News and Insights

Introducing Kathy Klenner

Written by activpayroll | Jul 1, 2025 8:45:00 AM

In what city and country are you based?
PNI•HCM is proudly based in Rockville, Maryland, USA. While we’re rooted just outside of Washington, D.C., we support businesses across the country — from small local businesses to multi-state employers.

How did you get your start in payroll?
We started with a clear mission: take the stress out of payroll for business owners. What began as a payroll-first company has evolved into a full-service HCM provider because our clients needed more — more support, more automation, more integration. So, we built it.

What attracted you to the field?

Payroll is one of those business functions that’s both high-stakes and often overlooked until something goes wrong. We saw an opportunity to do it better: with white-glove service, compliance-first thinking, and smart tech that fits how businesses operate and grows with them.

How did you work to solve this unusual challenge?
We rebuilt their payroll process from the ground up on our HCM platform — integrating time tracking with their POS, customizing their GL to match their accounting needs, and assigning a dedicated team to manage onboarding and support. The result? Clean imports, faster close times, and fewer headaches for everyone. 

Is there anything unique about payroll in your country or region?
Definitely. US payroll involves navigating federal, state, and local compliance — and Maryland alone has its own quirks. Whether it’s local tax rules, new pay transparency requirements, or ACA tracking, payroll isn’t just about cutting checks. It’s about precision.

Are there any common questions you get from clients?
Absolutely. Some of the most common include:

“How do I stay compliant across multiple states?”

“Can you integrate with our time or accounting software?”

“What support do I get during onboarding or audits?”

How do you address those questions?
We meet clients where they are. Our team walks them through every step with a consultative approach — providing hands-on help, proactive alerts on compliance changes, and integrations that reduce manual work. We don’t just sell software; we become part of their team.

What is the biggest future payroll challenge in your country?
The rapid pace of legislative change and employee expectations. From remote work tax implications to real-time pay and retirement plan mandates, companies need flexible payroll systems and strategic partners to stay ahead.

Are there any legislative changes in your country this year that will impact payroll?
Yes, state-level pay transparency laws are expanding, and secure choice retirement programs are becoming mandatory in more states. There’s also renewed focus on worker classification, which impacts tax reporting and benefits eligibility. We stay ahead of these changes, so our clients don’t have to scramble.

What's the best thing about your job?
Hearing a client say, “this is the first time payroll hasn’t been a headache,” is the moment we know we’ve delivered on our promise.