The List

Digital Onboarding

Process timecards on SmartTime

Manage payroll for BTL departments

Issue cost reports

track cash 

oversee Cashet

oversee payroll

experience with SmartStart

Duties may include:

-Cashet p-card reconciliations

-Coding/Entering A/P, POs, pcard envelopes

-Interfacing with crew members

Duties may include:

-Assisting Payroll accountant with start forms, verifying I-9's, processing payroll

-Processing Extras payroll, including checking edits

-Interfacing with crew members

Duties may include:

-Support Accounting dept at large

-Assist 1st Assistant with Accounts Payable duties

-Assist Payroll Accountant with Payroll duties

-Digital filing

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

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• Accounting background including knowledge of trial balance, financials, general ledger entries and bank reconciliations required.

• Knowledge of production accounting software like Entertainment Partners or Cast and Crew.  

• Minimum 2 years’ production accounting, film/TV finance experience (TV or Film and/or accounting in the film industry) or accounting experience.  

• Minimum 2 years financial audit experience.

• Familiarity with guild rules, production payroll and using production payroll rate sheets  with respect to made for Basic Cable television movies. SAG-AFTRA, WGA, WGC, DGA, DGC, UPCP/ACTRA desired.

• Microsoft Office Suite experience.

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OTHER REQUIREMENTS

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• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Finance, Accounting, Business/Econ.

• Attention to detail, desire for accuracy, and a sense of urgency.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  

• Advanced Excel skills and intermediate skills in all other Microsoft Office Suite applications.

• Strong willingness to learn and be a great team player.  

• Strong analytical skills with an ability to find solutions and setting up check points for verification of accuracy of work performed.  

• Proficiency with Movie Magic Budgeting desired.

• Viso or familiarity with similar process software desired.

• Must be on-site in Pittsburgh, PA. Local preferred, but willing to accept distant hires. 
• Must be familiar with Showbiz (SAG only), SmartTime, SmartStart, SmartAccounting
• Strong leadership skills; previous team management experience required. 
• Ability to work under tight deadlines as required by weekly payroll. 
• Eloquent communicator, both written and verbal. 
• Must be able to interpret union contracts and be familiar with SAG, IBT, IATSE, WGA, DGA and non-union payroll. 
• Ability to manage team independently, while reporting to key stakeholders within Production and Finance. 

-Union position: Must be 871 or 161

• Ingest wrap folders and expenses provided by freelancers, analyze costs and expenditures, and create cost reports with producers and report to EPs with company-level rundowns
• Work with production to gather and maintain appropriate start paperwork, deal memos, contracts and timesheets for processing 
• Manage production p-cards and A/P processes 
• Reconcile and analyze balance sheet accounts 
• Assist with financial month end close and daily accounting activity on tight deadlines 
• Review/audit expense reports ensuring compliance with labor laws and company policies 
• Compile reports for production company audits and project reconciliations
• Preparation of ad hoc production company financial analysis (on a per project basis) as requested by management

Support operational television audits and facilitate industry payroll audits (SAG, DGA, WGA, and IATSE). This involves retrieving audit requests, researching, and responding to audit findings.

Prepare, maintain and review audit files, including retrieving backup from production document systems. 

Maintain and update the operational audit manual, exhibits, and forms as needed.

Support the Audit Director in interactions with freelance production staff and studio Finance Executives. 

Maintain and update the Television Production Finance policies and procedures. 

Handle ad hoc projects to support legal, tax, and labor departments with production-related claims. Also, assist the analytics and reporting team in preparing analysis for Labor Relations during union negotiations.

Collaborate with Production Finance, internal teams (e.g., Labor Relations, IT, Production Accounting, etc.), and external vendors (e.g., Payroll Companies, 3rd Party Auditors, etc.).

Review union contracts to ensure compliance with all relevant terms.

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Technical Skills:

Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerBi, CE Dynamics 365, Word, PowerPoint)

Advanced experience with Excel 

Data analysis functions including VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, INDEX and MATCH, SUMIFS, COUNTIFS 

Pivot Tables 

Data Validation and formatting

Intermediate/Advanced knowledge of Global Vista, Smart Accounting, Movie Magic, PSL, and other Smart products.

