Sr Financial Accounting Analyst

About the Role:

The Sr Financial Accounting Analyst - Production Audit is a skilled and proficient accounting professional who supports Disney Corporate by ensuring the integrity of financial reporting across high-budget film and television productions and related distribution activities. Operating as an independent worker and effective problem-solver, this role combines deep technical accounting knowledge with strong audit and analytical capabilities to safeguard contractual compliance, cost accuracy, and revenue completeness for The Walt Disney Company's content portfolio.

Responsibilities:

In this role, you will lead end-to-end financial and compliance audits over third-party and internally produced content, focusing on production costs, contractual terms, and distribution (revenue) reporting. You will collaborate with Legal, Business Affairs, Labor Relations, and Participations teams, as well as guild auditors, to interpret complex agreements, resolve audit findings, and drive process improvements that enhance financial controls and transparency. This position matters because it protects Disney's financial interests, supports world-class storytellers, and requires a collaborative, innovative, and adaptable mindset to be successful.

·         Lead and manage individual end-to-end audits of third-party production entities and co-production partners, including large studios, independent producers, and internal production units.

·         Validate production cost reports, general ledgers, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with approved budgets and cost categories.

·         Assess compliance with contractual terms such as budgets, cost caps, allowable expenses, and reporting requirements, identifying overcharges, misallocations, and non-compliant spending.

·         Interpret complex production, licensing, co-financing, and distribution agreements, analyzing key financial provisions including above-the-line vs. below-the-line expenditures, tax incentives, cost breakages, over-runs, and overhead allocations.

·         Partner with Legal and Business Affairs to clarify contract interpretations and audit rights, and recommend audit results, settlement actions, and recovery opportunities.

·         Conduct and support distribution (revenue) audits by reviewing revenue participation statements, licensing agreements, and distribution partner settlements for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with contractual terms.

·         Validate multiple revenue streams (e.g., subscription, advertising, transactional, and international licensing) and identify underreported revenues, improper deductions, or timing discrepancies.

·         Serve as the primary audit contact with guild auditors (e.g., SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA), coordinating timely delivery of financial records, reconciling audit findings, and managing resulting claims, settlements, and adjustments.

·         Ensure production cost reporting aligns with guild agreements, including residual and pension & health contributions, partnering with Legal, Labor Relations, and Participations teams to resolve discrepancies.

·         Develop and maintain a risk assessment framework to prioritize audit targets based on spend, partner history, and agreement complexity, ensuring compliance with internal controls and accounting policies.

·         Contribute to standardized audit programs, tools, and data analytics solutions to enhance audit efficiency, insights, and continuous process improvement.

·         Act as a mentor and resource for colleagues with less experience, explaining complex or sensitive concepts clearly while managing multiple audits with competing deadlines as an effective, independent worker.

Required Qualifications:

·         Strong knowledge of accounting, audit methodologies, and entertainment finance, with the ability to dissect complex financial data and identify anomalies.

·         Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial modeling, including working with large datasets and detailed cost reports.

·         Experience with cloud-based or ERP financial systems such as SAP and related business tools (e.g., Adaptive Insights, Tableau, MicroStrategy).

·         Familiarity with data analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to support audit testing and insight generation.

·         Strong grasp of legal and financial language in production and licensing agreements, with the ability to translate technical findings into clear business insights.

·         High level of accuracy and attention to detail, with the capability to maintain objectivity in high-stakes financial reviews.

·         Effective collaboration and communication skills, with a collaborative, innovative, and adaptable approach to working with cross-functional stakeholders.

·         Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal guidance, manage multiple audits with competing deadlines, and act as a skilled, proficient problem-solver and mentor.

·         Bachelor's Degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

·         3+ years of experience in accounting, audit, or entertainment finance, preferably with exposure to production or distribution environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

·         CPA license or near-certification completion.

·         Prior experience auditing television or film productions, or working in media and entertainment accounting.

·         Experience with third-party audits and contract compliance reviews, particularly in production or distribution contexts.

·         Understanding of production accounting systems (e.g., Movie Magic, PSL, or equivalent) and knowledge of union/guild agreements (SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA, IATSE).

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The hiring range for this position in California is $104,800 to $128,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.