Senior Finance Manager, Motion Picture Group

This is a Full Time Job

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