Senior Manager, Accounting

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are…

When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

Your New Role

The Studio TH Distribution Accounting Senior Manager will be the strategic controllership partner to the business unit. They will have direct and daily interactions with the executive leadership at the business unit, FP&A, Marketing finance, legal, tax, audit, and treasury.  Additionally, the Sr. Manager will drive process innovation and lead system upgrade or implementations. This position provides functional management to an offshore service provider team, with a span of control of a manager and six staff.

Your Role Accountabilities

• Manage day-to-day accounting operation of the Theatrical distribution business using the various systems (MACCs, FTPix, SAP, BW, AO, and S4), month-end close processes, reconciliation of high-risk accounts (such as marketing accrual), and ensuring timely delivery of monthly, quarterly, and annual deliverables. Support and collaborate with leadership to provide subject matter expertise to internal business partners in all content life cycle areas: GAAP/Accounting guidance, global policies and procedures, and SOX controls.
• Management of complex-high judgement, non-standard areas of Theatrical Distribution accounting, including new and unusual contract treatments and intercompany management (cross promo). Prepare materials and lead meetings with, business unit finance and commercial partners and controllership leadership.  Address tasks to achieve team and company goals such as, but not limited to: revenue accruals for theatrical exhibition, box office tracking, marketing accruals, IT system maintenance/testing, account reconciliations review/approval, business integration, ad hoc requests, and process innovation initiatives.
• Leadership and Management: Functionally manage a team of seven; work with the managers and team offshore to achieve set goals.  This includes coaching and development, onboarding and training, cross team coordination, and excellent communication with other departments, such as business unit FP&A, marketing finance, operations, Order to Cash, tax, legal, Treasurer, compliance, participation, accounting leadership, internal and external auditors.  Complete tasks such as preparation and delivery of performance evaluations, monitor team workload, and review and approve vacation requests. Create a conducive and positive environment and assist with any conflict in accordance with company and local regulation or policies.
• Audit Support:  Collaborate with auditors, both internal and external, to ensure team’s accurate and timely submission of requested documentation.  Address any questions resulting from audit. Perform ad hoc duties and analysis as assigned by management.
• System upgrade: Support and work with leadership to assist the technology team in the planning, design, testing, implementation, and stabilization of new technology.

Qualifications & Experience

• BS/BA in accounting from an accredited university
• Minimum of 12 years of experience and a strong understanding of US GAAP and SOX requirements
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a supervisory/leadership role
• CPA strongly preferred
• Experience in public accounting, particularly with Big Four firms, is preferred.  
• Shared service and/or outsourcing environment a plus.
• Experience in accounting for technical and judgmental areas
• Experience working directly with external auditors to resolve complex accounting and reporting issues
• Attention to detail, accuracy and strong organizational skills (prioritization, escalation, multi time zones time management, fast-paced environment, effective communication, problem-solver, etc.)
• Entertainment industry experience preferred
• Experience with SAP preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Power Point, Co-pilot) and Intermediate level Excel.
• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure
• Must be able to flex the work schedule to accommodate interaction with offshore teams in Mexico and India.
• Must be able to lead across continents.
• May require travel.
• Must be able to work collaboratively with cross-functional team members at all levels
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Embrace change driven by evolving business initiatives and maintains positivity when time-sensitive milestones shift.
• Experience implementing best practices that require significant innovation for improving processes by applying advanced understanding of complex functional/technical and business issues and challenges

How We Get Things Done…

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.