Analyst, Budget Planning & Operations

National Geographic; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 59,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

National Geographic seeks a Planning and Operations Analyst to manage day-to-day financial and accounting activities for Production Operations & Budget Planning. Responsibilities include timesheet processing, labor cost reclassifications, vendor onboarding, and PO/invoice administration in SAP and Coupa.

The role supports multiple departments and budgets, with a focus on accuracy, process improvements, and cross-functional collaboration across Finance, Procurement, and Tech partners.

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience in finance, production accounting, business operations, or related field.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and Excel reporting.
• Strong communication, written and verbal skills with vendors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Ability to reconcile data, identify discrepancies, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with organizational and time-management skills.
• Experience with SAP, Coupa, or other enterprise financial systems.
• Experience supporting Production, Engineering, Facilities, or Media Operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Distribute, collect, aggregate, and reconcile weekly timesheets to support labor tracking.
• Analyze timesheet data and perform monthly labor cost reclassifications across departments.
• Conduct weekly overtime audits and assist with PTO audits for accuracy and compliance.
• Create purchase orders, process receipts, and track invoices in SAP and Coupa with proper approvals.
• Assist vendor onboarding and maintain vendor records; resolve payment and purchasing issues.
• Collaborate with budget managers to review expenses and support accurate financial reporting.
• Provide operational and purchasing support for Facilities, Post-Production, and Engineering.
• Maintain department trackers and show/invoice trackers; ensure documentation is up to date.
• Support special projects and new system implementations affecting operations.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Analytical

Attention to detail

Time management

Independent working

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Business Administration

Tools

SAP

Coupa

Job description

Job Requirements

The Planning and Operations Analyst for National Geographic’s Production Operations & Budget Planning team is responsible for day-to-day financial and accounting management for all departments (Production Services, Content Operations, Editorial Operations, Engineering, and Facilities) and productions including: invoice processing, tracking and payments, purchase order administration, vendor onboarding and assisting vendors with activation of profiles, resolution of payment and system issues through SAP and Coupa, tax forms and banking details, resolving blocks and pause payment, enhancing accounting processes to improve efficiency.

The position manages across several department’s reporting, reviewing, and adjusting monthly budgets, yearly budget forecasts, monthly actuals summaries and financial reports while maintaining several show trackers, WBS cost tracking and other pertinent tracking documents, as well as monthly oversight of departmental timesheet administration, PTO and overtime audits, labor cost reclassifications, and operational reporting.

Responsibilities

• Perform weekly timesheet distribution, collection, aggregation, and reconciliation to support departmental labor tracking and reporting.
• Analyze timesheet data and prepare monthly labor cost reclassifications to ensure expenses are accurately allocated across departments and cost centers.
• Conduct weekly overtime audits and support department leaders in monthly PTO audits to maintain accurate workforce data and compliance with company policies.
• Create purchase orders, process receipts, and track invoices through SAP and Coupa while ensuring appropriate approvals and budget coding are obtained.
• Support vendor onboarding, maintain vendor records, and provide issue resolution related to vendor setup, payments, and purchasing activities.
• Partner with budget managers to review expenses, obtain approvals, and support accurate financial reporting and departmental budget management.
• Provide operational and purchasing support for Facilities, Post-Production, and Engineering departments.
• Maintain departmental timesheet templates, trackers, shared documentation, and operational records.
• Provide administrative support for T&E processes, departmental initiatives, and special projects.
• Liaise with Finance, Procurement, Technology, Legal, and other corporate partners to support operational processes and ensure compliance with company policies and requirements.
• Retrieve, analyze, and prepare ad hoc operational reports and supporting documentation for management.
• Research operational issues and recommend process improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and stakeholder experience.
• Support implementation, testing, and adoption of new systems, tools, and workflows impacting departmental operations.
• Interface with Production Managers, Scheduling, Engineering, Facilities, and other business teams to support operational objectives.
• Collaborate with finance to create an SAP Data Report to gather monthly on-time actuals.
• Create the FY Show Budget Report for management.
• Maintain and update department trackers for shows and invoices.
• Maintain a working relationship with finance to understand the changing goals of the team.

Required Qualifications

• At least two years of experience in finance, production accounting, business operations, or related field.
• Highly proficient with Microsoft Office applications, Excel proficiency and strong Excel reporting skills.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with vendors, corporate partners, management, and operational stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with experience reconciling data, identifying discrepancies, and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy with excellent organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Self-motivated and proactive with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication and writing skills
• Must be able to complete and manage multi-million-dollar budgets
• Experience with SAP, Coupa, or other enterprise financial, procurement, or accounting systems.
• Experience supporting Post-Production, Engineering, Facilities, Production, or Media Operations teams.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new systems, processes, and technologies quickly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Operations, Data Analytics or a related field.
• Accounting for TV network or production company.
• Fluency in Spanish (written and verbal)

Disclaimer

PAY TRANSPARENCY

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $58,900 to $80,900 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

This position is with National Geographic Partners PAY SVC, which is part of a business we call National Geographic.

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National Geographic Partners PAY SVC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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