Director of Payroll (In-Person Role)

AMDA•Los Angeles, CA

9d•$100,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

AMDA College of the Performing Arts, with campuses in New York City and Hollywood, is one of the foremost post-secondary performing arts colleges in the country. AMDA offers various pathways for students to receive unparalleled performing arts education taught by world-class industry professionals, including Professional Conservatory Certificates as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees (Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Occupational Studies, Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts). AMDA is seeking a strategic, detail-oriented, and experienced Director of Payroll to lead and manage payroll operations across both our Los Angeles and New York campuses, as well as for remote employees nationwide. This Los Angeles-based, fully in-person role will directly oversee the Payroll Administrator in Los Angeles, while also being hands-on responsible for running payroll for our New York campus. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and working closely with the Senior Vice President of Human Resources (SVPHR), this role plays a critical function in ensuring payroll accuracy, compliance with multi-state regulations, and alignment with institutional policies and goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
7+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 3+ years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
Demonstrated expertise in multi-state payroll, especially New York and California.
Strong proficiency with ADP Workforce Now or a comparable HRIS/payroll platform.
In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local wage/hour laws, tax rules, and benefit deductions.
Exceptional accuracy, discretion, and attention to detail.
Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
Experience managing remote workflows and cross-functional collaborations.

Nice To Haves

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent credential.

Responsibilities

Lead all payroll operations for AMDA's Los Angeles and New York campuses, and for remote employees across the U.S.
Directly supervise the California-based Payroll Administrator, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll execution for the LA campus.
Serve as the primary processor for bi-weekly payroll for the New York campus (faculty, staff, and student workers).
Audit and approve all payrolls across locations before final submission.
Maintain consistency in payroll processes, documentation, and compliance across employee types and locations.
Act as the institutional subject matter expert on payroll laws, systems, and processes, in close collaboration with HR.
Ensure multi-state payroll tax compliance, including for remote workers.
Process full-cycle payroll bi-weekly for New York-based employees.
Maintain payroll records, including new hires, terminations, pay changes, and benefit deductions in ADP Workforce Now.
Ensure compliance with federal, New York State, and New York City wage and hour laws.
Respond to payroll-related inquiries from NY staff with professionalism and clarity.
Provide oversight, guidance, and performance management for the LA-based Payroll Administrator.
Ensure compliance with California payroll laws and tax regulations.
Serve as a backup for LA payroll in the absence of the Payroll Administrator.
Oversee garnishments, deductions, and tax withholding across jurisdictions.
Ensure timely payroll tax filings, year-end reporting (W-2s, etc.), and other compliance requirements.
Conduct internal payroll audits and investigate discrepancies.
Collaborate with Finance and HR to optimize payroll systems and implement process improvements.
Generate reports and provide analysis to support budgeting, audits, and executive decision-making.