Company Overview:

Studio Distribution Services (SDS) is a joint venture between Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures. We are the leading distributor for the entertainment industry, responsible for the Sales, Retail Marketing, and Supply Chain of home entertainment products for both Studios. We manage a wide range of famous film labels, including Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., Legendary Entertainment, Focus Features, HBO, DreamWorks Animation, MGM, Illumination Entertainment…and also managing distribution for other partners including Paramount, Village Roadshow, BBC, Cartoon Network, Entertainment One, Shout! Studios, Pure Flix, and Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Partners.

SDS oversees new release and library content, for both film and television. With our entrepreneurial spirit and the backing of two world-renowned media organizations, we endeavor to be a bold and innovative company that’s not afraid to take risks, while maintaining the trust of our studio and retail partners. SDS believes in fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture, and embraces diverse backgrounds, ideas, and approaches, at all levels within the organization. Headquartered on the iconic Universal Lot in Los Angeles, SDS also has sales offices in Bentonville, AR, and Toronto, Canada.

Joining the SDS team comes with all the perks you’d expect from Warner Bros. and Universal, like access to incredible content, a hybrid work schedule observing core hours (normally 3 days in the office & 2 days remote), paid time off, robust healthcare benefits, ability to contribute to a 401k on day one with up to 6% matching, training & development, access to Studio Leadership, and more.

Annual pay for this role:  $80,000 - $90,000

Role Summary:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Senior Accountant to join our Finance team. This role will be instrumental in supporting partner financial relationships, including royalty statements, revenue forecasting, and payments. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Monthly Partner Royalty Statements:
  Prepare monthly royalty statements for partners in collaboration with the VP of Finance, ensuring accuracy and timeliness prior to distribution.
• Royalty Payment Management:
  Organize and execute royalty payments to partners on a timely basis. This includes coordinating internal reviews and preparing accurate cash flow forecasts related to partner obligations.
• Partner Reporting & Support:
  Distribute monthly actual reports to partners and act as the primary point of contact for initial partner queries related to statement transactions. Provide clear and accurate explanations and support as needed.
• Partner Revenue Forecasting:
  Lead the preparation of partner revenue forecasts, collaborating closely with Sales, Business Development, and Demand Planning teams. Support the VP of Finance in reviewing and refining forecast presentation materials for internal and external use.
• Ad Hoc Projects, Initiatives and Audit Support:
  Support special projects as assigned by the VP of Finance, including financial modeling, process improvement initiatives, audit preparation, and system enhancements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred)
• Ideally 2+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in an entertainment / media based environment
• Strong Excel and financial modeling skills
• Intellectual curiosity and proactive manner
•  Experience with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, processes and controls, including the ability to identify and mitigate risks
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Prior Experience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP)
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office 365 suite, specifically Excel and PowerPoint skills  

Desired Characteristics:

• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and manage external relationships
• Strong attention to detail and high standards for quality and accuracy
• Embrace diversity of thought, background, and experience
• Ability to organize large amounts of data efficiently and accurately
• Ability to adapt and work well in a fast-paced, results-oriented and rapidly changing environment
• Organize and schedule work effectively
• Ability to partner across multiple functions and drive change and efficiency

Notice:

Studio Distribution Service’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Studio Distribution Services will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.