Finance Manager - Digital Studio - 12 month FTC

Finance Manager - Digital Studio - 12 month FTC

Temporary 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Sony Pictures

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for a dynamic digital studio.
  • Company: Join Sony Pictures, a leader in digital-first content production.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health plans, and extensive learning opportunities.
  • Other info: Work in a vibrant environment with great career growth and social events.
  • Why this job: Be part of an exciting transformation in the media industry and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: 5-8 years in finance, preferably in media or production accounting.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

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

At Sony Pictures, we are looking to hire an experienced Finance Manager to join a producer of digital‑first content at an exciting time of transformation for the company! This hands‑on role will be responsible for the provision of financial support, including financial planning and budgeting, reporting, production accounting, financial control, compliance and accounting. The role will work closely with the leadership of the Sony Pictures Digital Studio, the VP Finance, International TV Production for Sony Pictures Entertainment, GFO accounting functions, Corporate Treasury, IT, and others as required.

What you'll do:

  • Business, operational and production finance support
  • Provide financial decision support to the digital studio team on all financial matters
  • Support the production department on questions around internal budgeting for all shows
  • Establish and maintain proper accounting, tracking and reporting of production costs
  • Manage the approval process for cost reports prepared by the production teams
  • Support customer and vendor negotiations, giving financial input/feedback on contracts
  • Oversee and assist with cost management across channels and operations
  • Coordinate and manage MRP (mid‑range plan) and annual budgeting cycles
  • Working knowledge of film and television production accounting systems preferred
  • Perform and report monthly management reviews for P&L, cash flow, working capital and balance sheet, preparing overhead reporting, local management accounts and variance analysis

Financial accounting, audit and transactional support

  • Manage and perform the month‑end close process, signing off on the trial balance and the monthly Management Pack, tax packs and resolve Home Office enquiries
  • Ensure reconciliations between production accounting systems, Costs Reports and SAP are accurate and prepared on a timely basis
  • Manage local payment approval and ensure PO and non‑PO invoice approvals are in line with SPE approvals (COFA) and journal postings according to the company's financial policies
  • Provide information for the production of statutory accounts
  • Ensure appropriate information is tracked and retained for the preparation of talent statements
  • Provide information for year‑end audit and other tax and payroll compliance needs

Control and risk management

  • Ensure adherence to corporation policies, procedures for financial accounting and reporting and external requirements (IFRS)
  • Roll out new corporate policies and procedures as required

Project and continuous improvements

  • Identify and implement process improvements and enabling tools and systems to provide enhanced financial and operational information
  • Support and involvement in ad hoc projects

What you have:

  • A keen interest in and experience of the production of digital‑first content is preferred
  • Professionally qualified (ACA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent)
  • Typically requires 5 – 8 years' experience in Finance and in Media, production accounting (film and/or television production)
  • Ability to effectively communicate across the Business and Finance organization and demonstrates a willingness to generate and share information
  • Excellent presentational skills – particularly presenting financial information clearly and as simply as possible to ensure key drivers are understood and actionable
  • Ability to work closely with management to make informed business decisions
  • Excellent Excel skills
  • Hands‑on working understanding of SAP and/or MS Dynamics 365 Business Central / Just‑TV would be advantageous
  • Ability to create and oversee the preparation of accurate and thorough financial reports and underlying records
  • Proven experience working in a dynamic, fast-moving and changing environment and managing multiple priorities
  • Ability to establish and build healthy relationships with clients, vendors and peers to create an environment committed to providing an excellent and continually improving service
  • Read, interpret and draw accurate conclusions from financial and numerical material
  • Motivated by a passion to exceed expectations and to continuously improve

How we take care of you:

  • Competitive salary, with annual bonus eligibility
  • A choice of comprehensive health plan options that fit your lifestyle, including private medical insurance
  • Rest and recharge during a week off during the winter holidays, in addition to the 25 days of paid annual leave
  • Participate in extensive learning & development opportunities at all levels, including curated instructor‑led classes and high‑impact online resources
  • Build your community by joining our Employee Business Resource Groups, and/or Sony Pictures Action – our racial equity and inclusion strategy
  • Access to an employee online store filled with a variety of discounted Sony products
  • Watch the newest movies and TV shows at our exclusive employee screenings at work
  • Entitlement to apply for an interest‑free season ticket loan
  • Automatic enrolment in the Company's Pension Plan
  • Free counselling and advisory service
  • You will be automatically enrolled in the Company's Life Insurance and Group Income Protection Plans, subject to any applicable service requirements
  • The opportunity to attend various social events in our state‑of‑the‑art offices in Paddington

Reasonable adjustments

If you require any reasonable adjustments with any part of the recruitment process, including the application or interview process, please contact us at uk_-_peopleandorganisation@spe.sony.com and put “Reasonable Adjustment Request” in the subject line of the email.

Equal opportunity

Sony Pictures Entertainment is committed to equal opportunity in all its employment practices, policies and procedures. No worker or potential worker will therefore receive less favourable treatment due to their race, age, creed, sexual orientation, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, religion, gender, marital status or Trade Union membership (if applicable).

Finance Manager - Digital Studio - 12 month FTC employer: Sony Pictures

At Sony Pictures, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and innovation in the heart of the UK's vibrant media landscape. Our Finance Manager role not only provides competitive salaries and comprehensive health benefits but also encourages professional growth through extensive learning opportunities and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us to be part of a team that is passionate about digital-first content and committed to excellence, all while enjoying unique perks like exclusive screenings and social events in our state-of-the-art Paddington offices.

Sony Pictures

Contact Details:

Sony Pictures Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Manager - Digital Studio - 12 month FTC

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those at Sony Pictures. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Brush up on financial principles and be ready to discuss how you can support the digital studio team with real examples from your experience.

Tip Number 3

Show off your Excel skills! Be prepared to demonstrate how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. It’s all about making those numbers tell a story.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Sony Pictures family.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager - Digital Studio - 12 month FTC

Financial Planning
Budgeting
Production Accounting
Financial Control
Compliance
Accounting
Cost Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience in financial planning, budgeting, and production accounting. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about digital-first content and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and relevant!

Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your Excel prowess and any experience with SAP or MS Dynamics 365. We love seeing candidates who can clearly present financial information and make informed decisions!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our awesome team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sony Pictures

Know Your Numbers

As a Finance Manager, you'll need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you can provide the financial decision support that the digital studio team needs.

Understand Production Accounting

Familiarise yourself with film and television production accounting systems. If you have experience in this area, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've managed production costs and supported budgeting processes in previous roles.

Communicate Clearly

You’ll need to present financial information clearly and simply. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in layman's terms, as this will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively across the business and finance organisation.

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills

Be ready to discuss times when you've identified process improvements or implemented new tools. Highlighting your proactive approach to enhancing financial and operational information will resonate well with the interviewers.