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Entertainment Payroll Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We provide the most advanced technology for production accounting and entertainment payroll. Our innovative cloud-based platform is evolving the entertainment industry's back-office by replacing ...

Paymaster

Burbank, CA · On-site +1

$64K - $72K/yr

We provide the most advanced technology for production accounting and entertainment payroll. Our innovative cloud-based platform is evolving the entertainment industry's back-office by replacing ...

Payroll Specialist

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$21.25 - $28.75/hr

ABOUT THE POSITION ATG-Entertainment - North America is looking for a skilled Payroll Specialist to join our North American Payroll team. This role is based in San Antonio and supports multi-state ...

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Entertainment Payroll information

See salary details

$15

$27

$39

How much do entertainment payroll jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entertainment payroll in the United States is $27.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is entertainment payroll?

Entertainment payroll refers to the specialized process of managing payments for employees and contractors working in the entertainment industry, such as film, television, theater, and music productions. This type of payroll takes into account unique aspects like union regulations, residuals, per diems, and complex payment schedules. Entertainment payroll companies ensure that all cast and crew members are paid accurately and on time, while also handling tax withholdings, compliance with labor laws, and reporting requirements. These services are essential for keeping productions running smoothly and avoiding legal or financial complications.

What are some common challenges faced in an entertainment payroll role, and how can they be managed effectively?

Entertainment Payroll professionals often deal with complex union rules, varying pay rates, and tight production deadlines. Navigating multiple contracts and ensuring accurate, timely payments to cast and crew can be challenging, especially during peak production periods. To manage these challenges, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with production teams are essential. Staying current with industry regulations and using specialized payroll software also help streamline processes and reduce errors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in entertainment payroll, and why are they important?

To excel in Entertainment Payroll, you need a solid understanding of payroll processes, accounting principles, and industry-specific union/guild regulations, often supported by a degree in accounting or a related field. Familiarity with entertainment payroll software such as Media Services, Cast & Crew, or EP, as well as proficiency in Excel, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, discretion, and excellent communication skills help manage sensitive data and collaborate with production teams. These capabilities are crucial to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payments in a fast-paced, highly regulated industry.

What is the difference between Entertainment Payroll vs Casting Coordinator?

AspectEntertainment PayrollCasting Coordinator
Primary RoleManages payroll processing for entertainment industry professionalsCoordinates casting calls and manages talent recruitment
Required CredentialsPayroll or accounting experience, industry-specific knowledgeTalent management or casting experience, industry knowledge
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, on-set, or remoteOn-set, casting offices, or production sites
Industry UsageCommonly used in entertainment production companiesUsed by casting agencies and production companies

Entertainment Payroll focuses on managing payroll processes for entertainment industry workers, ensuring accurate compensation. In contrast, Casting Coordinator handles talent recruitment and casting logistics. Both roles are essential in production but serve different functions within the industry.

More about Entertainment Payroll jobs

What cities are hiring for Entertainment Payroll jobs?

Cities with the most Entertainment Payroll job openings:

What states have the most Entertainment Payroll jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entertainment Payroll jobs include:

Infographic showing various Entertainment Payroll job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,982 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Vice President of Payroll, Sports & Entertainment - CA - On Site

Vensure Employer Solutions

Burbank, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

 About Us 

 Vensure Employer Solutions is the largest privately held organization in the HR technology and service sector, providing a comprehensive portfolio of solutions, including HR/HCM technology, managed services, and global business process outsourcing (BPO). The company and its service providers collectively serve over 95,000 businesses and process over $135B in annual payroll. As a "One Employer Solution" headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Vensure helps thousands of businesses streamline and grow their operations with custom strategies that benefit both employers and employees. Find out more by visiting www.vensure.com .

Position Summary

The VP of Payroll, 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 VP will lead a team of payroll specialists and work closely with production management and finance teams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor a team of payroll professionals, ensuring adherence to company policies and payroll best practices.
  • Oversee staff development, performance reviews, and continuous training to improve payroll accuracy and compliance.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Oversee the implementation of payroll systems and software updates, ensuring team is well trained in new tools and technologies.
  • Collaborate with IT and development teams to enhance functionality and resolve system issues. Serve as an entertainment payroll SME for software development and payroll processes and procedures.

Marginal Functions

  • Build, maintain and promote relationships with team members, peers across disciplines, and all other company team members ensuring effective coordination of communications and services affecting clients.
  • Attend webinars and training to stay up to date on best practices related to the company and department.
  • Complete projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • In-depth knowledge of guild and union rules (SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA, IATSE, etc.)
  • Proficiency with payroll software (e.g., Entertainment Partners, Cast & Crew, Greenslate, etc.) and accounting systems.
  • Excellent leadership and team management skills, with a proven track record of improving operational processes.
  • 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

Required Education & Experience

  • Extensive knowledge of entertainment payroll platforms required
  • 7+ years of entertainment industry payroll experience mandatory
  • 5+ years of management experience
  • Intermediate to strong skills in MS Office, including Excel and Outlook

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

None

Physical, Mental, & Communication Demands

Physical Demands:

  • Sedentary Work: Primarily involves sitting for extended periods, often at a desk or computer.
  • Manual Dexterity: Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
  • Mobility: Occasional walking or traversing throughout the office to meet with leaders and other employees.
  • Visual Acuity: Ability to read and analyze data on a computer screen (or to read and analyze data with reasonable accommodation) and in printed materials.
  • Lifting & Carrying: Minimal physical lifting required, but may involve handling documents, and lifting light office supplies.

Mental Demands:

  • Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy needed for managing client payroll accounts.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot issues related to client issues and escalations.
  • Multitasking: Manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, often under tight deadlines.
  • Decision-Making: Make informed decisions regarding when it is appropriate to escalate client concerns or issues.
  • Stress Management: Handle stressful situations calmly and effectively, especially when dealing with client and employee concerns.

Communication Demands:

  • Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with employees, managers, clients and external vendors.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Communicate with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, demonstrating cultural awareness and sensitivity.
  • Written Communication: Prepare clear and concise documentation, including emails and notes.
  • Verbal Communication: Conduct client and employee training sessions; provide clear instructions and support to clients, employees and managers.
  • Presentation Skills: Present information effectively in training sessions with clients and other employees.

Environmental Conditions

  • Indoor, office environment. May occasionally have moderate noise level from copiers, W2 or check printers, or co-workers.

Disclaimer

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee filling this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related. duties requested by management. Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this job description. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. Employment remains "at will".

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

  • Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement Plan: 401(k) with company match
  • Paid Time Off: PTO, Holidays, Parental leave and Sick Leave provided as required by applicable state law
  • Other Benefits: Life insurance, short term disability, long term disability, employee assistance program (EAP), flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), Identity theft protection, critical illness, accident, cancer, hospital protection, legal and pet insurance.

No matter what size your business is, VensureHR offers comprehensive HR and technology services such as payroll, employee benefits, compliance, and recruiting.