Overview: 

This position is a true business partner for Universal Music Publishing’s Production Music division and Brentwood Benson Music Publishing. He/She responsible for planning and forecasting, oversight of reporting and financial analysis, for three major Production Music Libraries, as well as Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing (Christian repertoire), which are a part of the Universal Music Publishing Group.

Responsibilities:

·        Oversee timely and accurate reporting for Production Music Library (UPPM) business units and Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing (BBMP).

·        Prepare schedules and provide detail for the month end close as necessary to Central Accounting Services to allow for accurate general ledger reporting, especially related to revenue received on a cash basis for reporting and on an invoiced basis where necessary for analysis of UPPM targets.

·        Review of general ledger activities, including journal entries and financial statements to verify accuracy and consistency with annual budget.  Requires a thorough understanding of a variety of financial transactions and the ability to analyze transactions for proper accounting treatment

·        Develop and issue management reports using Music Books, Navision Account Schedules, J.D.Edwards general ledger and Hyperion corporate reporting to keep management apprised of results on a monthly basis.

·        Provide timely and accurate reporting, i.e. divisional P&L reports (including revenue by division, deal type and library), cash flow, balance sheet movements and other ad hoc requests.  

·        Prepare commentaries of results versus budget, prior year and the latest forecast.

·        Prepare annual budget including evaluation of deal renewals and historical results.  This will require a close working relationship with business unit management at all levels, and will include a plan presentation for company executives.

·        Prepare quarterly forecasts to provide corporate and financial management with a realistic estimate of full year financial results versus the budget and the previous forecast, including an explanation of significant changes.

·        Liaise with programming support in relation to enhancements specifically tailored to UPPM needs.

·        Maintain operational procedures which adequately address internal controls.  This would include updating procedures as necessary and periodic testing to ensure operations are in compliance with established procedures.

·        Assist with internal and external audit requests for the business units.

·        Responsible for financial approval, as well as general ledger account coding guidance of UPPM expense reports and invoices.

·        Work in close cooperation with the accounts receivable and credit/billing staff.

·        (Co)-manage 2 financial analyst

·        Assume ownership of other responsibilities of the Publishing Group, as assigned.

Skills and Requirements:

·        Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

·        Ability to work independently and/or in a team-oriented environment, including supervision of staff, and the ability to interact with other offices or business units to resolve questions, problems and/or requests for information

·        Strong analytical skills; ability to make decisions based on information provided and understand the ramifications of each decision.

·        Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks.

·        Bachelor degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field with 3+ years of accounting or finance experience.

·        Proficient in Excel, Word and familiar with financial reporting software.

·        J.D. Edwards and Hyperion Enterprise experience is helpful but not required.

·        Complete understanding of on-line accounting systems. Additionally, requires a high degree of competence with computers to be able to upload and download information to and from the financial systems for additional manipulation.

·        Ability to work overtime and on weekends as required.