The Mark Morris Dance Group seeks a full-time Payroll Specialist whose primary responsibility is processing payroll for approximately 140 full time, part time and seasonal employees as well as providing support in benefits coordination and human resource management. This new position is a key member of the HR and Finance team and supports the entire organization, interacting regularly with all hiring managers and supervisors as well as all employees and independent contractors employed by the organization. In addition to superb attention to detail and accuracy, excellent interpersonal and communication skills are critical to the success of this role. Reporting to the Director of People and Culture, the Payroll Specialist joins the organization at a pivotal moment as the Dance Group reimagines how we operate, further embody our core values, and welcome back our community. 

 

The successful candidate will join a community of dedicated arts and administrative professionals who are propelled by Mark Morris's commitment to artistic excellence, access to the arts, and the impact that the arts have in connecting and engaging communities. MMDG is committed to ongoing and sustained equity and inclusion work. All staff are expected to be actively engaged and dedicated to upholding our core values of celebrating our diverse community, pursuing excellence in all that we do, advancing access, exposure, and opportunity to dance and music, and cultivating creativity. Learn more about MMDG's commitment to antiracism and our core values.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

  Payroll Processing  

Process bi-weekly payroll for approximately 140 employees (staff, dancers, production crew, teachers, and musicians)
Process bi-weekly fee payments for contractors (faculty, supplemental dancers and musicians)
Verify payroll information (e.g. time sheets, contracts, overtime payments, direct deposits, wage attachments, benefits deductions, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accurate distribution of funds 
Process and administer payroll deductions (including but not limited to union benefits, child support, levy and garnishments, retirement plan contributions, Section 125 pre-tax deductions such as Commuter, FSA, Dental, Vision, and Health); closely monitor and review HRIS reports to ensure accuracy; calculate and communicate any necessary adjustments or corrections
Stay abreast of labor and tax laws and related benefit regulations that affect payroll
Verify Ascentis processing of quarterly and annual Federal 941 and NYS-45 tax fillings 
Prepare timely and accurate year-end W2s and 1099’s and other related reporting forms required by the IRS
Import and review payroll journal entries in accounting software with supporting documentation
Maintain confidentiality and provide superb customer service to address any payroll matters
Maintain a wide variety of payroll information, 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 
Process and issue annual 1094-C and 1095-C forms
Communicate with a variety of internal and external parties (city/state/federal agencies, payroll provider, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring accurate processing of payroll deductions/garnishments
Assisting with annual Audit preparation (financial, workers comp, tax return) 

 

  Benefits Coordination / HR Generalist

Enter all Health, Dental, Vision, Health Reimbursement Account, Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care Account, Commuter, Retirement Plan, Life insurance, Long Term Disability and COBRA information into the appropriate carrier websites 
Audit, code, and review benefits and insurance bills for payment processing; Reconcile monthly FSA activities to bank statement
Timely and accurately respond to unemployment claims and employment and wage verification requests 
Process retirement, disability and union-related benefit and dues payments and reporting
Enter and process employment data into payroll system
Execute background checks as needed
Proactively identify new and streamlined reporting or processes to improve day-to-day activities
In coordination with the Director of People and Culture: identify and implement Ascentis process efficiencies, data consistency, and cleanup efforts; assist with annual open enrollment, assist with various projects as needed 

 

SCHEDULE: This is a full-time exempt 40 hour per week position; Monday - Friday, flexible schedule, on-site most days

 

You will be successful in this role if you:

Can be firm on policies and procedures but flexible in managing people and relationships 
Have patience and grace when interacting with different personality types
Have an excellent memory and love to play concentration games and puzzles 
Possess strong organizational skills and have the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines 
Are someone with initiative, creativity, energy, and a sense of humor, who enjoys working as a team player to reach shared departmental and organizational goals 
Have a deep commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and access and are inspired by Mark Morris’ work and our programs

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

At least 3–5 years of payroll related skills, knowledge, and experience
Payroll processing experience required, preferably for union and non-union employees as well as complex pay types, pay codes and pay structures
Knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll tax law
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Rigorous attention to detail and proven ability to work with precision and accuracy 
Proficient with Microsoft 365, including Excel, Outlook, and Teams 
Ability to maintain a strict level of confidentiality, discretion, judgment, tact, and diplomacy in all matters is required
Technologically savvy and familiar with computerized accounting and payroll software applications, experience using Blackbaud’s Financial Edge or Ascentis Payroll a plus
Compliance with MMDG COVID-19 Safety Plan and Vaccination Policy

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: General mobility in office areas. Ability to operate data processing and other office equipment. Prolonged periods sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer. 

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Annual Salary: $50,000 - $55,000
Paid vacation, sick/personal leave, holidays and bonus days
Comprehensive benefits package includes Employee Health and Life insurance covered 100%, Flexible Spending Plan, Voluntary vision and dental coverage, Pre-tax commuter benefit, 403(b) retirement plan, and 100% paid family leave
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 extended to staff members by community partners.

APPLICATIONS:

Applications accepted through our website – www.mmdg.org/jobs   
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.
Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
You will be asked to submit the following as part of your online application:

1-page Cover Letter addressed to Rebecca Hunt, Director of People and Culture   
Complete résumé highlighting relevant experience.

The cover letter should include answers to each of the following questions:

Why are you interested in working at the Mark Morris Dance Group?
The Payroll Specialist 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 life experience?
MMDG is a values-driven organization; please review our core values of Community, Excellence, Creativity, and Access and discuss an instance in your professional career where you have demonstrated one of them.

DEADLINE:

The position is open until filled.
Please note that some candidate interviews will be conducted by video using the Zoom (https://zoom.us/) video communications application. Please download the application in advance and have a functioning camera and speaker on your device. MMDG can also provide candidates with reasonable accommodations, if needed.