Manager, Global Financial Operations

Job Description

Manager, Global Financial Operations

Summary: SPE Finance and Accounting is currently defining its roadmap to transform the organization from a Line of Business and territory orientation to one which is global, enterprise-based, focusing on process improvement, standardization, efficient use of technology and reducing complexity. The global team's objectives are to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall team while enhancing the value and accessibility of the data created by the accounting processes which will enable the commercial teams to drive toward greater revenue growth and margin improvements.

Responsibilities to the GFO: The Manager for the RTR Global Financial Operations (GFO) – Motion Picture Group (MPG) will be responsible for accounting, financial reporting and related analysis functions coupled with continuous improvement, standardization and simplification of those functions and outputs for the MPG Line of Business. This individual will also work closely with SPE's outsource accounting provider, CapGemini, and will be responsible for providing training and oversight of the MPG Accounting team members at CapGemini. A successful candidate will approach this position with a constructive mindset to challenge the status quo, aiming to redesign the accounting function under an outsource model supported by CapGemini.

Summary of Core Responsibilities:
• Review amortization for Sony Pictures International Productions (SPIP) titles;
• SPIP Home Office point of contact for territory GFO/FDs, including new processes and policies implementation, and training for new territories;
• Review consolidated financial statements for SPIP, and highlight the drivers of changes and performance;
• Coordinate accounting related to work-for-hire arrangements, including review of contracts, master data set up and preparation of entries. Lead transition of tasks to CapGemini;
• Coordinate accounting related to new theme park business, including set up of master data, creation and implementation of new processes, training of CapGemini Team;
• Perform oversight and review of Location Based Entertainment licensing activity;
• Review entries related to Virtual Reality business and coordinate with Divisional Finance to ensure accuracy;
• Review month end close tasks performed by CapGemini and provide assistance if necessary;
• Compile month end reports and research variances;
• Complete special requests for financial and operating management;
• Run, or oversee the preparations of, SAP and excel reports for ad hoc analysis required by Operation, Corporate, Tax, and Divisional Finance Teams;
• Preparation and review of Corporate reports and schedules (''Corp Forms'');
• Preparation and review of schedules provided to external auditors, including coordination of Sarbanes Oxley (''SOX'') internal control requests;
• Define, refine and implement all aspects of the ''GFO Model''. This includes active participation in defining the interaction model with MPG ITF, Capgemini, and the MPG commercial teams as needed; playing an integral role in maintaining a strong control environment; executing on the appropriate reviews and feedback mechanisms;
• Help to identify and implement opportunities to eliminate low value work and standardize processes which will reduce complexity and enable greater benefits to be derived from technology (RPA, SAP S4/Hana, etc.);
• Foster an environment which embraces change and thrives in dynamic situations which can often have both unclear and uncertain outcomes;
• Champion the concepts of: Simplification, Standardization, Elimination and Robotization (ESOAR).

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
• Strong Accounting experience (Public Accounting experience is a plus), minimum 5+ years;
• Experience with complex ERP systems and General Ledger postings (SAP a plus);
• Basic understanding of film accounting is a plus;
• Strong MS Excel skills required (Modeling, VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, VBA Macros, etc.);
• Experience providing oversight and review of shared service centers a plus;
• Ability to quickly grasp new concepts and problem solve with reasonable independence;
• Strong initiative and ability to manage multiple projects while working in a cross functional team environment;
• Ability to follow-through with co-workers on projects/tasks by setting guidelines, timetables and clear sense of expectations;
• Ability to develop, prepare and present issues/projects/presentations to co-workers and senior management;
• Strong level of communication and interpersonal skills working with staff in multiple time zones and countries;
• Change agent mindset;
Other Desired Requirements:
• Flexible working hours
• Understanding of the entertainment business

Desired Education:
• BS in Accountancy. CPA preferred.

* Sony Pictures - CA - Culver City Area & Studios

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-gxy0bj-18-219-22-169-42 in your application.