The Lead Paymaster, Sports & Entertainment is responsible for managing the end-to-end payroll processes for multiple entertainment projects, including film, television, live events, and digital media. The role requires ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing while maintaining compliance with union agreements, tax laws, and other regulatory requirements. The Lead Paymaster works closely with production clients and leverages industry experience to enhance staff development in entertainment payroll.
Ensure adherence to company policies and payroll best practices. Ensure compliance with complex payroll regulations related to entertainment labor laws, guild agreements (SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA, IATSE, etc.), and state and federal tax laws. Manage payroll for multiple jurisdictions and locations. Oversee the accurate and timely processing of payroll for cast, crew, and production employees, including union and non-union workers. Ensure adherence to all applicable laws, including tax withholdings, deductions and benefits. Leverage industry experience and SME knowledge to enhance staff training in entertainment. Provide detailed payroll reports. Oversee union compliance reporting and respond to audits and inquiries from regulatory agencies. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in labor laws, union contracts, and industry standards. Identify opportunities for process improvements, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency in payroll operations. Implementation of payroll systems and software updates, keeping abreast of new tools and technologies. Collaborate with IT and development teams to enhance functionality and resolve system issues. Serve as an entertainment payroll SME for payroll processes and procedures. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Minimum of 5 – 7 years of experience in processing payroll within the entertainment industry. Strong knowledge of entertainment industry payroll practices, union agreements, and applicable labor laws. In-depth knowledge of guild and union rules (SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA, IATSE, etc.) Proficiency with entertainment Industry payroll software and accounting systems. Strong understanding of tax laws, wage and hour laws, and payroll best practices. Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with attention to detail and accuracy. Experience with process automation and payroll technology solutions. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to efficiently organize work activities to meet daily and weekly deadlines. Good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment. Intermediate to strong skills in MS Office, including Excel and Outlook
Education & Experience 5-7 years of experience in the entertainment payroll industry
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