Director, Controllership (FTC)

Director, Controllership Fixed term contract - 12 months OVERVIEW Universal Pictures Content Group is an independent mini-studio within the infrastructure of Universal Pictures and distribution footprint of NBCUniversal. With offices around the world and central headquarters in London, the Universal Pictures Content Group discovers, acquires and produces a diverse range of quality content across a multitude of genres (film, stand-up comedy, TV drama/sitcoms, music, sports, documentary, family entertainment, events & special interest) for global distribution. It’s multiplatform sales & distribution footprint includes theatrical, physical, digital (SVOD & Transactional), TV (Free & Pay) as well as consumer products. The business uniquely focuses on managing talents, partnerships, brands and titles across all rights and across their full lifecycle. It is a business rooted in Artists and repertoire (A&R) culture, driven by relationships, innovation and ambitious growth plans. The Director, Controllership is a key role that supports the VP, International Controllership & CFO, being responsible for overall controllership related activities for the Content Group business globally, while also managing the preparation of all financial reporting in line with internal and external guidelines. The role provides management with key strategic information to support business decisions, set up new businesses and takes a lead role in implementing new processes & policies. The team comprises of a Senior Management Accountant and an Intern, as well as a shared service team based in India. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Monthly & Quarterly Reporting (Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Statement): Responsible for the management and integrity of the consolidated Content Group financials, ensuring accuracy and completeness. •Leads the assessment of Balance Sheet and manages monthly & quarter close processes •Reviews accruals and payments prepared by the Senior Management Accountant or Intern •Reviews monthly journals, significant provisions as well as monthly and quarterly financial reporting to Los Angeles HQ •Reviews the monthly forecast for free cash flow and Overhead costs as well as being an integral part of budget process •Provides commentaries, analysis and insight on key trends, external factors, initiatives and risks and opportunities during Balance Sheet reviews •Working directly with the HQ team and representing the business in Mid Quarter Reviews, Balance Sheet Reviews and Pre close reviews to identify and share any key risk items •Manages the payment tracker and key stakeholders as well as approving purchase orders •Reviews, together with Senior Management Accountant, accounts receivable matters (e.g. customer credit issues, bad debt) •Discusses and works with the Senior Management Accountant to identify cash flow improvement opportunities •Reviews tax returns & other internal tax reporting •Completes statutory audits for our entities working with internal and external auditors •Responsible for Income Tax return filing completed by the Corporate tax team •Undertakes complex accounting projects and specialized tasks where local technical accounting knowledge is required •Liaising with Corporate teams to resolve any specific Content Group related queries •Business partnering with the content team, productions team, direct-to-consumer teams in providing support and ad hoc reporting •Being the project innovation Content Group lead managing master data, key title reporting and other projects •Working with and partnering with our international teams in Japan and the US, supporting the Controller in Japan •Leading and mentoring our service delivery team (Accenture) Compliance & Controls Ensures adherence to corporate policies and procedures for financial accounting, reporting and external requirements, including US and local GAAP •Liaise with corporate and indirect tax teams, internal and external audit •Reviews key company contracts •Ensure ultimate’s, royalties and participations are up to date and accurate Projects: •Being a key part, driving and implementing an enterprise-wide system upgrade •Supporting the Japan systems implementation Relationships Acts as a general point of contact for the Content Group to the wider business to answer or redirect queries and requests. •Builds and maintains a positive and effective relationship with local Finance teams and Head Office to deliver accurate results and forecasting •Works closely with the VP, Finance in reviewing performance of titles, assessing ultimate’s and managing amortization forecasts Communication •Continuous communication of findings and proposed actions for finance to improve accuracy in forecasting, compliance etc. •Continuous communication of findings and proposed actions for commercial insight for teams cross functionally Team Management •Demonstrate and promote company culture and values •Coach and develop direct reports, providing consistent & regular development feedback •Contribute to the career and succession planning for the team and conduct performance reviews •Foster and develop the Finance Team •Effectively manage Team, ensuring effective use of resources •Become an expert in Eclipse, our system for managing titles and ultimates Support the VP, International, CFO and wider Content Group on the assessment & implementation of new projects