Senior Financial Analyst

As a Senior Financial Analyst at Skydance Animation, your main responsibilities will include managing month-end close processes, preparing journal entries for various transactions, conducting bank reconciliations, and providing support for tax compliance. You will also take ownership of financial processes, identifying efficiencies, and maintaining accurate financial records to support audits. Collaboration with the management team to track studio expenses and assist with ad hoc analyses will also be a key part of your role.

To be considered for the Senior Financial Analyst position at Skydance Animation, you should hold a B.S. in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field, alongside 3-5 years of relevant experience in finance or accounting, preferably in the entertainment industry. Strong written and verbal communication skills, proficiency in Excel, and a team-oriented approach are also essential to succeed in this role.

The salary range for the Senior Financial Analyst position at Skydance Animation in Los Angeles is between $75,000 to $85,000 per year. However, the final rate offered may vary based on factors such as your location, qualifications, experience, and expertise. It's important to note that this range refers to the base salary only and does not include the total compensation package, such as bonuses and benefits.

The Senior Financial Analyst plays a crucial role in maintaining the financial health of Skydance Animation by ensuring accurate financial reporting, supporting tax compliance, and optimizing financial processes. By overseeing month-end closes and financial reconciliations, along with managing accounts payable and vendor relationships, you will ensure that the studio's financial operations run smoothly and efficiently, directly impacting the studio's success.

Success as a Senior Financial Analyst at Skydance Animation requires a blend of technical skills and soft skills. You should be highly organized and possess strong time management abilities, as you'll need to prioritize multiple tasks. Excellent communication skills are crucial for collaborating with teammates and conveying financial information effectively. Additionally, proficiency in Excel and experience with entertainment payroll rules or other related systems can be incredibly beneficial.

When approaching the month-end close process, I take a systematic approach by first ensuring that all financial transactions are recorded accurately. I then prepare the necessary journal entries, perform reconciliations, and check for any discrepancies. Communication with the accounting team is crucial during this process, as is maintaining strict adherence to deadlines to ensure timely financial reporting.

I typically identify areas for process improvement by mapping out current workflows, measuring efficiency, and seeking feedback from team members. Analyzing recurring issues, such as bottlenecks or delays, allows me to propose targeted solutions, which could include automation or streamlining procedures to enhance overall financial operations.

Attention to detail is crucial in financial analysis, as even minor errors can lead to significant discrepancies in reporting. I ensure that I meticulously review financial documents, double-check calculations, and validate data entries to maintain accuracy. This attention to detail not only builds trust in financial reports but also supports informed decision-making.

One significant challenge I faced involved a merger transition where I needed to consolidate financial systems from both companies. To overcome this, I coordinated with various stakeholders to gather necessary data, and I created a detailed project plan outlining each step of the integration. Regular updates helped align team efforts, and I adjusted our approach based on feedback, which ultimately led to a successful transition.

Prioritizing multiple financial tasks under tight deadlines requires careful planning and organization. I start by assessing the urgency and importance of each task, often using a prioritization matrix. I set clear goals, break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and keep communication open with my team to ensure transparency and alignment on deadlines.

I am well-versed with financial systems such as Intacct and JPM Chase. These systems assist me by providing a centralized platform for managing transactions, running reports, and performing reconciliations. Their robust functionalities support accurate financial management and reporting, allowing me to focus on analysis rather than administrative tasks.

When encountering discrepancies in financial reporting, my first step is to conduct a detailed review of the relevant data and documents to identify the source of the issue. I consult with team members involved in the record-keeping process to gather insights and address any misunderstandings. Once I pinpoint the discrepancy, I take corrective actions and adjust reports accordingly to ensure accuracy.

Ensuring compliance with tax regulations begins with staying informed about current tax laws relevant to the industry. I implement necessary processes for accurate reporting and document retention, ensuring timely filing of required forms such as 1099s. Regular consultation with tax advisors also keeps the organization aligned with legal obligations and minimizes the risk of compliance issues.

One of the biggest challenges facing financial analysts in the entertainment industry today is managing rapidly changing regulations and compliance requirements, especially related to payroll and reporting. Staying updated on these changes and adapting financial processes accordingly is crucial for maintaining accuracy and mitigating risk.

In a situation where faced with a project outside my expertise, I would first conduct thorough research to gain a better understanding of the task. I would reach out to colleagues with relevant experience for their insights and collaborative support. This approach not only helps foster a learning environment but also ensures that I deliver quality output while expanding my own skill set.