We had the privilege of sitting down with Andre Voolaid, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Mercans, a global HR and payroll solutions provider renowned for its cutting-edge technology. In this exclusive interview, Voolaid shares his insights into revolutionizing payroll technology, leveraging innovation to drive efficiency, accuracy, and compliance for businesses worldwide.
With a strong passion for leveraging technology to solve complex problems, Voolaid has dedicated his expertise to streamlining and automating payroll processes, providing clients with real-time visibility, reporting, and customized solutions.
During the interview, Voolaid delves into his journey as a technology leader and the unique combination of technology and human-centric thinking in the HR technology and management space. He shares his thoughts on aligning technological advancements such as AI and ML with day-to-day operations and the transformative impact these technologies have had on the HR industry. Learn more through our interview with Andre Voolaid below.
We asked, “Please share a few words about yourself and your journey as the CTO of Mercans.”
With that, Andre Voolaid continues, “Absolutely. When it comes to payroll technology, I am particularly passionate about leveraging innovation to provide our clients with the most efficient and accurate solutions possible.
At Mercans, we have made significant investments in our payroll technology, including the development of cutting-edge software HR Blizz™ that is designed to streamline and automate the payroll process. This proprietary technology allows us to easily handle complex calculations and compliance requirements while also providing our clients with real-time visibility and reporting.
One of the key advantages of our payroll technology is its flexibility and scalability. We understand that every business has unique needs and requirements when it comes to payroll, and our technology is designed to be customized and tailored to meet those needs. Whether our clients are operating in multiple countries, dealing with complex payroll regulations, or simply looking for a more efficient way to manage their payroll, our technology can deliver the solutions they need.
Overall, I am extremely proud of the work that we have done to develop our payroll technology at Mercans, and I believe that it has been a key factor in our success as a company. By continuing to invest in innovation and technology, I am confident that we will be able to stay ahead of the curve and continue providing our clients with the best possible service.”
We also wanted to know how he got started in this field. So we further asked, “What attracted you to move into the HR technology and management space?”
He says, “I have always been passionate about technology and its ability to solve complex problems and drive business success. However, my interest in the human side of business ultimately led me to the HR technology and management space.
I believe that people are the foundation of any successful organization and that effective HR management is essential to creating a positive and productive workplace culture. By leveraging technology to streamline and automate HR processes, we can free up valuable time and resources that can be devoted to more strategic initiatives, such as talent development and employee engagement.
Furthermore, the HR technology and management space is constantly evolving, and I am fascinated by the opportunities to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible. From developing cutting-edge software to implementing new HR strategies and practices, there is always something new to learn and explore in this field.
Overall, I was drawn to the HR technology and management space because of its unique combination of technology and human-centric thinking. By leveraging the power of technology to support and empower people, we can create a truly transformative impact on organizations and their employees.”
Mercans is an exceptional company that we got to know about. However, we were curious to learn more about the company. So, our next question was, “Brief our audience about Mercans and give us an overview of its solutions.”
He further says, “Mercans is a global HR and payroll solutions provider specializing in helping businesses of all sizes optimize their HR operations and drive success. With over 20 years of experience, we have established ourselves as a leading provider of innovative HR technology and consulting services.
Our solutions cover the full range of HR and payroll needs, including HR consulting, recruitment, payroll outsourcing, HR management software, and compliance services. We understand that every business is unique, and we work closely with our clients to provide tailored solutions that meet their specific needs and goals.
One of our key differentiators is our focus on technology and innovation. We have solutions that are designed to streamline and automate HR and payroll processes, freeing up valuable time and resources for our clients. Our HR suite also includes payroll software, and compliance solutions, all of which are designed to provide real-time visibility and insights into HR operations.”
“Can you speak a little bit about the All-in-one Saas Solution Platform?”
Andre Voolaid said, “Absolutely. At Mercans, we are proud to offer an all-in-one payroll SaaS solution platform that is designed to simplify and streamline the payroll process for businesses of all sizes. Our platform is flexible and scalable, making it an ideal solution for businesses operating in multiple countries or dealing with complex payroll requirements.
Some of the key features of our all-in-one payroll SaaS solution platform include:
- Multi-country payroll management: Our platform is designed to handle payroll for businesses operating in multiple countries, with the ability to manage local compliance requirements and regulations in each country.
- Real-time reporting and analytics: Our platform provides real-time visibility into payroll data, with customizable reporting and analytics that allow businesses to make data-driven decisions.
- Secure cloud-based platform: Our platform is hosted on secure cloud-based servers, providing our clients with peace of mind that their data is safe and protected.
- Integration with HR systems: Our platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with HR management systems, allowing for easy data sharing and streamlined HR and payroll processes.
- Compliance management: Our platform is designed to help businesses stay compliant with local regulations and requirements across 160 countries with built-in compliance features and support from our team of experts.
