Production Finance Controller, Feature Films – C5265
Production Finance Controller, Feature Films – C5265

Production Finance Controller, Feature Films – C5265

Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage production finances, budgets, and tax credit workflows for feature films.
  • Company: A successful independent studio known for high-quality films and drama.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on equal opportunities.
  • Why this job: Join a creative team and play a key role in film production finance.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Production Accountant with knowledge of industry regulations.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

THE COMPANY Our client is a highly successful independent studio which develops, produces and finances feature films and HETV drama.

THE ROLE Key responsibilities:

  • Attending cost report meetings on all productions, reporting on any key variances and issues that need highlighting.
  • Setup of new productions – working with Production Execs and Line Producers on budgets, creating multi-currency production cashflows, helping in set up of Production SPVs, opening bank accounts and ensuring the approvals matrix is applied to all POs and bank releases.
  • Manage Tax Credit incentive workflows and audit process, scheduling audit timings and ensuring documentation is accessible from production.
  • Work with Management Accountant in consolidating production reporting into the company’s corporate reporting.
  • Key PO, invoice and payment approver on production.
  • Lead on Production Finance handover once a show has wrapped and oversee Post Production accounting process through to final shut down and closure of Production SPV.

THE PERSON With significant experience working as an in‑house or freelance Production Accountant on high‑end drama and/or film, you will have a deep understanding of industry‑specific rules and guidelines, including Schedule D status, IR35, and PACT/Equity agreements. You will be confident using multiple production accounting systems (a specialist knowledge of Eclipse or TPH Payroll would be advantageous). An ability to accurately estimate and track UK and foreign tax credit incentives is essential, as is advanced proficiency in Excel in order to manage complex financial data and reporting.

We strive to promote equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

Production Finance Controller, Feature Films – C5265 employer: Searchlight

Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment within a highly successful independent studio that champions creativity and innovation in feature films and high-end television drama. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that fosters professional growth, with opportunities to engage in diverse projects and develop specialised skills in production finance. Located in a vibrant area, the studio provides a unique chance to be part of a passionate team dedicated to producing compelling stories while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values diversity and inclusion.
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Contact Detail:

Searchlight Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Production Finance Controller, Feature Films – C5265

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend film finance events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Production Finance Controller role.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience with production accounting systems and tax credit incentives. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them see what you can bring to the table.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Brush up on your Excel skills and be ready to demonstrate your ability to manage complex financial data. You never know when they might ask for a quick test during an interview!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you a leg up. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team in the exciting world of feature films.

We think you need these skills to ace Production Finance Controller, Feature Films – C5265

Production Accounting
Budgeting
Multi-Currency Cashflows
Tax Credit Incentives Management
Audit Process Management
Financial Reporting
PO and Invoice Approval
Post Production Accounting
Industry-Specific Knowledge (Schedule D, IR35, PACT/Equity)
Production Accounting Systems (Eclipse, TPH Payroll)
Advanced Excel Proficiency
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Collaboration with Production Execs and Line Producers

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Finance Controller role. Highlight your experience with production accounting, especially in high-end drama or film, and don’t forget to mention any specific systems you’ve used like Eclipse or TPH Payroll.

Showcase Your Skills: In your cover letter, showcase your advanced Excel skills and your ability to manage complex financial data. We want to see how you can track tax credit incentives and handle production cashflows, so give us some examples!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, be clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and responsibilities. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively, just like in a production meeting!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Searchlight

Know Your Numbers

As a Production Finance Controller, you'll need to be on top of financial details. Brush up on your knowledge of budgets, cashflows, and tax credits. Be ready to discuss how you've managed these in past roles, as well as any specific systems you've used like Eclipse or TPH Payroll.

Understand the Industry Landscape

Familiarise yourself with industry-specific rules and guidelines such as Schedule D status and IR35. Showing that you understand these regulations will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role. Prepare examples of how you've navigated these complexities in previous positions.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions about how you'd handle specific situations, like managing variances in cost reports or overseeing post-production accounting. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, highlighting your problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Showcase Your Teamwork Skills

Collaboration is key in this role, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked with Production Execs, Line Producers, and Management Accountants in the past. Share examples that highlight your ability to communicate effectively and lead finance handovers smoothly.

Production Finance Controller, Feature Films – C5265
Searchlight

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