Associate, Production Finance

Role Summary

Universal Studio Group is hiring a Production Finance Associate to enhance our robust studio team. We seek a high-performing, motivated, conscientious, detail-oriented professional who exhibits strong production accounting skills. You will be a part of a dynamic and creative Production Finance team working directly with our production business units in the planning, financial administration and production of first-class television programming. The successful candidate should emphasize cross-functional collaboration with all business partners for process improvements and efficiencies, along with partnering closely with our internal teams, such as Production, Finance, Business Affairs, Legal, Post, Programming, etc. One should have a strong knowledge of entertainment industry production accounting and reporting. They should be self-motivated, proactive, able to pivot when necessary, thorough, and able to juggle multiple and diverse responsibilities with a strong emphasis on organization and an unwavering attention to detail coupled with a strong sense of integrity.

Essential Responsibilities

• Communicate with Production Finance Executives and keep them abreast of any finance, production and accounting related issues.
• Create, update and proactively maintain production finance documents and resources.
• Serve as a bridge between freelance accounting departments and the studio to ensure both sides receive pertinent updates in a timely manner.
• Assist with the finalization of episodic cost reporting and performance of final close procedures to ensure external and internal accounting records reconcile. This includes resolving any outstanding issues (including escheatments), management of documentation for retention and performing final closure of production ledgers.
• Support perpetual ad hoc projects, training & development initiatives.
• Assist in the administration of the financial on-boarding and off-boarding process for the various productions including performing pre-production, post and wrap accounting inclusive of reporting, payroll, A/P, petty cash, journal entries, p-card (Cashet) activity and collection of receivables & deposits. Additional tasks include supporting the Production Finance Executives with studio breakage and recoupments, check deposits, cost allocations, initiating foreign wire requests, etc.
• Champion evolving technologies and determine how to incorporate them into production finance workflows.
• Assist in the scheduling and coordinating of the initial finance kick-off and ongoing meetings for the various productions.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• 2+ years of film and/or television industry production finance or production accounting experience preferred
• Working experience with Excel and other Microsoft / Apple products
• Knowledge of Vista, PSL, Ease, and/or other Production Accounting programs
• SAP experience, preferred but not required
• Candidates are required to be highly analytical, as well as strong effective communicators

Desired Characteristics

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to interact with employees at all levels, including upper management
• Robust understanding of payroll and A/P process
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• High level of academic curiosity
• Exhibit the highest personal and professional standards of integrity and ethics
• Self-motivated and proactive
• Ability to juggle multiple and diverse responsibilities with a strong emphasis on organization and an unwavering attention to detail

Schedule

This position currently has a hybrid schedule, which requires contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week. The Company reserves the right to change in-office requirements at any time.

Pay & Benefits

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks.