A leader in the creation, adaptation, production and distribution of television and film content, Sphere Media delivers a diverse portfolio of high-quality programming for local and international markets. Its productions span a wide range of genres, including scripted series, documentaries, feature films, games, magazines, variety programming, 2D animation and digital projects.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Manager, Production Finance, the Scripted Production Accountant is responsible for the financial management of scripted projects from development through final audit. The position requires the ability to effectively handle the full accounting cycle of multiple concurrent projects simultaneously in a deadline driven environment. The Production Accountant supports the Finance team in its operations and works closely with VP Production and creative executives.
Development Accounting
- Process and reconcile writer payments and development invoices and submit remittances to the appropriate guilds;
- Reconcile development costs and billbacks for handover to external production accountants.
- Pre-Production Accounting
- Set up the EP Canada production accounting system, WSIB/AOS and Cashet including the budget and chart of accounts
Post Production Accounting
- Manage and process all aspects of cast & crew weekly payroll, accounts payable/receivable and expense reports after handover from the external production accountant at production wrap;
- Review payroll reports for accuracy and proper cost coding;
- Processing vendor payables for approval to be recorded in the appropriate accounting period with proper cost coding and confirm that all required supporting documentation is received before payment;
- Resolve discrepancies involving invoices, purchase orders, receipts, advances, petty cash, Cashet and credit card balances;
- Monitor outstanding invoices and accounts payable aging;
- Manage online banking, vendor wire and EFT payments, foreign currency wire payments
- Prepare and maintain production cost and variance reports in tandem with VP Production to distribute monthly to Executive Producers and broadcasters/streamers;
- Prepare cash flow forecasts and monitor funding and interim financing;
- Respond to accounting inquiries from production teams, vendors and Corporate Finance;
- Maintain organized, complete and audit-ready financial records;
- Assist with ad hoc requests from Finance department and VP Production
Month-End Reporting
- Support the monthly financial close for Scripted entities;
- Reconcile production accounts and balance sheet items, including HST accounts, bank reconciliations and loan statements;
- Prepare and file monthly sales tax returns.
Tax Credits and Audits
- Prepare supporting documentation for production company and yearly financial audits;
- Collaborate in preparing final cost report files, general ledger analysis in order to prepare tax credit labour schedules
Qualifications
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in a similar role
- College diploma in Accounting or equivalent
- Thorough understanding of development, pre-production, production, and post-production stages of television production
- Thorough knowledge of film production accounting and payroll programs: EPOL, EP LA, Smart Accounting and Cashet
- Knowledge of guild and union agreements, including DGC, WGC, ACTRA IPA, IATSE/NABET, SAG and WGA, as well as applicable rates, fringes, pension and benefits and residuals;
- General understanding of CAVCO, OFTTC, OPSTC and tax Credit regulations and guidelines;
- High proficiency with MS Excel
- Knowledge of production budget and labour coding
- Excellent analytical, organizational and prioritization skills, with strong attention to detail.
- A strong interest in growing within a dynamic, creative and expanding environment;
Sphere Media values diversity and invites women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities to apply.
