IPASS 2025: Future-Proofing Payroll
6 Game-Changing Insights from Ireland's Premier Payroll Conference 2025
Our team explored key innovations, compliance updates, and industry trends at Ireland’s leading payroll event.
The payroll landscape is changing rapidly. From AI to international compliance, staying ahead requires continuous learning and adaptation. That’s exactly what our team experienced at IPASS the Annual Payroll Conference & Exhibition 2025, held on 16 May, a single day packed with practical updates and strategic insights.
Compliance Updates That Matter
Revenue & DSP: Your Compliance Roadmap
Speakers: Cathal McKenna (Revenue) & Brian Duff (Department of Social Protection)
The event opened with essential updates from Revenue and the Department of Social Protection. The session covered:
• New enforcement priorities for 2025
• Updated procedures for employer compliance checks
• Clear guidance on avoiding common PRSI pitfalls
Key takeaway: Hearing directly from Revenue and DSP offered clarity that goes beyond policy documents.
AI in Payroll: Revolution or Evolution?
The Future is Already Here
Panel: Alex Falcon Huerta FCCA, Euan Matthews (Bright), Steve Elcock (Zellis), Dera McLoughlin (Forvis Mazars)
AI is already making its mark in payroll. This expert panel explored where the technology is heading:
• Error detection systems that flag issues before they occur
• Predictive analytics supporting workforce planning
• Smart data processing reducing manual input by up to 80%
• Real-time alerts for compliance monitoring
Insight: AI isn’t replacing payroll professionals, it’s enhancing what they do.
Workplace Relations: Know Your Obligations
Staying Aligned with Employment Law
Speaker: Mary Flynn, Head of Information & Customer Services, WRC
Payroll sits at the intersection of finance and employment law. This session highlighted:
• Common errors in holiday pay calculations
• Minimum wage compliance across various employee categories
• The importance of proper record-keeping
• When and how to escalate workplace issues appropriately
Resilience Under Pressure
Supporting Teams Through High-Stakes Payroll Cycles
Speaker: Eibhlin Johnston, The Resiliency Hub
Payroll demands precision—especially under pressure. This session provided practical tools for managing stress, including:
• Grouping deadlines to manage workload more effectively
• Building error-prevention processes into your routine
• Streamlining team communication during peak periods
• Supporting personal resilience to sustain long-term performance
Takeaway: A resilient team isn’t just less stressed it delivers more consistent results.
Gender Pay Gap Reporting: The Payroll Perspective
Compliance That Supports Progress
Speaker: Eimear Byrne, Country Lead, SD Worx
Gender pay gap reporting is about fairness, not just regulation. Payroll plays a central role by:
• Ensuring the accuracy of reported data
• Setting up systems for ongoing monitoring
• Collaborating with HR and leadership teams
• Enabling meaningful improvements based on insights
Auto-Enrolment: Preparing for Change
A New Era in Pension Contributions
Speaker: Róisín Nolan, Administrative Officer, DSP
Auto-enrolment is on the horizon, and preparation is key. The session focused on:
• Assessing current systems for compatibility
• Communicating clearly with employees
• Integrating the new processes into existing workflows
• Tracking compliance from the outset
What This Means for Your Business
The IPASS 2025 Annual Payroll Conference reinforced a clear message: payroll is more than processing payments. It’s now a core part of strategic management, regulatory compliance, and team performance.
Looking for payroll support? We’re here to help. Get in touch for expert advice.