Senior Union Payroll Lead

Senior Union Payroll Associate (Media & Entertainment)

Pay Rate: $40.87/hr

Type: W2 Contract, 6 month

Benefits: Full benefits available after 90 days

Join the Payroll Shared Services team for one of the world’s most iconic media and entertainment portfolios. This role is specifically designed for a Union Payroll expert capable of navigating complex Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) within a high-volume, fast-paced studio environment. Supporting a massive scale operation of approximately 10,000 employees
, we are looking for a self-starter with the technical mastery and leadership potential to grow into a Lead role.

• Union Payroll Mastery: Ensure accurate, timely processing of multi-state, multi-company weekly payrolls for union and non-union freelance employees in strict accordance with CBAs (IATSE, IBEW, NABET, AFTRA).
• CBA Interpretation: Serve as the subject matter expert on union pay and paid time off rules, applying contract logic to timekeeping systems including short meal penalties and holiday premiums
  .
• Financial Precision: Process on-demand payments, retroactive pay, tax adjustments, and over payment collections while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Withholding Oversight: Interpret and implement complex withholding orders for levies, garnishments, and child support within regulated time frames.
• Process Leadership: Champion process improvement initiatives, perform Root Cause Analysis on payroll discrepancies, and ensure all activities adhere to SOX controls and internal policies.
• Employee Advocacy: Act as a high-level point of contact for payroll escalations, delivering high-quality customer service to creators, production staff, and executives.

• Experience: 4+ years of hands‑on Union Payroll processing experience, specifically within the Media, Studio, or Entertainment industry.
• Technical Expertise: Deep, non-negotiable understanding of Collective Bargaining Agreements and their application to payroll cycles.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of FLSA
  , federal/state wage and hour laws, and multi-state tax regulations.
• Analytical
  
  Skills:
  
  Intermediate Excel proficiency (must be able to perform VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables
  ).
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to translate complex financial/union data for diverse stakeholders.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.

• Experience using Workday Payroll
  .
• FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) or CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation.
• Experience with automated time and attendance systems in a studio setting.

• The "Studio Grind": This is a high-volume, high-stakes environment. We are looking for a "Human Firewall" for compliance who understands the nuances of production-side union rules.
• Growth Potential: While this starts as a contract, the team is looking for a Lead-level mentality
  . Candidates who have previously led process improvements or audits will stand out.
• Commute & Culture: This role is located at a prestigious Century City address. You must be comfortable with a 4-day onsite schedule in a collaborative, professional office.