Payroll Tax Specialist

Cast & Crew; Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) match

Generous PTO

Paid parental leave

Health & wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

Cast & Crew in California is seeking a Payroll Tax Specialist to prepare and audit payroll tax returns, reconcile filings with agency records and the general ledger, and handle special projects as assigned. This role supports multiple entities and requires meticulous attention to detail.

You will work with a collaborative team, manage tax notices, update tax receivable accounts monthly for 10+ companies, and coordinate with state agencies.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of payroll tax filing experience with multiple entities.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal and multi-state payroll tax reporting.
• Thorough understanding of tax withholding deposit requirements.
• Ability to train other team members.
• Ability to work overtime as needed.
• Ability to use software programs necessary to do the job.
• Hands-on experience using AI tools within your discipline — speak to tools used and impact.

Responsibilities

• Reconciles and files Quarterly and Annual Tax Returns for multiple entities.
• Audits and reconciles general ledger and issues journal entries.
• Prepares check requests and EFT requests for payment.
• Prepares Annual reconciliation to ensure W2 totals match quarterly filings.
• Verify totals on tax forms to detect errors.
• Log completed tax returns in tracking to ensure filings.
• File copies of tax returns in proper binders.
• Respond to tax notices promptly; research discrepancies and resolve.
• Update tax receivable accounts monthly for 10+ companies.
• Prepare amended filings and reports in May as needed.
• Register for SWT and UI tax accounts with agency documentation.

Skills

Payroll tax filing

Federal & multi-state reporting

Tax audits & reconciliations

Training teammates

Overtime readiness

Software proficiency

AI tools in discipline

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Tax software

Master Tax system

Job description

At Cast & Crew, we’ve empowered creativity and supported the global entertainment industry for decades. Together with our family of brands - Backstage, CAPS, Checks & Balances, Final Draft, Media Services, Sargent-Disc, and The TEAM Companies – we operate as a combined entertainment technology and services provider offering industry standard screenwriting accounting software, digital payroll products, data & reporting, and a host of creative tools. The industry continues to move faster than ever, and the need for our expertise, our technology, and our people has never been greater. We are a production’s best ally every step of the way. #OneCastOneCrew

Position Overview

The primary responsibilities of the Payroll Tax Specialist include preparing and auditing payroll tax returns. In addition, this position is responsible for reconciling tax filings with agency records and general ledger accounts and performing special projects and tasks as assigned.

Core Responsibilities

• Reconciles and files with different tax agencies the Quarterly and Annual Tax Returns for companies with an average of 130 tax returns per quarter.
• Audits and reconciles general ledger and issues journal entries as needed.
• Prepares check requests and electronic fund transfer requests for payment.
• Prepares Annual reconciliation to make sure W2’s totals match with our quarterly filings.
• Verify total on tax forms prepared to detect programming errors.
• Log completed tax returns in tracking to ensure that all required payroll tax returns have been filed.
• Sort and attached checks to completed quarterly tax return (paper returns) and to vouchers for the tax returns that need to be e-filed and e-paid, place them in mailing cart by state to ensure they are mailed timely.
• File all copies of Quarterly and Annual tax returns in proper tax binders to make sure all documentation is in place.
• Respond on a daily basis to tax notice’s in a timely manner. Analyze and research for any information needed to resolve tax discrepancies and submit payment request for approval if necessary. Negotiate with agencies to abate any possible penalties charged to our accounts and prepare any documentation needed.
• Consult payroll tax law references to resolve payroll tax issues.
• On a monthly basis update tax receivable account for 10+ companies.
• In the month of May prepare amended tax filings, tax returns and reports as needed.
• Prepare agency documentation required to register for new SWT (State Tax withholding) and UI (Unemployment Insurance) tax account.
• Ensure assigned tax rates, wage base limits and account ID #’s are accurate, current and up to date in Master Tax and Media Pay.
• File all Documents in the proper tax binders.
• On a weekly basis log in into CA, NY websites to verify our accounts are in good standing.
• Keep tax files and department clean and organized.
• Respond to all agency’s inquiries in a timely manner
• Ensure daily and monthly withholding payments are made promptly (daily payments consist of an average of 30 payments and monthly payments consist an average of 210 payments).
• Responsible for routing the entire tax department’s quarterly work
• Make wage corrections on quarterly returns through master tax system
• Respond to all recalculation requests
• Respond to all payroll extension requests
• Filing and organizing all payments records (EFT requests and Check requests)
• Follow up on tax notices and making sure everything is cleared

Key Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of payroll tax filing experience working with multiple entities required.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal and multi-state payroll tax reporting.
• Must have a thorough understanding of tax and withholding deposit requirements.
• Ability to efficiently and effectively train other team members.
• Ability work overtime as needed.
• Ability to use software programs necessary to do the job.
• Strong computer and software applications skills.
• Hands-on experience using AI tools within your discipline — able to speak to specific tools used, workflow integration, and measurable business impact — with a drive to continuously experiment with and apply emerging AI capabilities.

We take care of our people.

When you join Cast & Crew, you're backed by a benefits package built around what matters most. From comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, to a 401(k) match, generous PTO, paid parental leave, health and wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and employee discounts. We’re committed to helping you thrive, professionally, and personally.

Benefits Are Subject To Eligibility Requirements.

Cast & Crew is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job-related qualifications and ability to perform a job, without regard to age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship or marital status, and to maintain a non-discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment or bias based upon these grounds.

CA residents

Your personal information may be collected in connection with certain services provided by Cast & Crew or its affiliated companies. A summary of your California privacy rights can be found at: https://www.castandcrew.com/privacy-policy/

Compensation is commensurate with various factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, qualifications, skills, training, licensure, certifications, geographic cost of labor, and other business and organizational needs. Compensation range for candidates in other locations may differ based on the cost of labor in that location. The compensation range for this position is: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour.