Manager, Finance - Olympics Production

The Finance Manager for Olympics Production at NBCUniversal is responsible for the financial management of key areas in the Olympic Games production. This includes collaborating with the Production and Operations teams to create financial plans, conducting variance analysis, monitoring budgets, and ensuring the adherence to financial targets. The manager will also oversee PCard purchases and deliver on FP&A and controllership requirements, focusing on timely monthly closings, estimates, and reporting which supports a smooth financial workflow.

To qualify for the Finance Manager for Olympics Production position at NBCUniversal, candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field, along with 5+ years of experience in finance, accounting, or business analysis. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and SAP is crucial. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills, while also being detail-oriented and highly organized to manage the fast-paced demands of the role.

In the role of Finance Manager for Olympics Production at NBCUniversal, you will be a key partner in the budgeting process. You’ll work closely with the Production and Operations teams to establish a robust financial plan, identifying potential risks and opportunities, and providing analytical support to report variances. By helping to build the Olympics event module for accurate financial and production planning, your efforts directly impact the successful financial outcome of our Olympic Games coverage.

As a Finance Manager for Olympics Production at NBCUniversal, you'll primarily use financial tools like Microsoft Excel and SAP to analyze data, track budgets, and report findings. Additionally, you'll interact extensively with the SCORE application, which is pivotal for planning, executing, and approving payments related to Olympic events. Mastering these systems is essential to ensure effective financial management during all phases of production.

The Finance Manager for Olympics Production position at NBCUniversal is designated as a hybrid role, requiring a minimum of three days of in-office work each week at our Stamford, CT location. This hybrid setup not only fosters teamwork and collaboration but also supports work-life balance. NBCUniversal promotes an inclusive culture where every employee feels valued, providing a supportive environment as you contribute to the amazing world of Olympic Productions.

When answering this question, be sure to highlight your relevant experience in event budgeting. Discuss specific projects you’ve worked on, emphasizing your role in identifying risks, forecasting expenses, and ensuring adherence to budgets. Mention any tools you’ve used, such as Excel or SAP, and how you track variance to meet financial goals effectively.

In your response, outline your process for handling variance analysis. Detail how you monitor spending, compare expenditures against budgets, and identify areas where discrepancies arise. Use examples from your previous work to illustrate your analytical skills and your ability to employ findings to implement improvements.

Discuss the importance of organization, attention to detail, and time management in your strategy. Give examples of how you have prioritized tasks, managed deadlines, and utilized reliable processes to ensure accuracy in financial reporting, particularly in fast-paced environments encountered during events like the Olympics.

Employ the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your response. Briefly outline the situation, the specific budget risk you identified, the actionable steps you took to mitigate it, and the resulting impact on the project’s financial success or overall operations. This demonstrates your proactive approach to financial management.

Explain your familiarity with the SCORE application, emphasizing specific functions you've used in previous roles. Discuss how you utilized it to report metrics, approve payments, and track game time travel budgets. Mention any improvements you've implemented while using the tool to enhance reporting efficiency.

Articulate your understanding of controllership principles, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, accountability, and compliance in financial management. Explain how these aspects not only ensure the organization's financial integrity but also foster a culture of trust and transparency—key ingredients for successful collaborations in a team setting.

Highlight your industry-specific experience, describing your previous roles that involved sports-related financial analysis. Use examples of how your insights contributed to strategic decisions, improved financial performance, or led to cost-saving initiatives. This approach positions you as a knowledgeable candidate passionate about the sports sector.

When discussing your collaborative approach, express your belief in clear communication and mutual respect among team members. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked with production teams and other stakeholders to ensure everyone is aligned on financial matters and understand their roles in achieving shared objectives.

In your answer, describe your method for ensuring compliance with financial controls, such as regularly reviewing processes, conducting training sessions with staff, and utilizing checklists to ensure adherence to protocols. Illustrate that maintaining compliance is not only about avoiding pitfalls but also optimizing performance.

Discuss your methods for keeping abreast of financial regulations and industry best practices, such as attending relevant workshops, participating in professional finance organizations, or subscribing to industry publications. Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning and adapting to the evolving financial landscape.