Executive Director, Production Finance

About the position

The Executive Director, Production Finance will play an integral role on the ABC Studios Production Finance Team. This role reports to the VP of Production Finance. This individual will serve as the key Finance Executive point of contact for multiple projects ensuring high accuracy and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and be accountable for multiple projects at various production stages (from development through final tax credit collection)
• Independently resolve production finance issues and secure support from operational business partners.
• Lead and train a team, including freelance accounting staff, ensuring high levels of competence and performance.
• Review and validate all financial reports and documents for shows, including budgets, weekly cost reports, trial balances, and bank reconciliations.
• Provide clear explanations of cost changes and recommendations when applicable.
• Work with stakeholders to strategically implement cost-saving strategies while maintaining production quality.
• Act as a key liaison for internal studio partners (Production, Creative, Business Affairs, Finance, Controllership) and Disney enterprise partners (Tax, Risk Management, Treasury, etc.).
• Possess an in-depth understanding of the physical production processes, including budgeting for domestic and foreign productions, audit, currency hedge, cash flow management, setting up legal entities and bank accounts, tax incentives, union regulations, and industry trends and best practices.
• Champion change and support the Finance Transformation which will include increasing efficiencies and creation of new processes.

Requirements

• Minimum 12+ years of industry experience with 10+ years of production finance experience.
• Proven experience in managing multiple productions and accounting processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to handle complex issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively and manage relationships with various stakeholders.
• Technical proficiency in Budgeting/Estimating, Cash Flow, Cost Reporting, Tax Incentives and knowledge of Union regulations.
• Advanced knowledge of all EP and Cast & Crew software and product suite, including: Movie Magic Budgeting, Scenechronize, EP Smart Accounting, Global Vista, PSL, and Start+.
• Prior experience managing a team, with the ability to hire and manage freelance accountants.
• Bachelor's degree required; preferably in Finance or Accounting.
• Ability to respond to and embrace changing business needs.
• Willingness to adopt AI and other emerging technologies as the production finance workflow continues to evolve.

Benefits

• A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package.
• Full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.