan III are the hosts of It’s About Payroll. Collectively, they have over 4 decades of experience in the payroll industry. This podcast was created with the intent of sharing their knowledge and attracting new talent to the payroll industry. You can access their LinkedIn profiles. https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/escobarbrian https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/william-duncan-477051187

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