Senior Manager, Finance/Assistant Controller.

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

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