Workforce Leaders’ Forum: AI in Payroll

Our Workforce Leaders’ Forum brought together PwC payroll and workforce specialists to examine the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in payroll operations. Featuring insights from Claire Soccio, Emma Hardy, Abbie Cooke, and Andrew Mahony, the event discussed the opportunities, challenges, and cultural shifts AI is introducing within the payroll function.

AI is rapidly becoming a key driver in transforming payroll operations. Our panel explored a vision where AI technologies and payroll professionals collaborate effectively to streamline processes, tackle complex challenges, enhance accuracy, and unlock valuable insights through advanced data analytics. This partnership is set to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and enable payroll functions to play a more strategic role within organisations. 

By examining real-world applications of predictive, generative, and agentic AI, the discussion highlighted how these technologies are already improving controls, automating routine tasks, and opening new possibilities for smarter workforce management. 

The integration of AI into payroll requires a developing set of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Payroll professionals will take on roles that involve interpreting AI outputs, identifying potential biases, and using insights to support decision-making. 

Findings from PwC’s Global AI Jobs Barometer highlight that industries most exposed to AI are seeing three times higher revenue growth per worker. AI is a workforce multiplier, lifting people into higher-value activities and enabling faster, more strategic decision-making. The demand for AI skills is spreading beyond traditional technology roles into functions like payroll, finance, and HR, with AI-skilled workers able to command a significant wage premium. 

Given payroll’s importance in fostering employee trust, the panel emphasised the need for robust controls, governance frameworks, and ethical guidelines to support responsible AI adoption. Maintaining human oversight remains essential to managing AI-related risks and ensuring transparency in AI-supported payroll processes. 

Due to the sensitive nature of payroll data, strong access controls and restrictions on the use of public AI platforms are necessary. 

The panel agreed that culture plays a key role alongside technology in the successful adoption of AI. They outlined five cultural priorities for payroll leaders: experiment with new approaches, share knowledge, collaborate openly, build trust, and support innovation. 

Inaction was identified as a significant barrier—leaders and teams should be encouraged to adapt to change, foster innovation, and create an environment that supports safe experimentation. 

AI will continue to influence payroll operations and their strategic contribution. Success will depend on effective leadership, ongoing skills development, and attention to governance and the cultural shift. The future of AI in payroll involves more than technology—it also requires focus on people, trust, and meaningful change. 

Leaders are encouraged to begin exploring AI opportunities in payroll now by investing in people, skills, and governance. The pace of change is accelerating, and those who prepare thoughtfully will be better positioned to benefit from AI’s capabilities in payroll. 

For further engagement or queries, contact your PwC representatives.