Sr Manager

Description:

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a leading creator and distributor of entertainment products, services, and technology. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home video acquisitions and distribution, operation of studio facilities, development of new entertainment technologies, and distribution of filmed entertainment worldwide.

Currently, SPE is seeking a Senior Manager of Divisional Finance for the Motion Picture Group (MPG) in the Culver City, CA office. This position will assist in driving comprehensive planning and strategic decision-making activity across all feature film operations. This position is responsible for preparing P&L and Cash Flow forecasts, managing financial models, and partnering with finance and operating personnel to deliver actionable analytics that enhance performance and accuracy. The ideal candidate will bring technical expertise, strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills, and a proactive approach to refining the forecasting processes.

Key Responsibilities

Core Financial Planning & Analysis

Supervise and assist in preparation of annual Budgets, Forecasts, Mid-Range Plans 
Collaborate with various teams, including MPG Business Development, on greenlight/film model updates, ultimate profitability and by-title performance tracking 
Coordinate with lines of business (Marketing, Distribution, Production, Corporate Finance) and all Theatrical Distribution Labels (MPG, Cruncyroll) on product/content (for upcoming 3 years) and cash flow assumptions 
Run impairment risks on current releases and/or on 3rd party co-financing deals, as needed for forecasts; prepare risk analyses and supplemental schedules for the accounting group (GFO) and external auditors, as requested 
Oversee preparation of Consolidated 3-Year Cash Flows and Balance Sheet forecasts; ensure working capital targets are met 
For the Consolidated Cash Flow forecast, prepare the executive-level presentation, including variance analyses, for DCFO and CFO review 
Lend subject matter expertise to staff on all functions to continue optimizing workflow efficiencies and accuracy 

Advanced Analytics & Modeling

Perform box office analysis on new releases, industry comparatives, by-title market analysis, and various other metrics to provide financial guidance to management 
Execute regression analysis and other advanced modeling techniques to enhance forecasting timing models on certain P&L and Cash flows 
Evaluate Net Present Value on certain revenue and cost items, including content valuations, obligations, revenue recognition (ASC 606) 
Oversee modeling updates, tracking, and preparation of supporting schedules on slate financing deals, as needed; collaborate with MPG Business Development and GFO 

Governance, Compliance & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Assist in drafting SOX controls and ensure compliance with all financial controls; coordinate with GFO and Technical Accounting 
With staff, coordinate with participations group to review statements issued to participants and investors and ensure payment accuracy 
Assist as liaison with technical accounting on new deal structures, ensuring models align with IFRS-compliant treatments 
Approve division ultimates and third-party invoices, e.g., with TV or streaming providers, as part of film model ultimate workflows 
Partner with Financial Reporting team (GFO) for P&L and Cash monthly performance comparisons to plan 
Support system enhancements and user testing for forecasting efficiencies. 

Education & Certifications

BS/BA degree with accounting/finance/economics focus required 
CPA and/or MBA/Masters degree strongly preferred 

Experience & Skills

5+ years of progressive experience in financial planning, modeling, and accounting; entertainment/media industry experience strongly preferred 
1-2 years of managerial experience, including managing, developing, and leading staff 
Deep expertise in technical modeling and indirect and direct cash flow forecasting, working capital, and balance sheet analyses 
Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills; SAP or similar ERP experience preferred 
Experience with enterprise planning systems (e.g. SAP BPC, SmartView, etc.) and business intelligence tools (e.g. Power BI, Tableau, others) 
Knowledge of IFRS and U.S. GAAP principles; SOX compliance experience required 
Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex financial insights to executives 
Collaborative leadership style; able to lead cross-functional initiatives and mentor team members 
Highly detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment 
Demonstrated ability to improve processes, challenge the status quo, and drive efficiency through automation or analytics 
Possess a high level of intellectual curiosity, focus on generating results and exhibit the highest personal and professional standards of integrity and ethics