MANAGER of ACCOUNTING - STUDIO OPERATIONS, Major Entertainment Company, Los Angeles, CA

MANAGER OF ACCOUNTING - STUDIO OPERATIONS, Major Entertainment Company, Los Angeles, CA

The Studio Finance department services more than 50 departments within the Studio Services Groups at the company.
Studio Group consists of the Studio Operations unit (stage rentals and all related businesses, such as set lighting, grip, transportation, wardrobe, property and security environmental health and safety).
Post Production Group provides full-service post production facilities and services to SPE and 3rd party feature and television productions. Division is responsible for all aspects of production, during and after principal photography, from dailies to final dub mix.
Manager is responsible for providing accounting, budgeting and business support for the Studio Services operating departments and their management in addition to being involved in overseeing all aspects of the accounting, financial and management reporting, forecasting and budgeting processes as well as business analysis and ad-hoc projects for the Groups.

Business Analysis and Project Responsibilities

Manage the preparation of financial models for operational improvements - those implemented as well as those being contemplated.
Review project memos and presentations prepared by staff regarding departmental operations, potential process improvements, and ROI considerations.
Liaison with implementation team regarding G/L implementation along with legacy system interfaces.
Ensure that policies and procedures are maintained both with accounting and operational areas.
Liaison with IT regarding Studio Services departmental system implementations (including sitting on development and implementation task forces and committees).
Investment analysis on new business lines and equipment purchases.
Consult with operating departments on complex assignments. Provide business and finance advice on methods to implement organizational improvements including:
o Business processes,
o Workplace environment,
o Business unit competitiveness, and
o Cost reductions.

Accounting and Budgeting Responsibilities

Financial Reporting and Departmental Analysis:
Review and coordinate the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual close packages, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow schedules and related variance analysis / explanations against budget and forecasts.
Communicate and interact regularly with operating management and personnel; review monthly results of operations and other relevant reports with them, as part of financial analysis of their businesses, to facilitate making recommendations on profitability measures and to provide strategic responses to changes in business practices.
Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting Corporate Finance, including P&L, cash flow, flash and actual-to-budget variance reconciliation's and submissions.
Oversee fixed assets management for all operational areas.
Enhance financial reporting and streamline, refine and improve the consolidation process to assist management in business decision-making.
Ad Hoc reports for management on a need be basis.
Coordinate staffing and analyses for special projects (sales tax audits, inventory observations, rent allocations and acquisitions of new building leases.)

Budgeting and Forecasting:
Manage the preparation, consolidation and analysis of the annual budget; quarterly forecast and multi-year business plans for the Studio Operations and Post Production divisions. Tasks include working directly with operations to develop and review numbers, designing spreadsheets, workbooks and presentations for upper management.

Qualifications

Minimum of one-plus years managerial experience and four-plus years of practical working experience in Accounting and/or Finance, entertainment industry preferred.
B.S. or B.A. in Accounting or Finance; CPA or MBA a plus
Studio Operations and Post Production experience a plus
Hands-on general accounting and financial reporting experience (including general ledger and systems knowledge)
Hands-on budgeting and forecasting experience.
Possesses the ability to quickly grasp new concepts.
Demonstrates ability to handle fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and meet constant deadlines.
Excels in the areas of written and oral communication.
Superior computer skills (Excel, Word, & Access) demonstrated.

Critical success factors:
Generally employs a big-picture approach, but possess the ability to drill down to the details as needed.
Fosters an outstanding relationship of customer service and satisfaction with operating and financial personnel at all levels, but especially with management.
Excellent organizational, project management and analytical skills.
Possesses the ability to quickly grasp new concepts.
Demonstrates ability to handle fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and meet constant deadlines.
Excels in the areas of written and oral communication.
Superior computer skills (Word, Access & Excel) demonstrated.
Proven ability to supervise and motivate finance/accounting team.
Coordinate staff development efforts and training / mentorship.