VP, FP&A

ARENA SNK, Inc•Beverly Hills, CA

2d•$150,000 - $250,000

About The Position

The Arena is seeking a senior, hands-on VP/SVP of Financial Planning & Analysis to own the financial lens on major company decisions and report to the EVP, Finance. The successful candidate will build and run the long-range planning model, maintain short-term cash flow projections, and lead deal analysis and greenlight modeling for film and series projects. The title (VP or SVP) will be determined based on the successful candidate’s experience. The role participates in greenlight, deal-structuring, and new-opportunity decisions, and requires both a point of view and the ability to build models from scratch. The candidate will present concise recommendations to senior executives and the board, and will work with the CEO, CFO, and future Head of Legal on governance materials and approvals. The Arena is an independent studio creating global franchises inspired by gaming, anime, and event action. Its offerings include film and television, social media communities and content, experiential events, and consumer goods.

Requirements

Deep, hands-on experience building film ultimates across theatrical, streaming, home entertainment, television, and international windows, with a clear understanding of the assumptions and how they hold up after release.
At least 10 years of progressive experience in FP&A, strategic finance, corporate finance, or investment banking, including several years at a studio, distributor, financier, or production company.
Demonstrated ownership of a long-range planning model and short-term cash flow forecasting in an operating business.
Strong deal modeling skills, including co-financing structures, participations, waterfalls, distribution terms, and production tax incentives.
Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills, including the ability to build clean, auditable models from scratch.
Excellent written communication and presentation skills, including the ability to turn complex models into concise recommendations for senior executives and the board.
Comfort operating in a lean, fast-moving environment as both strategist and hands-on model builder.
Experience contributing to board or committee materials and approval processes, and comfort working alongside legal counsel.

Nice To Haves

Experience modeling scripted or unscripted series economics, including license fees, deficits, back-end, and library value.
Exposure to studio or slate financing, including facility structures and lender reporting.
Experience presenting to a board or investment committee.
MBA, CFA, or CPA.

Responsibilities

Own and continuously improve the multi-year long-range planning model, covering the slate, overhead, financing, and returns.
Run the annual budget and periodic reforecasts with the EVP, Finance, and translate the plan into clear scenarios for senior management and the board.
Partner with the EVP, Finance and CFO on capital planning, financing needs, and the financial case for strategic initiatives.
Build and maintain short-term cash flow projections that track production spend, receivables, financing draws, and overhead.
Flag liquidity risks early and recommend actions regarding spend timing, financing draws, and collections.
Lead financial analysis for films and series under consideration, building ultimates, waterfalls, and returns across theatrical, streaming, home entertainment, television, and international windows.
Model deal structures, including co-financing, output and license deals, distribution terms, talent participations, and tax incentives, and advise on improving deal economics.
Maintain a consistent greenlight framework and present recommendations to the greenlight committee.
Track released-title performance against greenlight ultimates and incorporate lessons into assumptions.
Evaluate new business opportunities, partnerships, and investments, including market sizing, financial modeling, and risk assessment.
Support strategic projects, investor materials, and board materials with rigorous, well-presented analysis.
Build the FP&A function over time, including its tools and processes and, as the company grows, a small team.
Support corporate governance with the CEO, CFO, and future Head of Legal, helping ensure decisions reach the appropriate forum at the appropriate time.
Help coordinate board, committee, and investor memos, resolutions, and consents; contribute financial analysis and keep materials on track through approval.