SAP S4P financial system experience is preferred.

Document management using different systems and tracking/documentation skills to maintain an audit trail.

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.

Minimum 3 years of external and/or Internal auditing experience.

Strong knowledge of production accounting principles and processes.

Entertainment industry experience preferred.

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Desired Characteristics:

Strong communication skills (written/verbal) and ability to interact with employees at all levels, including upper management.

Robust understanding of payroll processes and union labor agreements.

Excellent analytical and organizational skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize work, and remain detail-oriented.

High aptitude and enthusiasm for complex problem-solving and analysis.

Solid understanding of Current WGA contribution rates.  Audit experience a plus.  5+ years of entertainment guild accounting experience.

Cast and crew payroll using media services. 2 weeks prep, 4.2 weeks shoot. Wrap 2 weeks.

Responsibilities: 

• Support operational television audits and facilitate industry payroll audits (SAG, DGA, WGA, and IATSE). This involves retrieving audit requests, researching, and responding to audit findings.
• Prepare, maintain and review audit files, including retrieving backup from production document systems. 
• Maintain and update the operational audit manual, exhibits, and forms as needed.
• Support the Audit Director in interactions with freelance production staff and studio Finance Executives. 
• Maintain and update the Television Production Finance policies and procedures. 
• Handle ad hoc projects to support legal, tax, and labor departments with production-related claims. Also, assist the analytics and reporting team in preparing analysis for Labor Relations during union negotiations.
• Collaborate with Production Finance, internal teams (e.g., Labor Relations, IT, Production Accounting, etc.), and external vendors (e.g., Payroll Companies, 3rd Party Auditors, etc.).
• Review union contracts to ensure compliance with all relevant terms.

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Technical Skills:

• Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerBi, CE Dynamics 365, Word, PowerPoint)
• Advanced experience with Excel 
• Data analysis functions including VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, INDEX and MATCH, SUMIFS, COUNTIFS 
• Pivot Tables 
• Data Validation and formatting
• Intermediate/Advanced knowledge of Global Vista, Smart Accounting, Movie Magic, PSL, and other Smart products.
• SAP S4P financial system experience is preferred.
• Document management using different systems and tracking/documentation skills to maintain an audit trail.

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Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
• Minimum 3 years of external and/or Internal auditing experience.
• Strong knowledge of production accounting principles and processes.
• Entertainment industry experience preferred.

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Desired Characteristics:

• Strong communication skills (written/verbal) and ability to interact with employees at all levels, including upper management.
• Robust understanding of payroll processes and union labor agreements.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize work, and remain detail-oriented.
• High aptitude and enthusiasm for complex problem-solving and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the VP of Production and Senior Producer to create, track, and manage production budgets
• Develop and maintain financial reports, including cost tracking and forecasting
• Track and report invoices, internal costs, and outgoing expenses
• Develop and implement processes to streamline the gathering and analysis of financial

data, improving overall reporting efficiency

• Address and report cost overages and any financial impacts due to production changes
• Manage and process Change Orders related to production finances
• Request, analyze, and negotiate bids and contracts from vendors, ensuring accurate

financial terms

• Ensure timely payments to vendors, contractors, and crew
• Maintain financial records and ensure compliance with company policies
• Approve vendor cost overages and manage contract financials
• Build and maintain positive financial relationships with clients and vendors Required Qualifications
• 3+ years of experience in production accounting, entertainment, gaming, or a related industry
• Proven experience creating and managing production budgets, cost reports, and schedules
• Ability to manage multiple financial tasks simultaneously
• Strong communication skills (Slack, email, face-to-face)
• Commitment to accuracy, financial analysis, and process improvement

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Desired Qualifications

• Background in Production Accounting
• Client management experience
• Familiarity with scripted productions
• Experience working with international vendors
• Experience in the animation and/or VR space

• Data Entry
• Making sure all approvals, and all data is gathered for  payment process. 
• Scanning invoices, payroll files to Key and Payroll accountant. 
• Assisting folks in the office with Accounting related matters.
• Helping Production Office when necessary.

Movie Magic Budgeting, Hot Costs and Cost Reporting

-Process SAG, ATL, production staff, and NU payroll

-Primarily SAG-heavy with some pay authorizations; payment schedules are pre-established

-Communicate with key accountant, controller, production supervisor, and UPM for approvals

-Coordinate with other departments as needed to facilitate payroll processing

Software:

• MovieMagic
• Smart Accounting / Smart PO
• SmartStart / Smart Time 
• Scenechronize
• CASHet PCards
• CASHetPay

Software:

• EP Payroll
• Smart Accounting
• SmartStart / Smart Time 
• Scenechronize

Supervises a Senior Production Financial Analyst, Post Production Finance

Work with Vice President Post Production Finance, Post Production & VFX Executives, Post Supervisors and VFX Producers to prepare post/VFX budgets and cash flows and determine foreign currency needs for assigned shows

Manages and trains freelance post production accountants

Work directly with Production Finance Execs to oversee all financial aspects of assigned projects; act as lead in managing lower budget projects

Work with budgeting department and Studio Executives to prepare Dailies, Post & VFX budgets 

Review weekly Cost Report EFC’s for accuracy, providing coverage of concerns to the VP, Post Production Finance and Production, VFX and Post Production Executives 

Estimates/tracks post production and VFX film costs/potentials/cash flows/incentives

Ensure all show related information, including EFCs and tax incentive estimates, are accurately reported and maintained in the Production Finance reporting database

Review production budgets, cash flow, funding requests and weekly closing reports for completeness and accuracy; identify and escalate any anomalies to the Production Finance Executive

Lead film production audits on location along with other Production Finance team members

Oversee incentive audits, incentive deliverables, tracking and collection of incentives 

Manage production cash flow reporting, including forecast, actuals and plan, for all feature projects; analyze and review variances and variance explanations for reasonableness

Manage quarterly studio reporting deliverables, including EFCs, tax credits and trial balances

Work with the Production Finance Execs and Production Tax team on status and timing of tax incentives, review tax incentive estimates and analyze changes for reasonableness

Identify process improvement opportunities with focus on driving efficiency, transparency and collaboration across the studio

Manage special projects and ad-hoc reports as needed

Responsibilities include:

Payroll Processing - Staff & Freelance 

Accounts Receivables - Invoicing and Collections

Accounts Payables - Vendor Payments, ACH, Wire Transfers

Journal Entries

Monthly Bank Reconciliations

Insurance Reconciliations / Audits

Account Analysis 

Financial Reports

Cashflow Report/Forecasting

Month and Year End Reports 

1099 Reports

Year End Tax Preparation (working with our CPA)

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Qualifications:

Ideal candidate must have strong communication, organization and analytical skills

8+ years bookkeeping experience

Proficiency in Quickbooks Online and MS Office

BA/BS degree in Accounting / Finance

Tech Proficient - digital file organization, tracking and documentation, video calls, Slack communication

Entertainment industry experience a plus

Varied, but will include importing PO’s from DPO to PSL, matching invoices to PO’s, tracking PO activity and ensuring PO’s are accurately reflected in PSL, obtaining digital approvals, processing CASHet envelopes, comfortable working with and obtaining needed information from HOD’s and department personnel, able to work fast, efficiently, and mostly, effectively. Comfortable in a fully digital workflow, keeping all work on a cloud-based shared drive, and highly organized.

Process AP & Cashet

Manage Digital Work Flow

Set Vendor Accounts

• Manage American Express Small Business accounts

• Manage Ramp Visa accounts for Freelance Crews

• Monitor Amex & Visa accounts

• Manage and investigate disputed Amex & Ramp transactions

• Conduct credit card reconciliations and monthly AP posting

• Ensure accuracy of project coding at wrap with freelance production teams

• Review, approve and deposit Job Petty Cash

• Maintain communications with freelance production teams in support of Controller

• Post journal entries for internal job costs weekly to General Ledger

• Assist accounting staff with miscellaneous audits

• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree preferred

• Excellent analytical, problem solving and decision making skills

• Excellent data entry skills

• Advanced Excel Skills

• Solid knowledge of basic bookkeeping

• Effective organizational, stress and time management skills

• Ability to adapt to new accounting software

• Ability to communicate clear and pleasant with customers

• Ability to work independently or as a team member

• Demonstrates a sense of urgency and ability to meet deadlines

• Experience with auditing cost-plus commercial jobs

Key Responsibilities:

Assist the Financial Operations Specialist in day-to-day tasks.

