Production Finance Manager

This is a Full Time Job

DESCRIPTION:

Please note that this role is based in Northern Ireland. To enable us to meet the statutory and regulatory obligations of the Northern Ireland immigration system, you must have the appropriate immigration permission needed to work and reside in Northern Ireland for the duration of the employment.

We're looking for a Production Finance Manager who can juggle multiple projects and deadlines across the company while supporting the creative teams. This is a hands-on role where you'll oversee the entire financial function, ensuring the business remains on budget, compliant, and financially sound.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Production Finance
• Oversee day-to-day finance operations of the business, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, credit card reconciliation and procurement card reconciliations, bank reconciliations, and month-end processes.
• Develop and manage detailed production budgets in collaboration with producers, ensuring accurate cost reporting, cash flows, and forecasting.
• Track actuals vs. budget throughout production cycles, flagging overruns early, and managing funding drawdowns and reconciliations.
• Ensure timely processing of cast/crew payroll, expenses, and supplier invoices, while identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising production quality.
• Oversee, support, and assist Production Accountants on various productions where necessary.

Reporting & Analysis
• Produce monthly management accounts, project-specific financial reports, and prepare reports for funders, broadcasters, and public bodies (e.g., NI Screen, Sony, Broadcasters).
• Assist with cost reports, forecasting, variance analysis, and final cost reporting.
• Support post-production wrap and final cost reporting.
• Understand and complete reporting on IR35.

Compliance & Audit
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, tax obligations, funding requirements, tax credits, and audit requirements, including government business returns.
• Liaise with Sony on year-end accounts and liaise with external auditors.
• Lead on reporting to Sony regarding GHG (Green House Gas) Scope across productions.

Team Management
• Supervise junior finance staff or freelancers as required.
• Set up and improve finance processes, controls, and systems, ensuring smooth operations across all finance activities.
• Support all non-finance managers in both Development and Production.

Essential Skills & Experience
• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA), Accounting Technician or equivalent experience.
• At least 3 years' experience in a finance role, preferably with some of that in media or multi-project-based environments.
• Strong knowledge of UK tax, PAYE, IR35, VAT, and accounting standards.
• Experience with production accounting tools and software (e.g., Just TV or similar).
• Excellent communication skills - able to translate finance speak to producers and creatives.
• Confident, independent, and proactive with strong attention to detail.
• Strong budgeting and cost management skills.
• Understanding of the UK production funding landscape, including tax reliefs.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple productions simultaneously.

Desirable
• Experience with funding reports (e.g. NI Screen, HMRC tax credits).
• Knowledge of industry contracts, union agreements, or freelancer payroll.