Webinar

Starting your AI in Payroll journey: How to get the data foundations right

by | Mar 16, 2026

AI | Payroll
AI in payroll webinar - LACE Partners
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Starting your AI in Payroll journey: How to get the data foundations right

In brief

  • Learn how AI in payroll is shaping processes, roles and data strategy.
  • Hear practical advice from Lace Partners and Sage on starting small and building confidence.
  • Understand the foundations needed to adopt AI safely and effectively.

 

 

This webinar explores how AI in payroll is evolving and how payroll teams can adopt practical, secure and sustainable approaches to using new technologies. Hosted by Chris Howard from Lace Partners, the conversation brings together three experts who each offer a unique lens on the opportunities, concerns and early wins associated with AI.

Julie, from Lace Partners’ payroll team, shares her experience of supporting clients who are beginning their AI journey, while Charlie from the AI practice explains the wider organisational foundations required for success. They are joined by Bronwyn Gordon, Global Payroll Director at Sage, who offers a practitioner viewpoint on adopting AI tools within a global payroll function.

 

Clearing up common myths about AI in payroll

The discussion begins by looking at some of the most common myths about AI in payroll. Julie highlights two misconceptions that continue to hold teams back. The first is the idea that AI will take jobs away. She explains that AI does not replace payroll roles but instead enhances them by increasing efficiency and freeing time for more strategic work. The second myth is that AI cannot be trusted. While human oversight is still essential, AI can significantly improve accuracy and workflow when used correctly.

 

How Sage is adopting AI in practice

Bronwyn shares how Sage is beginning to embrace AI within day-to-day operations, from automation and reporting to Copilot, translation features and improved collaboration between dispersed teams. She emphasises that adoption does not need to be overwhelming. Many teams can start with the tools they already have and focus on the basics such as workflow improvements and manual task reduction.

 

Why data foundations matter

Charlie expands on the essential data foundations for AI readiness. Standardisation, accessibility and governance are core pillars that help organisations manage data effectively across different markets. These foundations make AI tools more reliable and ensure that payroll teams can use them with confidence.

 

Practical advice on how payroll teams can get started

For teams unsure of where to begin, the speakers provide accessible guidance. Internal IT and automation teams can offer valuable support, especially through education sessions that explain available tools. Starting with small, low risk use cases helps teams build confidence and understand the benefits before scaling their efforts. Even simple activities, such as summarising shared inboxes or prioritising urgent queries, can deliver immediate value.
 
 

Embracing the next stage of payroll evolution

Julie highlights that payroll professionals are naturally adaptable. They already respond to continuous legislative and system changes, and AI is simply the next development in this ongoing journey. When teams start small, involve the wider group and maintain strong data practices, AI becomes an opportunity rather than a challenge.

Contact us through the form below to receive guidance tailored to your payroll AI adoption journey.

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