Director, Studio P&R Accounting - job 1 of 2

The Director, Studio P&R Accounting at NBCUniversal is responsible for overseeing the Participations & Residuals accounting and reporting for both Film and TV. This includes managing the monthly financial close process, supervising a team, collaborating with other departments, and reviewing various financial statements and journal entries. You'll play a key role in ensuring compliance with internal controls and leading special projects that enhance P&R accounting controllership.

To qualify for the Director, Studio P&R Accounting role at NBCUniversal, candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, along with 10+ years of relevant accounting experience—preferably in both public accounting and the entertainment industry. A CPA certification is highly preferred, and proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, is essential. Candidates should also possess strong analytical skills and a proactive problem-solving approach.

The work environment for the Director, Studio P&R Accounting at NBCUniversal is dynamic and collaborative, situated in the bustling setting of Universal City, California. It's a hybrid position, where you’ll work from the office a minimum of three days a week, providing a balance of team collaboration and flexibility. This role offers opportunities for growth and contributions toward innovative initiatives within the studio's accounting functions.

Candidates in the Director, Studio P&R Accounting role at NBCUniversal can expect substantial career growth opportunities. The role involves leading process improvement initiatives and contributing to key projects like the SAP S/4 implementation. Candidates will also gain valuable experience in managing a team and collaborating with various departments, which can pave the way for advanced leadership positions within the company as it continues to evolve.

NBCUniversal offers a comprehensive benefits package for the Director, Studio P&R Accounting role that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and additional employee perks. Employees can also look forward to a competitive salary ranging from $125,000 to $170,000, with eligibility for bonuses and long-term incentives, making it an attractive opportunity for skilled professionals.

To ensure accuracy and timeliness in financial reporting for Participations & Residuals, I implement rigorous review processes for journal entries and financial statements. I leverage advanced Excel functions to analyze financial data, while also maintaining constant communication with teams like FP&A and FCAR to verify the completeness of liability balances. Additionally, I prioritize deadlines through effective project management, ensuring that all operational requirements are met with precision.

My experience with SAP includes leveraging its powerful analytical tools to enhance data management and reporting accuracy. In previous roles, I've taken part in migration projects to SAP S/4, focusing on aligning P&R accounting processes with system capabilities. Familiarity with SAP allows me to harness its features for improved tracking of participations, residuals, and overall financial oversight.

To effectively manage competing priorities and deadlines, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, often using a project management tool to visualize timelines. I delegate responsibilities within my team to foster collaboration and efficiency. Regular check-ins help keep everyone aligned and accountable, allowing me to adapt to any shifts in project needs while ensuring critical deliverables remain on track.

Mentoring staff in an accounting role involves active engagement through regular feedback sessions and collaborative project involvement. I aim to create a supportive environment where team members feel comfortable discussing challenges and seeking guidance. I encourage continuous education by sharing relevant resources and knowledge about industry best practices, which helps them develop technical skills and confidence in their professional capabilities.

In my previous role, I encountered a challenging accounting issue related to discrepancies in participations calculations due to outdated processes. I led an initiative to analyze the discrepancies, identify root causes, and implement a new reconciliation process that integrated cross-departmental insights. This effort not only resolved the immediate issue but also improved ongoing accuracy and efficiency in our P&R reporting.

My experience with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance includes regularly reviewing internal controls related to financial reporting. I have participated in audit preparations and ensured that all accounting practices align with compliance standards. This involves close collaboration with internal audit teams to address findings and continuously improve our financial reporting processes to mitigate risks associated with non-compliance.

I stay updated with changes in accounting standards and regulations by subscribing to relevant industry publications, attending webinars, and participating in professional accounting organizations. Additionally, I prioritize continuing education through courses and seminars that focus on new developments in accounting practices, particularly those impacting the entertainment industry sector.

Communication is integral to my role as Director of P&R Accounting. It involves articulating complex financial information clearly to various stakeholders, from team members to senior management. I also facilitate collaboration across teams to ensure alignment on financial processes and address queries promptly. By fostering an open channel of communication, I help create a culture of transparency that contributes to effective financial management.

When handling audit requests from internal and external parties, I ensure that all requested documentation is organized and readily accessible. I collaborate with my team to gather necessary records and provide detailed explanations of our accounting practices. I focus on maintaining clear communication with auditors throughout the process, addressing any questions or concerns promptly to facilitate a smooth audit experience.

Key qualities of an effective Director of P&R Accounting include strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and exceptional problem-solving abilities. A successful director must be a proactive communicator, capable of presenting financial information clearly to diverse audiences. Furthermore, the ability to mentor others and foster a collaborative team environment is crucial for driving collective success in accounting operations.