Empower and Educate! Know Your Pay Stub Rights!

Think about it: Employees should unite to protect their pay. It's not about unions; it's about fair treatment.

Explore California minimum wage with us

Unveiling the Biggest Payroll Scams and the Lessons We Can Learn

In the final episode of Season 10 for 'It's About Payroll' the hosts reflect on their journey and the evolution of the podcasts.

From Compliance to Crisis Prep: Making Sense of Payroll Deductions

In this episode, we delve into the unique aspects of Texas payroll, focusing on the federal minimum wage.

We're taking a short break, but stay tuned for upcoming episodes.

If you manage a fast food restaurant that's part of a chain with 30 or more locations across the U.S., here are the scheduling rules you need to be aware of

In this insightful episode of 'It's About Payroll,' Keenan Hart shares his journey of addressing the mental health provider shortage in Nevada by leveraging technology.

<p><strong>Payroll Insights with Russell Webb: Global Payroll, Career Paths, and Industry Trends</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>In this episode of our payroll podcast, hosts Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan II sit down with Russell Webb, Payroll Business Development Manager at Phase Three Consulting. Webb shares his fascinating career journey from military service to payroll management and discusses various aspects of the payroll industry, including the differences between global and in-house payroll, the role of AI in payroll, and the ongoing debate about whether payroll belongs under finance or HR. The conversation also touches on the importance of being proactive in understanding company policies, the nuances of payroll systems across different regions, and practical advice for professionals navigating their careers. Webb's insights provide valuable knowledge for both payroll newcomers and seasoned veterans.</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>00:00 Introduction and Welcome</strong></p><p><strong>00:47 Casual Banter and Reflections</strong></p><p><strong>03:52 Payroll News and Updates</strong></p><p><strong>11:46 Interview with Russell Webb</strong></p><p><strong>24:37 Global Payroll Insights</strong></p><p><strong>26:37 Challenges of Global Payroll in France</strong></p><p><strong>27:24 Tailoring Payroll Solutions to Company Needs</strong></p><p><strong>28:22 Introduction to Phase Three Consulting</strong></p><p><strong>29:17 Managed Service Payroll at Phase Three</strong></p><p><strong>32:13 The Case for Outsourcing Payroll</strong></p><p><strong>35:54 Addressing Concerns About Outsourcing</strong></p><p><strong>40:17 The Role of AI in Payroll</strong></p><p><strong>44:41 Fun and Games: Getting to Know Russell</strong></p><p><strong>50:26 Final Thoughts and Farewell</strong></p><p> Intro<br><strong>Current Events and Pay News Updates</strong></p><p><strong>Walt </strong><a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/best-international-payroll-services/"><strong>https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/best-international-payroll-services/</strong></a></p><p><strong>Brian </strong><a href="https://lailluminator.com/2024/08/16/hundreds-of-lsu-employees-to-lose-state-benefits-after-transfer-to-staffing-agency/"><strong>https://lailluminator.com/2024/08/16/hundreds-of-lsu-employees-to-lose-state-benefits-after-transfer-to-staffing-agency/</strong></a><br><strong>Free Learning Call Out-  Ask questions when the dynamics change at your company. This is a common topic at companies because it can save the company money. </strong></p><p><strong>                                                        SPONSORED ADS </strong><br><strong>Walt Summer is almost over, and with it, the perfect opportunity to plan your next vacation. Whether it's a long weekend or Christmas break, TimeTrakGO is here to ensure requesting and approving your time off is hassle-free.TimeTrakGO simplifies vacation planning for employees with its intuitive mobile app. Easily check available vacation time, submit requests, and manage everything on the go. For supervisors, approving requests is as easy as a single click upon notification.</strong></p><p><strong>BrianEveryone deserves a break, and TimeTrakGO streamlines the process for all. Start your stress-free vacation or PTO planning today with a free 14-day trial at timetrakgo.com.  That's W W W -  T-I-M-E-T-R-A-K - GO.com or you can call 8 8 8 3 2 1 9 9 2 2.  Happy vacationing! Let’s Go! </strong><br><a href="https://www.timetrakgo.com/signmeup?utm_source=SMB24&amp;utm_medium=IAP&amp;utm_id=SBM24"><strong>https://www.timetrakgo.com/signmeup?utm_source=SMB24&amp;utm_medium=IAP&amp;utm_id=SBM24</strong></a><br><strong>Russell Webb</strong><br><strong>Joining us today is our guest Russell Webb who is a dynamic force in the payroll industry. Russell is the Payroll Business Development Manager at Phase 3, specializing in Managed Service Payroll. With 8 years of experience across the global payroll landscape, Russell has held pivotal roles from managing payroll teams to spearheading global account management and sales, ensuring clients get tailored solutions for their Payroll, Finance, and HR needs.</strong><br><strong>Before venturing into payroll, Russell led IT teams at DHL and served with distinction for 8 years in the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment as a machine gun commander and support weapon specialist.</strong><br><strong>When he’s not driving business forward, Russell is a dedicated father of two toddlers, a passionate football fan, and a true Star Trek aficionado. Get ready for an engaging conversation.  Welcome Russell Webb to the show! </strong></p><p><strong>Questions for Russell Webb</strong></p><p>What is your payroll origin story? How has your prior IT experience helped in your payroll career? Payroll – Is it a finance or a HR role?Global payroll – is it really global? Would you hand over your payroll to AI?  </p><p>This or That<br>Capt. Picard and Capt. Kirk<br>Beer or Scotch<br>Excel or Google Sheets<br>Chelsea and Manchester United<br>Remote or Hybrid<br>Fish and Chips or Bangers and Mash<br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Safe Talk - Would you recommend processing Global payroll in house? Why or why not? </strong><br></p>

