Description
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Interim Financial Controller to join the finance team atWarner Bros Studios Leavesden.
Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden (WBSL) is a purpose built, state-of-the-art film and television studio offering one of the largest facilities in the UK. This 200 acre secure site has a quarter of a million square feet of stage space, back-lot tank, one of the largest heated underwater filming tanks in Europe and a 100 acre back-lot.
WBSL has a collection of thirteen sound stages, some of which are the largest in the UK. The site also has its own, on-site Production Rentals division, which provides the industry with state-of-the-art lighting equipment, scaffolding and production supplies for stage and location shoots. WB De Lane Lea based in Soho, London, provides state of the art facilities in audio post production for feature films and television.
These facilities make Warner Bros. Entertainment the only Hollywood studio to own and operate a production and post production facility in the U.K.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter showcases the authentic sets, special effects and behind-the-scenes secrets of the Harry Potter film series. Located at the Studios where all eight films were produced.
Primary purpose of the role:
The position works within the Finance of the WBSL Business Unit covering month end close, analysis, and control activities including monthly internal management reporting to local and Burbank management, safeguarding Company assets and ensuring GAAP and SOX compliance.
The role focuses on all elements of the actual results for all profit and cost centres within WBSL including the comparison to budget/forecast. The role has responsibility to sign off on the accuracy and completeness of the profit and loss accounts for all departments at WBSL. The role also has responsibility for the staff, processes and controls within the Tour cash office.
Essential Job Functions:
Supervision of
- Lead coordination and production of monthly and quarterly management reports and analyses, including all supplementary schedules required by the business and Burbank
- As part of the month end process reviews P&L results for all cost/profit centres for accuracy, completeness and reasonableness and ensures adequate comparison to budget/forecast provided to Burbank and management
- Preparation or review of all analyses required by business unit managers or Burbank at month end
- Preparation of Flash
- Actively participate in the forecasting/budgeting/Time Warner Plan processes (managed by the Senior Financial Analyst)
- Ensure all invoicing is processed timely and accurately by the relevant FP&A analyst
- Ensure Debtors ledger is monitored closely, all debts are chased and any issues are raised to Management on a timely basis
- Review of all journals and supporting documentation prepared by the FP&A analysts
- Work closely with the Finance Director to meet with Directors once a month to explain in detail
- their results
- Work closely with the Finance Director to present the monthly results to Senior Management in Burbank at various meetings
- Review daily/weekly the records and reconciliation in the Cash Office
- Review the Balance Sheet with SSC on a regular basis
- Sign off on SOX reconciliations and process documentation prior to FD
- Work closely with the Finance Director to manage any internal or external audit requirements
- Work closely with the Finance Director to effectively manage and support the Senior Financial Analyst to manage Capital Expenditure, Budgeting and Forecasting and Cashflows
- Work closely with the Finance Director and Directors to consider, review and formulate business planning information to further efficiencies, effectiveness and growth of the WBSL business
- Manage the workload and output of three FP&A analysts, one Credit Analyst and three cash office staff (two on site at any one time)
- Recruit, retain and develop a high performing team
- Set high standards and performance goals for each team member
- To represent the Finance department as and when required, especially in the absence of the Finance Director
Selection Criteria
- Experience in a similar or related role working within a fast paced, rapidly growing business
- preferred
- Able to manage conflicting priorities and tight deadlines to ensure key deliverables are met
- Supervisory experience of more than one direct report
- External and Internal Audit experience
- Detail oriented with the ability to keep focused on the big picture
- Desire to produce accurate, reliable and high quality work in a timely manner
- Good knowledge of SAP
- Good working knowledge of Excel
- Previous experience of US GAAP desirable
- Previous experience of SOX audit and compliance is preferable.
- Genuine interest in dealing with personnel that possess varying levels of financial expertise
- Ability to lead projects and bring them to a successful conclusion
- Ability to interact successfully with all levels of staff, management and customers
- Previous experience working within a Media or Visitor Attraction environment would bedesirable.
- Ability to work independently and knowledge of when to communicate updates
- Hands on approach
Education/Qualifications:
- Qualified Accountant - ACA, ACCA preferred.