Independent Contractor Payroll Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join a vibrant, world-renowned arts organization where your precision and expertise in accounting and payroll will support the dancers, educators, and staff who bring Mark Morris Dance Group's mission to life. The Mark Morris Dance Group is seeking a Payroll Administrator who will provide essential administrative and operational support across all Mark Morris Dance Group programs, including The Company, The School, Adult Programs, Rentals and Community Education.  

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Payroll Administrator works closely with the Director of Education, Director of Dance Center Operations, and Director of Human Resources to streamline payroll and administrative processes organization wide. This role will be directly responsible for the timely and accurate processing of payroll and independent contractor fees for approximately 200 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees as well as supporting annual and ongoing faculty hiring, scheduling and contracting. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Master Payroll Processing 

• In partnership with Insperity PEO, process bi-weekly payroll for approximately 50 full-time employees (staff, dancers and production crew).
• Verify payroll information (e.g. time sheets, contracts, overtime payments, direct deposits, wage attachments, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accurate distribution of funds.
• Verify Insperity PEO processing of quarterly and annual W2s, Federal 941 and NYS-45 tax fillings.
• Stay current with payroll software updates and maintain system functionality.
• Maintain confidentiality and provide superb customer service to address any payroll matters; answer employee questions regarding paychecks and deductions.
• Maintain a wide variety of payroll information (W4 forms, I9 forms and timesheets), files and records in paper and electronic formats for the purpose of providing an up-to-date reference and audit trail in compliance with Record Retention Standards.
• Participate in internal and external payroll audits to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Dance Center Programs Payroll 

• Prepare bi-weekly payroll for approximately 150 faculty employees and 60 independent contractors including tech crew, musicians, teaching artists, and assistant teaching artists.
  • Pull Mindbody reports and cross reference schedules to ensure all faculty and substitutes are paid timely and accurately.
  • Prepare bi-weekly payment requests for approximately 60 independent contractors for submission to Accounting for processing.
  • Review faculty timesheets for accurate project coding and sick leave requests. 

Administration 

• Partner with CFO to maintain a roster of Dance Center teaching artists, musicians, and tech crew, both employees and independent contractors with up to date pay rate schedules and pay code configuration.
• Partner with Director of Human Resources to prepare annual and ad-hoc faculty agreements and independent contractor contracts.
• Review and post biweekly payroll journal entry to the general ledger, ensuring accurate project codes and labor allocations.
• Run biweekly payroll reports inclusive of 403B contributions, union dues and submit to Accounting for processing.
• Maintain budget projections for payroll taxes and benefits. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: None 

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:  

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field preferred or equivalent work experience. 
• 2+ years of accounting and/or payroll processing experience.
• Familiarity in handling complex pay types, pay codes, and pay structures in both union and non-union payroll.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Outlook.
• Technologically savvy; experience with payroll systems required.
• Exceptional organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Proven ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize effectively, and work with precision and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative team player with a congenial attitude, sense of humor, and humility.
• Resourceful, proactive, and solutions-oriented.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion, judgment, tact, and diplomacy while maintaining a high level of confidentiality. 

Special Requirements: None 

YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE IF YOU: 

• Love data, numbers and working in excel.
• Have an excellent memory and zealous attention to detail.
• Enjoy working with artists and ensuring accuracy of their pay.
• Possess strong organizational skills and have the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Are someone with initiative who can take ownership of their work and enjoys working as a team player to reach shared departmental and organizational goals.
• Love our Work and Align with our Core Values - You're inspired by the ways in which we celebrate our diverse community, pursue excellence in all that we do, advance access, exposure and opportunity to dance and music, and cultivate creativity. 

SCHEDULE:This is a full-time, non-exempt 40-hour per week, Monday-Friday onsite position. A flexible hybrid schedule may be considered after the successful completion of a six-month onsite introductory period. 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:  

• Paid vacation, sick/personal leave, holidays and bonus days
• Employee Health and Life insurance covered 100%, Flexible Spending Plan, Voluntary vision and dental coverage, Pre-tax commuter benefit, 403(b) retirement plan
• Access to special events and MMDG performances (when available)
• Access to free and discounted classes at the Dance Center and online
• Invitations to cultural events are extended to staff members by community partners.  

To join our team, please submit your resume along with a cover letter addressed to Elizabeth Fox, CFO. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. In your cover letter, please respond to the following questions: 

• Why are you interested in working at the Mark Morris Dance Group?
• The Payroll Administrator must be able to work accurately and efficiently under hard deadlines while also juggling last-minute requests and information. How have you exhibited this skill in your work experience?