Director, Production Finance

FIFTH SEASON; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

FIFTH SEASON seeks a Director of Production Finance to oversee production and financial operations and deliver show level reporting. You will ensure communication between production and finance, coordinating with line producers, the finance team, and show accountants.

The role requires 5–8+ years in production finance, strong analysis, budgeting, cash flow management, and familiarity with tax credits, union guidelines, and entertainment industry systems such as Movie Magic Budgeting and Excel.

Qualifications

• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Sound judgment and ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to operate successfully in a dynamic environment.
• In-depth knowledge of entertainment industry production, systems, software and process (including Movie Magic Budgeting, PSL, Cast and Crew, Smart Accounting, Excel).
• Experience with tax credits and entity set ups.
• Experience with union shows and guidelines in a variety of formats.
• Show level experience beneficial but not necessary.
• 5-8+ years Production Finance experience with a successful track record. Proven project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Support a wide variety of productions from development, series and long form variety specials.
• Work closely with both staff and freelance line producers on forecasting, actualizing budgets and final cost reporting. Ensure proper vetting of budgets prior to lock.
• Oversee Production Accountants, including explaining and enforcing policies, approving checks, and assisting with problem resolution as needed.
• Manage show budget greenlight process. Ensure accuracy of information on greenlights, prepare greenlight summary page, and route for signature approvals.
• Manage show cash flow and funding process.
• Partner with FP&A team to communicate any changes to show budgets on a timely basis
• Pro-active management of freelancer workloads. Ensure that company policies are followed at the show level.
• Handle union questions and issues.
• Work closely with Business Affairs to track above the line and below the line show contracts and payments. Address contractual issues and questions.
• Manage day-to-day show processes including setting up new shows and banking arrangements.
• Ensure accurate and timely show level reporting by overseeing and analyzing cost reports.
• Manage Tax Incentive initiatives and entity set ups.
• Track and approve department expenditures.
• Review and track project cash forecasts as needed.
• Problem solve as challenges and concerns arise.
• Assist with general production and finance duties as needed.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Dynamic environment

Entertainment production knowledge

Budgeting tools

Project management

Tools

Movie Magic Budgeting

PSL

Cast and Crew

Smart Accounting

Excel

Job description

About FIFTH SEASON

FIFTH SEASON is an entertainment industry leader specializing in the development, production, financing, and distribution of premium films, television series, and documentaries. Known for its artist-first approach, the company has produced critically acclaimed films such as Book Club, The Lost Daughter, Nonnas, and Friendship, as well as award-winning series like Severance, His & Hers, Nine Perfect Strangers, Omnivore, and Tokyo Vice. FIFTH SEASON operates with a full-service worldwide distribution infrastructure and boasts a vast network of production hubs across North America, Europe, and Asia. In addition to its successful slate of original productions, FIFTH SEASON’s global distribution arm handles a robust third-party library of hundreds of titles, including hit series such as Killing Eve, Normal People, The Morning Show, and The Night Manager. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, New York, and London, with offices worldwide. Shareholders include CJ ENM, Toho, and Endeavor.

Our Culture

A studio with a soul, FIFTH SEASON is proud to be an anti-racist and feminist company, focused on leaving the entertainment business better than we found it. We empower freedom and ownership, delivering the expertise of a big studio with the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of a start-up. We offer competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic and exciting industry. The ideal candidate is driven and hungry to learn and wants to be in the trenches of the entertainment industry.

Position Summary

At FIFTH SEASON we're on a mission to change the world through groundbreaking entertainment. We're a team of superstars, passionate about creating innovative and compelling content that captivates audiences around the globe.

We're seeking a Director of Production Finance who will be responsible for both production and financial operational oversight and analysis of show level reporting. He/she will ensure communication and collaboration between production and finance. Direct communication with line producers, finance team and oversight of production accountants will also be of critical importance.

Job Responsibilities

• Support a wide variety of productions from development, series and long form variety specials.
• Work closely with both staff and freelance line producers on forecasting, actualizing budgets and final cost reporting. Ensure proper vetting of budgets prior to lock.
• Oversee Production Accountants, including explaining and enforcing policies, approving checks, and assisting with problem resolution as needed.
• Manage show budget greenlight process. Ensure accuracy of information on greenlights, prepare greenlight summary page, and route for signature approvals.
• Manage show cash flow and funding process.
• Partner with FP&A team to communicate any changes to show budgets on a timely basis
• Pro-active management of freelancer workloads. Ensure that company policies are followed at the show level.
• Handle union questions and issues.
• Work closely with Business Affairs to track above the line and below the line show contracts and payments. Address contractual issues and questions.
• Manage day-to-day show processes including setting up new shows and banking arrangements.
• Ensure accurate and timely show level reporting by overseeing and analyzing cost reports.
• Manage Tax Incentive initiatives and entity set ups.
• Track and approve department expenditures.
• Review and track project cash forecasts as needed.
• Problem solve as challenges and concerns arise.
• Assist with general production and finance duties as needed.

Requirements

• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Sound judgment and ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to operate successfully in a dynamic environment.
• In-depth knowledge of entertainment industry production, systems, software and process.
• (including Movie Magic Budgeting, PSL, Cast and Crew, Smart Accounting, Excel, etc.)
• Experience with tax credits and entity set ups.
• Experience with union shows and guidelines in a variety of formats.
• Show level experience beneficial but not necessary.
• 5-8+ years Production Finance experience with a successful track record. Proven project management skills

Compensation Range: $150-$160K