Overall, our all-in-one payroll SaaS solution platform is designed to be a comprehensive and flexible solution that can meet the unique needs of any business. Whether you are looking to simplify your payroll process, improve compliance, or gain real-time insights into your payroll data, our platform can help you achieve your goals.”
As Andre is a part of Mercans, we wanted to know from him the major aspects of payroll systems, so we asked, “What do you believe are the most important factors to consider when designing a payroll system for a large organization, and how do you ensure accuracy and compliance while still maximizing efficiency?”
“When designing a payroll system for a large organization, it is important to consider factors such as flexibility, integration, compliance, security, and automation. Businesses can ensure accuracy and compliance while maximizing efficiency by leveraging technology and expertise, such as payroll software and expert guidance.
Can you describe a time when you had to navigate a complex payroll issue or challenge and how you successfully resolved it? What skills and strategies did you use to overcome the obstacle and ensure a positive outcome for your team and your clients?
In one of our recent client projects, we encountered a complex payroll issue related to a new government regulation that had just been implemented. The regulation required employers to report certain types of benefits in a specific way on employees’ payslips, which posed a challenge for our client’s payroll system. Additionally, the regulation was poorly defined and lacked clear guidance from the government, which added to the complexity of the issue.
To resolve this challenge, we first consulted with our team of experts to better understand the regulation and its requirements. We then worked with our development team to modify our client’s payroll software to incorporate the required changes while also ensuring that the system remained compliant with local regulations.
Throughout the process, we communicated closely with our clients to keep them informed of our progress and to provide guidance on how they could best prepare for the regulatory changes. We also provided training and support to our client’s HR and payroll teams to ensure that they were equipped to handle the new requirements.
In the end, our team was able to successfully navigate the complex payroll issue and implement the required changes in a timely and accurate manner. The outcome was positive both for our team and for our client, as we were able to ensure compliance with local regulations and maintain a high level of accuracy and efficiency in our client’s payroll system.” he replied.
“As a CTO, how is Mercans becoming a reliable name in the technological leadership space?”
He added, “We take pride in being a leading provider of innovative HR and payroll solutions. We’ve achieved this by leveraging our cutting-edge technology, investing in research and development, and cultivating a team of top-tier experts in the field.
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our recognition as a top HR and payroll solution provider by industry analysts such as NelsonHall and Everest Group. Our solution has been recognized as the top global payroll solution for the past two consecutive years by NelsonHall, and we were named as a Major Contender in Everest Group’s Multi-Country Payroll Solutions PEAK Matrix Assessment.
We are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the HR and payroll space, using advanced analytics, automation, and AI to deliver personalized, data-driven solutions that help our clients drive business success. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and excellence, we are proud to be a trusted partner to organizations across the globe.”
Our next question was, “What is your opinion on aligning technological advancements like AI and ML for managing day-to-day operations?”
“These technologies have the potential to streamline processes, reduce errors, and improve accuracy, all while freeing up time and resources for HR and payroll professionals to focus on more strategic initiatives.
However, we also recognize that AI and ML are not a one-size-fits-all solution and that there are still certain areas of payroll management that require a human touch. For example, while AI and ML can be used to automate certain repetitive tasks, such as data entry and validation, there are still instances where human judgment and intervention may be necessary.
That’s why, at Mercans, we take a hybrid approach to payroll management, leveraging the best of both worlds – cutting-edge technology and human expertise. By combining advanced analytics and automation with the insights and experience of our team of payroll specialists, we are able to deliver customized, data-driven solutions that meet the unique needs of each client.” said Andre.
“How has the integration of these technologies transformed the face of the HR industry?”
He added, “The integration of technologies like AI and ML has transformed the HR and payroll industry by enabling organizations to achieve greater efficiency, accuracy, compliance, and real-time data analysis. This has led to a new era of streamlined operations and improved bottom lines for organizations.”
Lastly, we asked, “What advice would you give budding entrepreneurs and leaders aspiring to venture into the HR service management niche.”
Andre concluded, “I would offer the following advice:
- Stay current on industry trends and emerging technologies. The HR and payroll industry is constantly evolving, and staying current on the latest trends and technologies is important to stay competitive.
- Focus on customer needs. At the end of the day, the success of your business will depend on your ability to deliver solutions that meet your customers’ needs. Ensure you always listen to their feedback and adapt your services accordingly.
- Build a strong team. Your team is the backbone of your business, so it’s important to invest in hiring and retaining top talent. Focus on creating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence, and you’ll be well on your way to success.
- Embrace innovation. The HR and payroll industry is ripe for disruption, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box and embrace new ideas and technologies that can help you stand out from the competition.
- Stay agile. In today’s fast-paced business environment, it’s important to be able to pivot quickly and adapt to changing circumstances. Stay nimble and agile, and you’ll be well-positioned to navigate any challenges that come your way.”
Connect with Andre Voolaid on LinkedIn.
