wiip

Position Summary: 

wiip is seeking a Manager, Studio Finance to oversee all facets of the production finance operation and accounting process. This position will be a key member of the Finance team working closely with internal and external production teams. The ideal candidate will understand the episodic television production business and be able to work cross-functionally with other teams including Creative, Business Affairs, Productions and Senior Management. Please email resumes to: [email protected]

Location: 

Los Angeles, CA

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Effectively manage production cash flow and funding schedules for all wiip’s productions
• Partner with Production and Show Accountants to drive accurate, complete and timely costs reporting 
• Review productions cost reports and trial balances, record quarter end consolidation journal entries
• Reconcile production funding account to production trial balance funding ledger
• Perform accounting processes including but not limited to account reconciliations, record journal entries during accounting close cycle, billings and collections
• Work with external auditor and provide support during year-end financial audit
• Key financial management liaison between Production, Show Accountants, Business Affairs, and Corporate Finance
• Serve as the main point of contact for all production related audits 
• Oversee production incentives workflow from budget or estimates through the receipt of tax credits
• Manage participations and residuals process and ensure payments are made on time
• Ad hoc analysis and projects as required

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of show accounting experience with TV/film production companies
• Production finance experience required
• Understanding of GAAP accounting principles, both in theory and practical application, particularly with respect to television or film accounting preferred
• Experience with residuals or entertainment union payroll and tax incentives preferred
• Ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic work environment and demonstrates a flexible and adaptable work style that responds quickly and efficiently under tight deadlines
• Ability to articulate your work to non-financial team members
• Ability to be hands-on, detail-oriented, and comfortable in a fast-paced startup environment
• BS/BA in Accounting or Finance
• Intacct experience a plus
• Strong Excel skills required

About Us: wiip is a global independent studio distinctive in its talent-first approach by inspiring storytellers to do what they love – create. Led by entertainment veteran Paul Lee, wiip’s critically acclaimed premium slate includes Brad Ingelsby’s Emmy® Award-winning limited series, “Mare of Easttown,” starring Kate Winslet for HBO; Alena Smith’s Peabody Award-winning series “Dickinson,” starring Hailee Steinfeld for Apple TV+; Jenny Han’s global sensation YA drama, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” for Prime Video; Alex Gregory and Peter Huyck’s limited series “White House Plumbers,” starring Woody Harrelson and Justin Theroux for HBO; Danny Boyle’s “Pistol,” for FX/Hulu; Matthew Berry and Arthur Mathews “Toast of Tinseltown,” and Cody Heller’s “Dummy,” starring Emmy® nominated Anna Kendrick for The Roku Channel; and the upcoming first scripted drama from Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions entitled “Bodkin,” starring Will Forte for Netflix. 

wiip

Position Summary: 

wiip is a global independent studio, distinctive in its talent-first approach by inspiring storytellers to do what they love – create. We are looking for a seasoned entertainment finance and accounting professional to join the Finance team as we continue our award-winning work. This position will be a key member of the wiip Finance team and serve as the principal operational partner to the CFO, Controller, and Head of Planning. This position will require frequent interaction with production and legal/business affairs representatives, as well as C-level managers, and Korean parent company leaders. As such it requires professionalism, persuasive communication, strong listening skills, an organized mind, and strategic thinking. The candidate will be fully responsible for the close process—required to meet the evolving timelines set forth by the CFO and parent company leaders. This position is very hands on, with tactical and administrative support on financial operations (A/P, A/R, Production Finance), but the role has sole ownership of close journal entries and account reconciliations. Thus, it requires dedication to detail and accuracy as well as strategic thinking. wiip desires this to be a stepping stone position to higher level roles, and will evaluate candidates both on their ability to do the job as it stands today and their growth potential. 

Location: 

Hollywood, CA, 80% remote—must be available to appear in office with a day’s notice

Areas of Responsibility:

• Fully own end-to-end the accounting operations including account reconciliations, maintenance of company’s books, and completion of quarter and year-end close 

• Quickly develop a deep understanding of all aspects of wiip business operations, including internal organization, customers, vendors, investors and creditors, the company’s library and its current slate

• Improve the timeline of close, to adapt to the Korean parent company expectations, by year-end 2023

• Close targets are 5 calendar days for completed journal entries and 10 calendar days for reconciliations and financial reporting

• Analyze contracts to ensure that billing is accurate and complete, and that revenue is recognized in accordance with ASC 606 (Revenue from Contract with Customers)

• Support treasury operations including activities such as performing wires, adding and closing signers for accounts, and looking for ways to improve information flow

• Support multiple external audits simultaneously, including but not limited to: guilds, production partners, networks

• Oversee controls on accurate accounting in the A/P and A/R functions in concert with third party associates

• Support external tax preparers and auditors with information requests, and partner with Controller on year-end audit and tax compliance

• Ensure compliance with union obligations, especially residuals setups, calculations, due dates, and payments

• Prepare weekly and support monthly cash forecasts in order to monitor cash positions and requirements

• Provide insights on the financial implications of business activities and recommendations to enhance business performance

• Work closely with cross-functional teams to maintain open communications and alignment

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience including a mix of Big 4 Accounting Firm or TV/Film production companies
• Minimum 3 years in Entertainment
• BS/BA in Accounting or Finance required, CPA certification or Masters degree is a plus 
• In-depth understanding of GAAP particularly with respect to ASC 606 and ASC 926
• Ability to articulate your work to non-financial team members
• Experience with residuals or entertainment union payroll a plus
• Experience with partnership and/or entertainment tax a plus
• Intacct experience strongly preferred, but will accept other ERP experience
• Strong Excel skills required

wiip