By Frank J. Mendelson
Editor’s Note: Tartanjulia North is a global payroll operation, HRIS, and consulting expert with more than 18 years of experience. She has managed large and diverse payroll teams and collaborated with finance and human resources. Tartanjulia has overseen the global payroll process for up to 100,000 employees for organizations like Peloton, Ceva Logistics, United Airlines, and WorleyParsons. She has worked across various sectors, including technology, aviation, logistics, and oil and gas. Tartanjulia's proficiency in global payroll extends across many countries and cities, including Singapore, Paris, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain, Ireland, and Malaysia.
What do you see as the changing role of the payroll professional?
The role of payroll professionals has transformed significantly over the last few decades, and it continues even now to change. Payroll professionals have evolved from an administrative function to a strategic business partner. They work collaboratively with HR and finance to align compensation practices, identify cost-minimization opportunities, and lead teams. Organizations value accurate payroll and compliance and recognize the payroll professional’s critical role in their success. This continual transformation has helped organizations make informed decisions, minimize costs, and improve performance.
Which emerging trends in global payroll are demanding your attention, and how will they exert impact?
As a leader in the global payroll space, I'm sure my peers would concur that there are several vital trends demanding our immediate attention, including the following:
- Remote Work and Distributed Workforce: The surge in remote work and global teams poses payroll challenges. Adhering to diverse tax laws, labor regulations, and reporting requirements while accommodating remote work arrangements is essential.
- Data Privacy and Security: Heightened focus on data privacy (e.g., General Data Protection Regulation, California Consumer Privacy Act) underscores the importance of safeguarding payroll data. Compliance and robust data security are paramount.
- Payroll Automation and AI: Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are revolutionizing payroll. Striking a balance between automation and human oversight is crucial for accuracy.
- Cross-Border Tax and Compliance: Managing payroll across borders entails intricate tax laws. Evolving cross-border tax treaties and reporting requirements require continuous vigilance.
These pressing issues require us to be proactive and embrace innovation and agility to ensure we're both compliant and efficient in our global payroll operations.
What are the things payroll vendors should address in the next three years?
Companies face significant challenges when working with payroll vendors. In the next three years, I would like to see payroll vendors address the following key areas to better serve their clients:
- Prioritizing data security
- Integration and automation
- Global payroll compliance
- Multiple currency support
- Scalability and flexibility
- Proactive customer support
- Advanced reporting and analytics
By addressing these challenges, payroll vendors can enhance their offerings and become strategic partners for companies, driving overall business success by improving payroll management. As a payroll leader, I appreciate working with vendors who actively embrace these improvements and consistently evolve their services to meet the dynamic needs of the payroll landscape.
What do you see is the value and limits to emerging technology, robotics, and AI in managing a global payroll?
Payroll management has become less manual and more automated with the integration of robotics and AI. Automation reduces errors, saves time, enhances compliance management, and supports data analysis. However, there are some limitations such as high initial investment, complex system implementation, data quality, job displacement, and security risks. To manage global payroll effectively, organizations should weigh the benefits and limitations of automation, mitigate the risks, and leverage technology. Human oversight, data security, and continuous investment are crucial to fully leverage the potential of these technologies in the dynamic global payroll landscape.
How did you get started in your career?
I began my payroll career in high school after scoring high in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and working with numbers on a career assessment. My guidance counselor recommended me for a payroll and HR internship at Ceva Logistics.
During my internship, I found an incredible mentor in the company’s payroll director, who taught me the intricacies of payroll processing, compliance, and more. When the payroll director left, she recommended me as her successor, and they created a new position for me. As the payroll manager, I fostered a supportive and efficient payroll department that was crucial to employee satisfaction and company success. I'm grateful for my guidance counselor recognizing my potential, my mentor's guidance, and the chance to make a positive impact in payroll leadership.
What career and life advice do you give to a new payroll employee?
As you enter the ever-changing world of payroll, follow this roadmap to achieve success: Keep learning and stay updated on technology, regulations, and tools by attending webinars and taking courses. Master both payroll systems and essential soft skills such as communication and problem-solving. Networking is crucial for seamless operations, so build relationships with HR, finance, and other departments. Accuracy is essential; Double-check everything to avoid costly mistakes. Continuously seek ways to streamline processes and increase productivity to become the efficiency guru. Remember that employees are your ultimate customers, so treat them with respect and be responsive to their needs. Balance is critical, so manage stress with hobbies to stay motivated. Always uphold integrity in everything you do because it is your compass. Challenges are opportunities for growth, so embrace them with an open mind. Welcome to payroll, where learning, efficiency, and integrity lead to excellence.
What are the most important qualities of effective leadership?
Effective leadership requires strong communication, integrity, empathy, adaptability, decisiveness, and a growth mindset. By embracing these qualities, leaders can motivate, empower, and achieve collective excellence within their organizations.
What is your management and leadership approach?
I use a multifaceted leadership style that includes democratic, situational, and transformational approaches. My focus is on creating a collaborative and inclusive environment where each team member's input is valued. I adapt my style to the individual needs of the team and situation. I motivate and inspire the team by setting clear objectives and encouraging continuous learning and personal development. The goal is to create a dynamic, high-performing team capable of driving positive organizational transformation.
What do you see are the communication challenges of a global payroll leader?
Managing a diverse and dispersed team across different time zones, languages, and cultures can be challenging. However, embracing effective communication strategies fosters a connected and engaged workforce, ensuring everyone is aligned, regardless of location. This is essential for promoting a unified global payroll vision and achieving international success. Maintaining regular, meaningful interactions with team members, stakeholders, and external partners is vital for building strong relationships and a cohesive global payroll function. Finally, staying updated on the latest communication technologies and tools is crucial to facilitate real-time collaboration and information sharing.
How do you personally manage to balance work and pleasure?
As a mother, wife, and leader, I strongly believe in the importance of achieving a balance between work and pleasure. With careful planning, effective time management, and the willingness to set boundaries, I can create harmony across all aspects of my life.
I remain fully engaged in each role, focusing on my responsibilities at work and prioritizing quality time with my family at home. By empowering my team, delegating tasks where necessary, and incorporating self-care, I can navigate challenges, foster a sense of fulfillment in all my roles, and navigate work-life balance effectively.
What books are on your recommended reading list?
I've read several books on communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence that have influenced my leadership style to managing diverse teams. Some of my top recommendations include the following:
- Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek—Explores creating a supportive environment for team excellence
- Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves—Enhances emotional intelligence for better interactions
- Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler—Teaches handling challenging dialogues and resolving conflicts
- Radical Candor by Kim Scott—Balances candid feedback and relationship building
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman—Delves into human decision-making and biases
These books have been invaluable for my personal and professional growth, and I recommend them to anyone seeking personal and professional growth.