Payroll Specialist

Job Details:

Temp to Perm - Full- time position

LA Based, In-office 3x a week Monday, Tuesdays and Thursday requirement

Reporting to Vice President, People & Organization and dotted line to Accounting & Finance

About Studio71

Studio71 is a premium global media company and content studio leading in development, production, and distribution of original programming, reaching audiences at scale on major platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Snap, and Roku. Studio71 is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in New York, Toronto, and Berlin. 

We are the leaders in digital entertainment, shaping the future of short form entertainment. Studio71 offers great career advancement and networking opportunities, while also providing work-life balance for our employees. When you join us, you are joining a company that will challenge you and invest in your professional development.

Studio71 is an Equal Opportunity Employer that’s committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We understand the importance of, and foster a culture where you can truly belong, collaborate, and grow. We welcome and encourage people of all characteristics and identities to apply.

Job Summary

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for processing accurate and timely payroll for a global, multi-entity organization. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and provides exceptional support to employees regarding payroll-related inquiries. The Payroll Specialist will collaborate closely with People & Organization and Accounting & Finance teams to ensure all payroll activities align with company policies and standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and process weekly, semi-monthly, off-cycle and monthly payroll for all employees of a global, multi-entity organization.
• Ensure proper calculations for hours worked, overtime, bonuses, and deductions.
• Audit timecards and ensure accurate data entry into the payroll systems.
• Ensure payroll practices comply with federal, state, and local laws, including tax filings and garnishments (FLSA, tax withholding updates, etc).
• Prepare and submit payroll tax reports and payments on time.
• Manage year-end activities, including W-2 and 1094-C/1095-C distribution.
• Address employee inquiries related to pay, deductions, benefits, and timekeeping.
• Process direct deposit enrollment and changes. 
• Manage proper tax and entity set up for payroll processing in new states. 
• Annual government agency reporting (federal and state EEOC, Canadian GTS/HST, ACA, 401k audit, etc)
• Monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting to shareholder company. 
• Provide guidance on company payroll policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate payroll records, including employee data, tax information, and deductions.
• Handle confidential information securely and in accordance with company policies.
• Update payroll systems with new hires, terminations, and changes in employment status.
• Perform regular audits to ensure data accuracy.
• Point of contact for internal and external audits/reporting (Worker’s Comp, PFL, 401k, etc) 
• Bi-annual compensation benchmarking and pay band assessment. 
• New hire and contractor reporting to state agencies. 
• Implement improvements to payroll workflows and systems.
• Other applicable projects and duties as needed. 

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in payroll processing.
• Familiarity with payroll and Accounting softwares (ADP WorkForceNow, ADP TeamPay, Concur, Great Plains, Microsoft Dynamics).
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other Office applications.
• Knowledge of payroll laws, taxes, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Must be able to work under tight deadlines and handle confidential information.

Salary Expectations:

$80,000-85,000k