Kira Rubiano is no stranger to complexity. As partner US at Payrollminds with over 18 years in global payroll, she’s led payroll operations across 112 countries and now spearheads the expansion of Payrollminds into the U.S. market.
Her recent interview with GPA’s 04:05 global payroll magazine offers a candid look at the state of payroll transformation today, and what needs to change.
A bold vision for global payroll transformation
Kira’s payroll consulting journey began unexpectedly, with a degree in international studies and law and a first job managing global payroll for a one of the top global payroll providers. That early exposure sparked a passion for global payroll operations and a career defined by reinvention. Today, she sees payroll transformation as both urgent and misunderstood.
Read the full interview in GPA's 04:05 Global Payroll Magazine
“The environment is such that broken processes still exist,” she explains. “Payroll and HR still tend to clash, often leaving teams chasing mails and patching data together.”
Her vision is clear: payroll must evolve from tactical administration to strategic enablement.
What does this mean? Investing in clean data, consistent alignment of stakeholders, and thoughtful adoption of emerging technology. And while AI in payroll is a hot topic, Kira cautions against quick fixes. “Organisations won’t be successful just by saying, ‘We’re going to throw AI at it.’ They need to understand the why and how first.”
Payroll as the connective tissue
Kira views payroll as the link between HR, finance, compliance, and risk. It’s the end of the funnel, but only works if the top is functioning. That’s where payroll consulting comes in.
Many organisations often misjudge the scale of effort required for payroll transformation with Kira pointing out that implementation is rarely a plug-and-play experience. She explains that it’s double the work – running payroll as usual while simultaneously managing new systems, parallel runs, stakeholder communications, and compliance milestones.
At Payrollminds, her team helps clients navigate this complexity with precision and care. From reviewing operations and guiding implementation to augmenting staff and building cross-functional relationships, they’re an experienced partner ready to step in and reduce the burden. “Those who know they need to do something differently reach out to us,” Kira says. “And we help them do it.”
Mind. Body. Payroll.
Kira also advocates for wellness in the global payroll profession. A very recent breast cancer survivor, she encourages payroll professionals to prioritise their health. “Take the walk. Eat the lunch. Give yourself grace,” she says. “Then go back to payroll, which is your passion.”
As payroll continues to evolve, Kira believes professionals must embrace both strategic thinking and self-care. Her mantra – Mind. Body. Payroll. – is a reminder that transformation begins with the people behind the process.
Read the full interview in the GPA 04:05 Global Payroll Magazine.