Ensure accurate and timely recording of payments for ACH/checks.

Review and process reports, enter into systems, and file accurately. 

Maintain client-facing electronic documents on Google Drive, ensuring they are up to date, organized, and accurate.

This is a non-union position.

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Required Skills and Qualifications:

Proficient in Excel and Google Sheets.

Familiarity with Dropbox for document management.

Solid understanding of general accounting principles.

Degree, certification, or equivalent experience in Accounting preferred.

Exceptional attention to detail with a strong focus on accuracy.

Ability to effectively multitask, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

Strong time management skills, with the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Confidentiality and discretion is a must - we work on secret projects and an NDA is required.

Must have unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States.

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ADDITIONAL NOTICES 

Variance values diversity and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran, marital, domestic partner, or other legally protected status. Variance is committed to a diverse workforce and is an affirmative action employer. 

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We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment in accordance with applicable law. Please make a note in your application to request an accommodation.

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Variance does not work with third-party staffing services or placement organizations, please do not contact us or reply to this posting if you are not the applicant.

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PAY TRANSPARENCY NOTICE

Determining compensation for this role depends on a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill sets, experience, training, location, and other business and organizational needs. Variance believes that the listed salary range reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in locations that require salary range disclosures.

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How to Apply:

Please send your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your qualifications and interest in the role to jobs@variancefilms.com.

Transaction entry

Payroll invoice import 

Tax incentive ledger prep

Tax incentive audits

Bank reconciliation

Generating cost reports

Generating trial balance reports

Generating P&L reports

Generating balance sheets

Transaction Backup Organization

• Coding AP and PCards
• Interfacing with crew
• Filing
• Assisting team with tasks 

-Manage AP Email

-Digital Filing

-Credit Apps

• Main onsite A/P contact for crew and vendors
• A/P and Vendor reconciliation (POs, Check Requests, Invoices, P-Cards, etc.)
• Accurate and timely A/P entry with emphasis on studio coding and local taxes/tax incentive

• 1st contact in person or on the phone with the vendors and crew (Friendly demeanor required) 
• Responsible for scanning, printing, and filing some if not all of the documents in the studio's box
• Reaching out to vendors and crew for missing documents
• Obtain signatures via DocuSign
• Accurate and timely entry of POs, W9s, etc. 
• Willingness to help 1st and 2nd Asst Accountants when needed

Generate a weekly cost report, trial balance, and daily hot costs.

Auditing/Coding CASHet and Petty Cash

Creating vendor profiles

Filing digitally

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the post team to complete tasks related to payroll filing, accounts payable, and bank reconciliations.

• Coordinate with production executives and finance executives to get approvals for various documents.

• Data pulls for audits.

• Download bank statements and perform bank reconciliations.

• Route invoices for approval and prepare bank statement journals.

• File completed documents and maintain organized records.

• Assist with month end tasks including SAP downloads and reconciliations.

Qualifications

• Experienced second assistant accountant with a strong background in Smart Accounting, PSL, Cashet Pcards, Cashet Pay, and Excel.

• Demonstrated ability to handle financial tasks accurately and efficiently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SAP is a plus.

Rate will be per experience and references.

Job duties include:

Extras processing

Verify I9's

Digital filing and paper filing

Scanning documents

Calls/emails to employees

Open mail, print invoices

Data entry in Excel

Reconciling A/P statements

Other duties as assigned

Will discuss during interview

AP top to bottom. Cashet. Managing remote 2nd asst.

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for production personnel, including cast and crew, across multiple projects.
• Calculate wages, deductions, and adjustments ensuring compliance with industry standards and union agreements.
• Prepare and distribute payroll checks or direct deposits on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
• Collaborate with production management to verify timesheets, resolve discrepancies, and ensure timely submission.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation for audits and reporting purposes.
• Stay updated on federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and ensure compliance.
• Assist with preparing payroll reports, summaries, and analysis as required.
• Handle inquiries and resolve payroll-related issues from production staff promptly and professionally.
• Work closely with HR and accounting teams to ensure seamless payroll processes.

