Director Production Finance

Sphere Entertainment Co; Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 113,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Sphere Entertainment Co is seeking a Director of Production Finance to oversee financial operations for Sphere Studios. This key role involves preparing budgets, optimizing accounting systems, and managing compliance within a fast-paced entertainment environment. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in production finance and a passion for innovative solutions in live entertainment.

Benefits

Career development resources

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• 8+ years of production finance experience in the entertainment industry.
• Strong knowledge of production accounting related systems and software.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and multitasking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare production budgets and manage production accounting operations.
• Ensure compliance with production accounting policies and procedures.
• Oversee cost tracking, documentation, and audits throughout production.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Tools

Movie Magic Budgeting

PSL+

Cast and Crew

EP Smart Accounting

Excel

Job description

Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) is a premier live entertainment and media company. The Company includes Sphere, a next-generation entertainment medium powered by cutting-edge technologies to redefine the future of entertainment. The first Sphere venue in Las Vegas opened in September 2023. In addition, the Company includes MSG Networks, which operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet, as well as a direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming product, MSG+, delivering a wide range of live sports content and other programming. More information is available at sphereentertainmentco.com.

Who are we hiring?

The Director, Production Finance will oversee the preparation of development and production cost financials for Sphere Studios. This role will be responsible for managing financial documentation, production accounting operations, and assisting in cashflow management across Film Experiences, Musical Act Residencies, and Corporate Events. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and bring a background in production finance and accounting.

What will you do?

• Prepare production budgets, cashflow schedules and cost reports for Sphere Studios Productions.
• Manage, streamline, and optimize production accounting operations and systems, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Review and validate production budgets, ensuring correct estimates and reporting against actuals.
• Support production accountants throughout project lifecycles, ensuring accurate cost tracking, documentation, and reconciliation to the G/L.
• Oversee the setup of show production systems, including bank accounts, payroll, and accounting hubs.
• Liaise with prep/post accountants to process accounts payable and payroll during development, prep, and wrap phases.
• Ensure compliance with Production Accounting Policies & Procedures
• Ensure the auditing and archiving of all digital documentation for production.
• Coordinate documentation and responses for auditor requests (3rd party, financial, and SOX).
• Conduct ad hoc financial analyses and reporting for production-related projects as needed.
• Additional duties as assigned

What do you need to succeed?

• 8+ years of production finance experience, with a proven track record in entertainment industry production.
• Strong knowledge of industry systems and software required, including Movie Magic Budgeting, PSL+, Cast and Crew, EP Smart Accounting and Excel.
• Exceptional analytical and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Clear, effective communication skills for collaborating across various departments.
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for navigating change and driving creative solutions.
• Experience in production accounting or auditing is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with industry tax incentives and the financial management of large-scale productions.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational and multitasking abilities.
• High attention to detail with excellent research and documentation skills.
• Solution-oriented mindset with a proactive approach to overcoming challenges.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment.

#LI-Onsite

Pay Range

$113,000 — $190,000 USD

At MSG, we recognize the importance of upskilling employees’ talents and strengths so they can drive their careers forward. We are proud to offer a robust set of tools and resources to help employees understand their interests and purpose, harness their talents and obtain the skills they need to reach the next step in their careers. Growth and longevity for our employees are top priorities here.

We value diversity and are looking for extraordinary employees of all backgrounds! MSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sexual and reproductive health choices, national origin, citizenship, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law mandates, MSG complies with all applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in all locations and will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required.