Davida Lara Honored with PayrollOrg Citation of Merit at 2025 Payroll Congress

In a ceremony at the 43rd Annual Payroll Congress in Orlando, FL, Davida Lara, Executive Vice President of Payroll at Entertainment Partners, was presented with a Citation of Merit from PayrollOrg.

This recognition honors Lara’s outstanding contributions to the payroll profession, including her continued leadership as a returning program speaker and her dedicated service on national committees and advisory groups.

Building a legacy of leadership and innovation

Lara brings a rare combination of strategic leadership, technical expertise and hands-on operational experience to the global payroll industry.

With over 25 years of leadership experience, she is known across the industry for her ability to blend strategic vision with practical execution. Throughout her distinguished career, she’s built high-performing teams and led initiatives to streamline payroll systems using automation and smart training.

Lara's thought leadership is demonstrated through regular contributions to the American Payroll Association’s PAYTECH Magazine, guest appearances on industry podcasts, including The Payroll Podcast and PayTalk, and her role as a keynote speaker at prestigious industry events.

Davida’s influence extends beyond payroll processing to include the development of international assignment policies and global mobility programs, and helping film and television productions successfully navigate the complex challenges of managing a distributed workforce.

Bringing global payroll strategies to center stage

A celebrated leader and advocate for advancing payroll practices worldwide, Lara took the Payroll Congress stage again this year to present her highly anticipated workshop, “Strategic Globalization of Your Payroll Organization.”

During her session, Lara shared key insights on navigating the complexities of international payroll expansion—a topic that has become increasingly critical as organizations broaden their global footprint.

She focused on five core areas:

1. Factors to consider in globalization: Lara emphasized the importance of thoroughly assessing the implications of global workforce distribution as companies continue to extend across borders.

“When you’re leading global payroll strategy, it’s not just about compliance—it’s about being proactive,” she advised. “You have to anticipate the downstream effects of every decision.”

⁠From understanding complex tax and compliance requirements to managing audit risks and addressing immigration and visa challenges, these factors are critical for smooth international operations.

2. Operations in new jurisdictions: Attendees learned the steps needed to set up payroll functions in new markets, covering everything from jurisdiction-specific requirements and audit preparedness to ensuring consistent payroll delivery across regions.

“Global payroll operations require a careful balance between standardization and localization,” Lara noted. “Success depends on understanding cultural nuances and regulatory intricacies while maintaining a high standard of execution.”

3. Payment and cash funding: Currency fluctuations and exchange rate volatility remain significant hurdles for multinational organizations. “You have to think beyond just moving money,” she explained. “It’s about building resilient cash management strategies that protect your business and support your people—no matter where they are in the world.”

Lara offered practical strategies for navigating these challenges, including cross-border payment solutions that help mitigate financial risk.

4. Thinking beyond payroll: Lara encouraged organizations to align closely with internal partners to maintain legal and regulatory compliance, prioritize technology integrations, and create strong strategies for talent acquisition and retention in diverse markets.

“Globalization isn’t just about paying people—it’s about building sustainable, compliant, and competitive operations,” she shared.

5. Future insights: Looking ahead, Lara highlighted emerging global trends shaping the future of payroll, including increased audit activity, the complexities of managing equity compensation across borders, evolving compliance around flexible work arrangements, and the growing role of Employer of Record (EOR) and Professional Employer Organization (PEO) solutions to simplify international workforce management.

“The future of payroll is about agility,” she concluded. “The organizations that will lead are the ones that can quickly adapt to new regulations, use technology to drive efficiencies, and stay focused on delivering a seamless employee experience.”

As payroll leaders continue to navigate the demands of an increasingly interconnected workforce, Lara’s insights provide both strategic clarity and actionable solutions, solidifying her role as a trusted advisor and respected authority in the payroll industry.

Looking forward and giving back

The PayrollOrg Citation of Merit honors individuals who make exceptional contributions to the payroll profession through participation on national boards, committees and advisory groups. Lara’s recognition this year stems from her influential role as a featured speaker on the Payroll Congress PayTalk Podcast and her ongoing efforts to mentor and guide payroll professionals around the globe.

“Receiving this recognition is truly an honor,” she said. “I’m passionate about helping organizations navigate the complexities of global payroll because when it’s done right, it doesn’t just support business growth—it creates better outcomes for employees around the world.”

This isn’t the first time Lara has been recognized for her industry leadership. In 2021, she was awarded the Global Payroll Management Institute’s Global Payroll Titan Award, celebrating her decades of pioneering work in international payroll strategies and operations.

Lara is also passionate about advocating for hiring diversity and advancing women in the screen industry. She has long supported Women in Film (WIF), a leading nonprofit dedicated to increasing gender representation in Hollywood. In a milestone achievement, she has joined WIF’s Board of Directors and served as Chair of the Finance Committee in 2024. For Lara, this isn’t just a board position—it’s a chance to advocate for more inclusive hiring practices and mentorship opportunities for women working behind the scenes.

Continuing to move the industry forward

Lara’s career includes executive leadership roles at The Blackstone Group, where she managed global payroll operations for more than half a million employees, and at Harman International Industries, where she directed HRIS and payroll strategies across 23 countries.

Today, she brings that deep expertise to her role at Entertainment Partners, where she leads the company’s global Payroll Services teams. Under her guidance, EP continues to deliver innovative, cloud-based digital solutions that support every phase of production finance and production management, helping clients operate with confidence in today’s fast-changing, increasingly complex global business landscape.

Lara strongly believes that payroll is not just about numbers but about people. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the individuals behind the paychecks. By advocating for a human-centric approach to payroll management, Lara continues to redefine the payroll industry, making significant strides in both operational excellence and cultural transformation.

Through her leadership and advocacy, Lara is shaping a future where payroll professionals don’t just keep pace with change—they lead it. Learn more about Lara, her ongoing contributions to the payroll profession, and Entertainment Partners’ global payroll services.

About Payroll Congress

Payroll Congress, hosted by PayrollOrg, is the premier annual event for payroll professionals looking for opportunities to advance their careers. This year’s convention was held May 13 through 16 in Orlando, Florida.

Over the course of four inspiring days, attendees get to choose from multiple learning tracks, more than 100 workshops, and dozens of thought leadership sessions. Throughout the event, there are many opportunities to network with and learn from other leaders in the space.

About PayrollOrg

PayrollOrg (PAYO) serves as the global cornerstone for payroll professionals, offering comprehensive education, certification, and resources that empower individuals to become strategic partners within their organizations. With a legacy spanning over four decades, PAYO has evolved to meet the dynamic needs of a borderless payroll community, enrolling over 100,000 participants from more than 100 countries in its training programs each year.

Beyond education, PAYO fosters a vibrant community for networking, advocates for the profession at all levels of government, and promotes public understanding of payroll's critical role in financial well-being. Through initiatives like the Money Matters program, PAYO also extends its commitment to financial literacy among teens, underscoring its dedication to the broader societal impact of payroll education.