Sr Financial Accounting Analyst

The Walt Disney Company • Glendale, CA

1d • $104,800 - $128,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Sr Financial Accounting Analyst - Production Audit is a skilled and proficient accounting professional who supports Disney Corporate by ensuring the integrity of financial reporting across high-budget film and television productions and related distribution activities. Operating as an independent worker and effective problem-solver, this role combines deep technical accounting knowledge with strong audit and analytical capabilities to safeguard contractual compliance, cost accuracy, and revenue completeness for The Walt Disney Company's content portfolio.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of accounting, audit methodologies, and entertainment finance, with the ability to dissect complex financial data and identify anomalies.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial modeling, including working with large datasets and detailed cost reports.
• Experience with cloud-based or ERP financial systems such as SAP and related business tools (e.g., Adaptive Insights, Tableau, MicroStrategy).
• Familiarity with data analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to support audit testing and insight generation.
• Strong grasp of legal and financial language in production and licensing agreements, with the ability to translate technical findings into clear business insights.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail, with the capability to maintain objectivity in high-stakes financial reviews.
• Effective collaboration and communication skills, with a collaborative, innovative, and adaptable approach to working with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal guidance, manage multiple audits with competing deadlines, and act as a skilled, proficient problem-solver and mentor.
• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in accounting, audit, or entertainment finance, preferably with exposure to production or distribution environments.

Nice To Haves

• CPA license or near-certification completion.
• Prior experience auditing television or film productions, or working in media and entertainment accounting.
• Experience with third-party audits and contract compliance reviews, particularly in production or distribution contexts.
• Understanding of production accounting systems (e.g., Movie Magic, PSL, or equivalent) and knowledge of union/guild agreements (SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA, IATSE).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage individual end-to-end audits of third-party production entities and co-production partners, including large studios, independent producers, and internal production units.
• Validate production cost reports, general ledgers, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with approved budgets and cost categories.
• Assess compliance with contractual terms such as budgets, cost caps, allowable expenses, and reporting requirements, identifying overcharges, misallocations, and non-compliant spending.
• Interpret complex production, licensing, co-financing, and distribution agreements, analyzing key financial provisions including above-the-line vs. below-the-line expenditures, tax incentives, cost breakages, over-runs, and overhead allocations.
• Partner with Legal and Business Affairs to clarify contract interpretations and audit rights, and recommend audit results, settlement actions, and recovery opportunities.
• Conduct and support distribution (revenue) audits by reviewing revenue participation statements, licensing agreements, and distribution partner settlements for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with contractual terms.
• Validate multiple revenue streams (e.g., subscription, advertising, transactional, and international licensing) and identify underreported revenues, improper deductions, or timing discrepancies.
• Serve as the primary audit contact with guild auditors (e.g., SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA), coordinating timely delivery of financial records, reconciling audit findings, and managing resulting claims, settlements, and adjustments.
• Ensure production cost reporting aligns with guild agreements, including residual and pension & health contributions, partnering with Legal, Labor Relations, and Participations teams to resolve discrepancies.
• Develop and maintain a risk assessment framework to prioritize audit targets based on spend, partner history, and agreement complexity, ensuring compliance with internal controls and accounting policies.
• Contribute to standardized audit programs, tools, and data analytics solutions to enhance audit efficiency, insights, and continuous process improvement.
• Act as a mentor and resource for colleagues with less experience, explaining complex or sensitive concepts clearly while managing multiple audits with competing deadlines as an effective, independent worker.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior