Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Timeline
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STARR BENNETT

Atlanta,GA

Summary

Dynamic production finance and payroll professional with over a decade of experience supporting high-profile TV and film projects. Expertise includes production accounting operations, payroll processing, vendor coordination, cost tracking, and compliance, ensuring seamless financial management throughout the production lifecycle. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with accountants, producers, and finance teams to maintain accuracy and timeliness while adhering to studio requirements. A strong passion for the entertainment industry drives a highly organized, detail-oriented approach, thriving in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Payroll Accountant

Tyler Perry Studios
09.2022 - 07.2025
  • Led people operations for 750+ cast and crew, managing sensitive employee data and compliance with union/guild policies.
  • Delivered human resources financial support by certifying and processing payroll, completing deposits, performing pay adjustments and promptly distributing checks.
  • Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
  • Served as the primary contact for employee inquiries, onboarding/offboarding, and issue resolution.
  • Collaborated with leadership to support compensation plans, resolve discrepancies, and foster a positive work culture.

Assistant Payroll Accountant

NBC Universal Studios
07.2021 - 09.2022
  • Supported people & culture initiatives, processing 300+ timecards, coordinating onboarding, and managing cross-team communication.
  • Kept up-to-date with tax changes and industry trends by participating in professional organizations, opportunities, and networks.
  • Developed financial models to assess and analyze financial performance of clients.
  • Delivered human resources financial support by certifying and processing payroll, completing deposits, performing pay adjustments and promptly distributing checks.
  • Assisted in recoupment, adjustments, and employee development documentation.

Assistant Accountant

WarnerMedia Studios
12.2020 - 07.2021
  • Supported Production Accountant in processing 150+ accounts payable, petty cash, and POs.
  • Managed vendor setup, tracked purchase orders, and ensured timely payments.
  • Reconciled weekly reports and expense logs, coordinated with payroll to verify crew classifications and costs.
  • Reviewed general ledger entries and assessed accuracy.
  • Facilitated month-end and year-end closing processed to support accuracy and completeness of financial reports.

Payroll Coordinator

Cast & Crew
12.2018 - 12.2020
  • Managed weekly onboarding, start paperwork, and payroll processing for up to 1,100 union/non-union employees.
  • Partnered with clients and internal teams on contract compliance, compensation inquiries, and talent support.
  • Performed calculations in overtime, vacation, and sick hours to provide accurate data to payroll processing database.
  • Investigated payroll variances and employee claims to resolve discrepancies and balance financial records.
  • Documented and processed all garnishments for bankruptcies, student loans, and child support orders.

Payroll Clerk

Various Productions
08.2016 - 10.2018
  • Processed daily timesheets for a crew of 400+, ensuring accuracy and compliance with payroll regulations.
  • Processed 250+ extras vouchers daily, handling complex edits and adjustments to ensure timely payments.
  • Played a key role in resolving payroll discrepancies for non-union crew members and ensuring smooth payroll operations.
  • Maintained employee confidence and protected payroll operations by keeping information confidential.
  • Updated employee files with new details such as changes in address or salary levels.

Education

Master of Social Work -

Clark Atlanta University
Atlanta, GA
05.2016

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

Clark Atlanta University
Atlanta, GA
05.2012

Timeline

Payroll Accountant

Tyler Perry Studios
09.2022 - 07.2025

Assistant Payroll Accountant

NBC Universal Studios
07.2021 - 09.2022

Assistant Accountant

WarnerMedia Studios
12.2020 - 07.2021

Payroll Coordinator

Cast & Crew
12.2018 - 12.2020

Payroll Clerk

Various Productions
08.2016 - 10.2018

Master of Social Work -

Clark Atlanta University

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

Clark Atlanta University

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