We dive into the complexities of California payroll, particularly focusing on the rules and regulations surrounding employee rights and the responsibilities of payroll professionals.

Jennifer Kay Smith, a former payroll clerk at the Milledgeville Housing Authority (MHA), admitted to stealing $575,000 by falsifying her pay records.

Navigating Payroll with AI: Insightful Conversations with Tiffany Gray

HR Imperial 2.0 Meets It's About Payroll: A Deep Dive into Payroll Evolution and Innovations

In this episode, Brian and Walter discuss their favorite moments, impactful guests, and important topics covered during the season.

In Episode 116 of 'It's About Payroll,' hosts Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan II welcome special guest Christine Stolpe. Dive into the transformative world of payroll as Christine shares her journey from HR to payroll, the creation of her comprehensive Payroll Encyclopedia, and insights into the future of payroll technology.

Join hosts Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan II in Episode 115 of 'It's About Payroll' as they welcome guest Brittany Furr, a seasoned payroll pro and a creative mind behind a unique payroll mystery game.

In this episode, we are joined once again by the amazing Melisa Vicioso

Chief United States District Court Judge Timothy J. Corrigan sentenced two Honduran nationals, Omar Wilkin Santos-Calix and Oscar Rene Santos-Santos, to 24 months in federal prison for wire and tax fraud conspiracies.

In Episode 12 of Safe Talk, hosts dive deep into the widespread issue of tax anxiety as tax season approaches.

We're joined by Anthony Straham as we discuss what he would like to see more of as an employee. </p>

<p>Mastering Customer Service in Payroll: Insights and Strategies</p><p>This podcast episode features hosts Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan II discussing the importance of customer service in payroll and HR. The episode focuses on identifying and rectifying bad examples of customer service, emphasizing communication breakdowns, inefficient issue resolution, lack of accessibility, inadequate training, and ignoring employee feedback as core areas of concern. The hosts share personal anecdotes and stress the necessity of a customer-centric approach, continuous training for payroll professionals, proactive feedback gathering, and prioritizing the employee experience. Additionally, they introduce TimeTrack Go, a time clock software solution, highlighting its compatibility with QuickBooks and its potential to streamline payroll processes. The conversation concludes with reflections on the impact of poor customer service on emotions like frustration, anger, disappointment, stress, and helplessness, advocating for empathy, effective communication, and transparency in payroll operations.</p><p>00:00 Welcome to the Payroll Podcast!<br>00:44 Diving Into Customer Service Conversations<br>01:15 A Floridian's Cold Weather Tales<br>03:12 Exploring Bad Customer Service in Payroll<br>05:35 Improving Payroll Customer Service: Strategies and Solutions<br>15:35 The Emotional Impact of Poor Customer Service<br>17:05 Navigating Customer Service Challenges<br>17:47 The High Stakes of Payroll Services<br>19:01 Dealing with Irate Customers: Strategies and Stories<br>20:49 The Emotional Impact of Poor Customer Service<br>24:59 Leadership and Customer Service: A Manager's Perspective<br>27:58 Closing Thoughts on Customer Service Excellence</p>

<p>Empathy in Payroll: A Conversation with Amy Travis</p><p> </p><p>This episode of 'It's About Payroll', hosted by Brian Escobar and Walter William Duncan II, delves into the significance of empathy in the payroll profession. The hosts share their personal journeys and growth towards understanding and advocating for empathy in the workplace. Special guest, Amy Travis, CPP and soon-to-be president of the Greater Atlantic Payroll Association, shares her unique entry into the payroll field, starting from buttering garlic bread to ascending into leadership. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, especially in leadership positions, to foster a supportive and efficient team environment that enhances both employee satisfaction and performance. The episode also covers potential dangers of modern technologies like AI and the necessity of continuous vigilance against payroll fraud. Additionally, a discussion on the impact of company culture on payroll departments, whether they fall under finance or HR, is explored, highlighting the evolving focus on the human element in HR. Amy Travis' story of perseverance and her emphasis on the importance of empathy in payroll make for an enlightening conversation.</p><p> </p><p>00:00 Introduction to the Payroll Podcast</p><p>00:30 Celebrating Milestones and Personal Growth</p><p>01:34 Special Guest Announcement: Amy Travis</p><p>02:07 Deep Dive into Empathy and Personal Evolution</p><p>02:57 Payroll News Segment: Tackling Payroll Fraud</p><p>11:49 Exploring Technological Solutions to Prevent Fraud</p><p>19:10 Guest Spotlight: Amy Travis's Payroll Journey</p><p>22:15 Choosing a Career Path: Payroll or Dental Assistant?</p><p>22:44 The Professionalism and Planning Behind the Scenes</p><p>23:56 Empathy in Payroll: A Deep Dive</p><p>25:49 Building an Empathetic Team: Strategies and Successes</p><p>26:46 The Ripple Effect of Empathy in the Workplace</p><p>27:33 The Importance of Employee Experience in Today's Workforce</p><p>29:05 Navigating the Current Job Market: Insights and Advice</p><p>39:25 Exploring the Role of Empathy in Payroll Careers</p><p>43:39 Why We Love Payroll: A Personal Insight</p><p>45:01 Closing Remarks and Community Engagement</p><p> </p><p>Link: <a href="https://www.timetrakgo.com/signmeup?utm_source=SMB24&amp;utm_medium=IAP&amp;utm_id=SBM24">https://www.timetrakgo.com/signmeup?utm_source=SMB24&amp;utm_medium=IAP&amp;utm_id=SBM24<br></a><br></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>WALT </strong></p><p><a href="https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/news/payroll-fraud-in-the-news-types-of-fraud-and-how-to-prevent-it/#:~:text=A%20recent%20report%20released%20by,loss%20of%20$2%2C800%20per%20month"><strong>https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/news/payroll-fraud-in-the-news-types-of-fraud-and-how-to-prevent-it/#:~:text=A%20recent%20report%20released%20by,loss%20of%20$2%2C800%20per%20month</strong></a></p><p> </p><p><strong>Key Points from the Article:</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>1. **Prevalence of Payroll Fraud**: Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) revealed that Payroll fraud makes up 15% of all occupational fraud schemes in the United States and Canada. It often goes undetected for an average of 18 months, resulting in an average loss of $2,800 per month.</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>2. **Industries Affected**: While no industry is immune, payroll fraud is most common in the construction industry and in government and public administration.</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>3. **Common Types of Payroll Fraud**:</strong></p><p><strong>   - Payroll diversion through phishing tactics.</strong></p><p><strong>   - Ghost employees, where non-existent employees receive wages accessed by fraudsters.</strong></p><p><strong>   - Overpayment schemes, such as inflating overtime payments.</strong></p><p><strong>   - Embezzling withholding, involving pocketing legitimate withholdings from wages.</strong></p><p><strong>   - Expense reimbursement fraud, including padding expenses or submitting fictitious expenses.</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>4. **Prevention Strategies**:</strong></p><p><strong>   - Educating employees about phishing threats.</strong></p><p><strong>   - Implementing two-factor authentication.</strong></p><p><strong>   - Segregation of duties in employee onboarding and termination.</strong></p><p><strong>   - Running exception reports to detect unusual patterns.</strong></p><p><strong>   - Requiring original receipts for expense reimbursement.</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>5. **Future of Technology Solutions**:</strong></p><p><strong>   - The use of AI and machine learning for fraud detection is expected to nearly triple over the next two years.</strong></p><p><strong>   - Despite technological advancements, vigilance remains crucial as technology can both enable and prevent fraud.</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>6. **Ongoing Vigilance**: Employers and accounting professionals should remain vigilant even with technological solutions, as new tools for perpetuating fraud can emerge alongside advancements in technology.</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><strong>BRIAN</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>Pay News Updates! </strong></p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240423366537/en/Frost-Bank-Improves-Customer-Experience-with-Atomic-Direct-Deposit-Switch"><strong>https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240423366537/en/Frost-Bank-Improves-Customer-Experience-with-Atomic-Direct-Deposit-Switch</strong></a></p><p> </p><p><strong>Direct deposit switching (DDS) is a mobile banking feature that allows customers to send their direct deposits to a new bank account or debit card without leaving their banking app.</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p>

<p>Earned Wage Access </p><p>In this episode of the It's About Payroll podcast, hosts Brian and Walter delve deep into the topic of Earned Wage Access (EWA) with special guests Chris and Aaron. The conversation explores the stress finances can bring to individuals, the flexibility EWA offers, and its impact on employee wellness and engagement. Through personal stories and professional insights, the episode sheds light on the significance of EWA in today's workforce, its implementation, and the broader conversation around financial wellness.</p><p> Financial Stress and Employee Wellness<br> Introduction to Earned Wage Access<br> The Impact of EWA on Employee Engagement<br> Addressing Financial Wellness<br> The Future of Earned Wage Access</p>