Will share responsibilities with Co-1st Assistant. Will discuss further during interview process. 

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Project using PSL+. DPO, NM Passthrough

Cashet reconciliation.

Processing AP in Smart Accounting.

Matching AP with PO's and creating draw down sheets.

Coding AP.

Obtaining Digital Approvals.

Processing Cashet envelopes.

Manage digital filing system.

Assist in opening vendor accounts.

Communicate with vendors and crew regarding AP inquiries.

Supporting Accounts Payable and Payroll.

• US payroll (about 10 -12 folks) for 6 1/2 - 8 weeks
• US payroll for 3 days of pick ups (about 50-80 people)
• SAG union
• non-union crew
• accounting for US production

• Email Monitoring/Answering phone calls 

• I-9 verifier 

• Processing Extras 

• Thrive in fast pace environment

Responsibilities: 

-Supporting operational audits and facilitating industry guild audits (SAG, DGA, WGA, and IATSE). This includes retrieving audit requests, researching, and responding to audit findings.

-Prepare and maintain audit files, including retrieving backup from production document systems. 

-Maintain and update the operational audit manual, exhibits, and forms as needed.

-Support the Audit Director in interactions with freelance production staff and studio Finance Executives. 

-Maintain and update the Television Production Finance policies and procedures. 

-Ad hoc projects to support legal, tax, and labor departments with production-related claims. 

-Assist the analytics and reporting team in preparing analysis for Labor Relations during union negotiations.

-Collaborate with Production Finance, internal teams (e.g., Labor Relations, IT, Production Accounting, etc.), and external vendors (e.g., Payroll Companies, 3rd Party Auditors, etc.)

-Review union contracts to ensure compliance with all relevant terms.

ATL Payment Management: Administer complex Overall Producer agreements and create episodic payment authorizations. 

- Financial Accuracy: Monitor costs and ensure correct payment processing. 

- Audit Request: Assist with internal and external audits. 

- Casting Directors: Manage and administer payments. 

- Development: Assist with all costs associated with scripts, rights, supervisor, and development fees. 

- Start work: Obtain payroll documents for all ATL talent. 

- Additional duties: Clip fee payments, monitor overhead and assistants for overall producer, collaborate with co-productions, and promote new or modified procedural suggestions.

Excellent organizational skills; team player

Field questions or concerns from the crew; manage digital processes; work with remote 1st Assistant Accountant.

Include reference names with contact info in your resume.

• Support the fiscal management and administration of all internal and external facets of assigned television productions. Must be knowledgeable of the financing aspects of all assigned shows including (but not limited to): co-production deal structure, deficit calculation, network/studio breakages and tax credits estimates.
• Manage quarterly corporate reporting process. Analyze, review for accounting accuracy and submit to corporate accounting group, required Production Finance deliverables including: ledger bibles, cost reports, balance sheets, bank reconciliations.
• Provide Production Finance support to Production & Business Affairs Executives of assigned projects.
• Closely monitor the production progress of assigned productions. Must be able to provide guidance and address various production finance related queries from internal and external customers such as: co-production partners, Business Affairs executives, Production and Post Production Executives, production accountants, corporate accounting and FP&A executives, corporate tax department, Residuals and Participations groups, tax credit auditors, State film office, internal auditors, external cost auditors and post production accounting group.
• Manage production incentive workflow of assigned shows, including but not limited to applications, audits, qualified expense tracking, ensure receipt of tax credits or cash and assist with tax incentive analysis to determine the best location to capture the highest return of rebates and tax credits to the network.
• Coordinate Production Accounting compliance audits of assigned shows to support Production Finance efforts in enforcing appropriate finance controls in production accounting operations. Ensure adherence to all production accounting policies and procedures.
• Coordinate transfer of production accounting responsibilities from production accountant to post production accounting group. Responsible for ensuring transfer of information related to all open items in cost report and trial balance are properly documented and communicated.
• Work closely with post production accountant to manage the cost reporting process from post production stage to close of accounting books. This is to ensure accurate reporting of EFC to corporate accounting and FP&A group.
• Support the management, forecasting and maintenance consolidated production cash flow of entire TV slate.
• Perform ad hoc financial analyses and miscellaneous projects as needed.

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