Production Accountant

Skydance•Santa Monica, CA

3d•$140,000 - $185,000•Onsite

About The Position

Skydance Animation is looking for an experienced Production Accountant to join its animation division. The Production Accountant will provide financial support and analysis for Skydance Animation. This position is responsible for all financial and accounting functions related to production. Inclusive but not limited to cost reporting, forecasting/cash flows, accounts payable and payroll processing, general accounting, and ad-hoc analysis. The Production Accountant will work directly with Film Production Management, Producers and the Director of Production Finance.

Requirements

5 years of production accounting experience required
Proficiency with Excel required
Experience with Smart Accounting preferred
Business or Accounting degree preferred
Animation experience preferred
Knowledge of SAG and IA pay practices preferred (notably 839 and 700)

Responsibilities

Manage all financial aspects of production accounting including budgeting, cash flows, cost tracking, variance analysis, forecasting estimated final cost (EFC), production quota and productivity reporting, as well as monthly reconciliation to the corporate ledger
Partner with the Production leadership to create and manage production schedules and budgets that deliver films on budget
Provide and present clear, accurate and timely production planning scenarios and analysis to both Production and Studio Management during the life cycle of a film
Understand and aid in solving budgeting and staffing issues
Collaborate with show leadership to measure production health against quotas, milestones, complexity goals and budget, and create executive summaries that headline those measurements
Collaborate with the SAM (Skydance Animation Madrid) Finance team to manage all cost/EFC reporting to include both costs and crew weeks
Adapt to changing scenarios, anticipate problems and recommend solutions to show leadership, while maintaining studio objectives
Clearly and concisely communicate issues and collaborate with Production leadership to problem solve using active listening and knowledge of the animation production process
Provide accurate, detailed and timely cost reports, cash flow and headcount forecasts, Staffing Profiles, and Smart Accounting/Trial Balance reconciliations
Comply with all studio procedures for POs, invoices, checks and timecard approvals
Collaborate with Production Finance team to establish best practices, maintain consistency across shows and provide maximum efficiency
Liaise with studio Human Resources and Recruiting team to identify proper hiring needs and practices
Direct and approve all staffing documents including terminations, dismissal pay, vacation payout, and bill backs in a timely manner
Direct Assistant Production Accountant on all aspects of their job to ensure Studio compliance, accuracy, and timely processing of all payments
Mentor and train Assistant Production Accountant to ensure strong work performance