Devika Chandnani

About Devika Chandnani

Performing Artist, Teacher and Educator with a history of non-profit accounting management, database management, grant writing and developmental experience with a Masters of Science in Data Science.

Experience

1. Payroll Accountant

   Mark Morris Dance Group

   Jun 2025 — Present · Brooklyn, NY, US

   Manage and validate labor cost data for a high-volume payroll function ($5M+ annually), converting payroll activity into accurate financial inputs used for budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.• Built and implemented checks-and-balances controls across payroll workflows, reducing payroll errors by ~90% and materially improving data accuracy for downstream financial analysis.• Partner with HR and payroll provider (Insperity) to validate earnings codes, cost allocations, and employee classifications, strengthening labor cost integrity used in management reporting.• Reconcile payroll journal entries and benefits deductions, translating payroll outputs into budget-ready financial data for finance leadership.• Analyze payroll variances driven by staffing changes, substitutions, overtime, and schedule adjustments; flag anomalies and explain drivers prior to close.• Streamlined payroll review and approval processes by standardizing workflows and documentation, reducing rework and cycle time during payroll close.• Act as a cross-functional liaison between Education, HR, and Finance to translate staffing activity into accurate payroll and financial records.• Maintain detailed audit trails and documentation supporting payroll accuracy, internal controls, and financial audits.

Education

• Fordham University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Economics

• Fordham University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

  Master of Science - MS, Data Science

• Fordham University

  Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA, Dance

Skills

• Economics
• Public Speaking
• Samatha Meditation
• Visual Arts
• Mathematics
• Data Analysis
• Dance
• Contemporary Dance
• Sati Meditation
• Music
• Dance Instruction
• Performing Arts
• Microsoft Excel
• Spss
• Microsoft Office
• Art
• Meditation
• Teaching
• Running
• Mindfulness Meditation
• Vipasanna Meditation