Celebrating Global Payroll Connections

Celebrating Global Payroll: The Power of Networks and Shared Learning

Last week was Global Payroll Week — a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the brilliant professionals who keep the world’s workforces paid, compliant, and supported. And next week, another major event in the payroll calendar is taking place: the PayrollOrg Congress (formerly the American Payroll Association Congress) in Orlando, Florida.

Seeing these milestones close together has reminded me how much I value being part of the global payroll community — a network full of passionate, skilled people who are always willing to share, support, and inspire.

I’ve been fortunate to attend several PayrollOrg congresses in the past, both as speaker, representing the CIPP and as a delegate, and I can honestly say they’re some of the most rewarding events I’ve been part of.

What starts as a room full of strangers quickly becomes a room full of colleagues — and, in many cases, friends. The learning and insights at these conferences are incredible, but I have to say — the ability to let your hair down and party is on another level! (Some of my photos might just reflect that too…)

Along the way, I’ve met so many brilliant payroll professionals who’ve become lifelong friends — from the USA and Canada to India and South Africa. I can’t mention them all here, but each one has been a valuable connection and friend.

One standout connection for me was meeting Jodi Parsons, Senior Director of Payroll Operations for the Kansas City Royals (and Secretary Designee of PayrollOrg). I first met Jodi at Congress in Orlando, and we immediately hit it off. A few weeks later, while working on a US payroll implementation in Overland Park, near Kansas, Jodi and I we met up a couple of times and our conversations deepened my understanding of the nuances and complexities of US payroll.

I thought managing payroll across multiple US states was complicated enough — but hearing about Jodi’s work with baseball players, who move from state to state (and sometimes internationally), opened my eyes to a whole new world of complexity. The calculations, the compliance challenges, the fast-paced changes — it’s a fantastic reminder that no matter how experienced we are, there’s always more to learn.

That’s why I believe having a strong professional network is vital in payroll.

Whether we’re dealing with UK PAYE, EU social insurance, or the intricate rules of the US multi-state system, we can all learn from each other’s experiences. Payroll may differ from country to country, but the spirit of the profession — precision, fairness, and care for people — is universal.

I also have huge admiration for my European colleagues, whose payroll systems are often just as complex (if not more so in some areas). These international conversations help me stay curious and open to new ways of thinking — and remind me just how connected our profession really is.

So, to all my payroll friends around the world: thank you for your knowledge, generosity, and friendship. And to everyone attending PayrollOrg Congress next week — have a brilliant event! I’ll be watching with interest for the posts and photos that I know will be on their way.

(Here’s some of my favourite photos from past conferences)

Let’s keep celebrating and strengthening the global payroll community. After all, it’s one of the best networks to be part of.

✅ Consultancy Insight:

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