Redefining Payroll Checklists: How LNKT is Leading the Charge
In this episode of 'It's About Payroll,' hosts Brian and Walt have an in-depth discussion with Lisa King and Kristina Vartija, co-founders of the innovative payroll management system LNKT( pronounced Linked). The conversation covers the challenges and intricacies of payroll processes, the importance of proper documentation, and how LNKT aims to revolutionize the industry by offering a collaborative and streamlined approach to payroll management. They also dive into their personal career journeys, company values, and the potential impact of their tool on the payroll community. Tune in for insightful discussions, helpful tips, and learn how LNKT can help make payroll processes more efficient and reliable.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Kickoff
00:28 Hosts' Personal Updates and Payroll Bootcamp
02:40 Payroll Crime Stories
04:34 Welcoming New Listeners
05:45 Sponsor Message: Time TrakGO
06:50 Introducing the Guests: Founders of Linked Up
07:54 Guests' Backgrounds and Journey into Payroll
14:07 The Birth of Linked Up: Solving Payroll Challenges
27:46 Company Values and Vision
35:00 Debating Financial Literacy Responsibilities
35:53 Live Recording and Audience Engagement
36:33 Exploring Social Media and Community Interaction
39:00 Introducing Linked: A Payroll Management Tool
42:21 Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
47:55 Fun and Games: You or Them
55:04 Podcast Recommendations and Personal Interests
57:35 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Links & Resources
WWW.LNKTUP.COM - Be sure to go check out LNKT TODAY!
www.TimeTrakGO.com/IAP - 50% Off if you claim this special offer today!
www.itsaboutpayroll.io
Walt’s News Update - https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/two-cpas-sentenced-billion-dollar-syndicated-conservation-easement-tax-scheme
https://youtu.be/9f816kDlUW8
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1:02:47
From Nail Salons to Global Payroll Powerhouse: Kira Rubiano’s Incredible Origin Story
Episode 155: With Guest Kira Rubano
In this high-energy and insightful episode, we explore the unexpected, challenging, and sometimes hilarious world of payroll.
Hosts Brian and Walt kick off with a conversation about financial fitness progress and dive into fascinating payroll topics, including:
How military pay structures could reshape civilian payroll thinking
The shocking realities payroll professionals face when handling employee deaths and final pay
Why payroll stress is real — and how to practice "MindBody Payroll" for long-term success
Global payroll myths, language barriers, real-time reporting, and the role of AI
Kira Rubano’s incredible journey from international law student to global payroll leader at Payroll Minds
The future of global payroll transformations and what companies must do to modernize
Why it’s OK (and necessary!) for payroll pros to put themselves first sometimes
🎯 Whether you're a seasoned payroll veteran or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights, laugh-out-loud moments, and powerful takeaways to fuel your career and your sanity. Listen now – and remember, every payroll problem has a solution.
https://youtu.be/lrHrjkk3PhA
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47:12
IAP EP 154 Payroll Needs to Embrace AI Now or Get Left Behind: CEO of Asinpa, Gustavo Vasconcelos talks Tech with IAP!
Episode 154: Financing Coachella Tickets, Payroll Innovation in Schools, and AI’s Future in Payroll with Gustavo Vasconcelos
In this power-packed episode of It’s About Payroll, Brian and Walt uncover some eye-opening realities:
60% of Coachella attendees had to finance their tickets — highlighting America's deep paycheck-to-paycheck crisis.
We discuss why even meals are now being financed and how it ties back to broader payroll and financial wellness challenges.
A look into outdated payroll tech in education — where pulling a simple time report once took 90 minutes — and how new tech is speeding things up to just 30 seconds.
Special guest Gustavo Vascons, CEO of Empa, joins to share his journey from technical expert to payroll innovator. He dives deep into how cybersecurity, AI, and education are vital to payroll's future.
We debate whether AI will quietly creep into payroll or crash in at full speed — and why companies need to prepare now or risk becoming the "Blockbuster" of the payroll world.
🎙️ Plus: Special bonus for listeners! Grab 50% off your first two months with TimeTrack Go. [Details in episode]
🔗 Links to Gustavo's company and resources mentioned: https://asinpa.com/
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33:54
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
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51:07
IAP Ep 152 - Why the Employee Handbook impacts Payroll
In this episode, the hosts discuss the significance of understanding and utilizing employee handbooks for payroll professionals. They highlight the benefits of maintaining updated handbooks, creating cheat sheets for quick reference, and ensuring front-line managers are on the same page. The episode also covers the financial fitness challenge updates and the importance of tracking expenses. Additionally, the hosts discuss recent payroll news, including the IRS's earned income tax credit anniversary and a funding update for the payroll company Atomic.
00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
01:12 Financial Fitness Challenge
03:10 Payroll News and Updates
05:02 Spotlight on Atomic
08:33 Employee Handbooks and Payroll
16:02 Understanding the Role of HR and Payroll Leaders
16:41 Importance of Consistency in Policy Implementation
17:47 Employee Handbook: Usage and Statistics
20:05 Benefits of Standardizing Payroll Policies
23:11 The Necessity of Financial Literacy in Payroll
25:54 Question of the Day: Handbook Requirement for Payroll Pros
29:10 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up
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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