Director FP&A Ultimates and Costing
Warner Bros. Discovery
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…
As the leader of the Ultimates & Costing COE FP&A team, this position is responsible for managing the consolidation and by-title reporting process as well as the ultimates process and film cost accounting process for Warner Bros. and Max titles according to Film Accounting Standards ASC 926 for the planning cycles (Budget, Forecast, Monthly Update).
The role will onboard and stabilize the new Ultimates & Costing COE FPA team. The role will be responsible for execution of all Ultimates & Costing COE planning functions within the scope of responsibilities.
Overall responsibility for Ultimates and Film Cost Accounting planning processes, including:
Manage Ultimates process for products produced or acquired by Warner Bros. and Max including review and analysis and communication with Business Units for updates
Perform film cost accounting calculations for all planning cycles
Analyze impact of ultimate changes on quarterly and annual gross profit results
Review and analyze the ultimate submissions for all cycles (budget, forecast and actuals) from the multiple business units in preparation for costing of product
Perform Preliminary costing analysis to determine impact on changes for Ultimates
Determines appropriate film cost calculation during the planning cycles to ensure that appropriate amortization, participation and residual expense is computed
Reviews, prepares and/or approves planning journal entries for any adjustments needed to Ultimates costing
Determines MPM attributes and ensures they are updated/maintained in SAP
Oversees the preparation of specific By-Title Ultimate Profit & Loss statements as necessary and presents to management as well as the various business units
Determines and communicates procedures to be followed by Business Units that provide Ultimate data
Supervises the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual performance reporting to department as well as Senior Management personnel
Overall Planning Cycle responsibility, including:
Review and analyze consolidated and divisional by-title gross profit reports for business unit product lines
Manage key stakeholder engagement with Sr. Management in WB Studios, Networks, HBO and Max
Manage assumptions and instructions for all product across all planning cycles
Respond to inquiries from business unit finance personnel as well as management from WB Studios, Networks, HBO and Max
Manage the product cost schedules submitted by the multiple business units
Determine the amount of valuation adjustment required for each title that has a negative net realizability value based on GAAP policies
Communicate the weekly slate summary reporting changes for updating Ultimates and financials
Work with Controllership on the quarterly impairment analysis
Provide Business Unit Analysis and Business Decision Support, including:
Assist the WB Studio business units request to provide pro-forma analysis, and support strategic decisions
Partner with DTC business unit assist in review and build estimates of by-title content revenues and downstream expenses, including performing deal, slate and greenlight/ROI sensitivities and analyses
Maintain and evaluate ultimate title ROI/profitability models to assist the DTC business for strategic decisions
Team Development, Coaching, and Process Improvement:
Ensure the ongoing development of team members including professional and people skills, knowledge of the business, and team engagement
Partner with stakeholders for the execution of key initiatives including:
Global process alignment
Continuous improvement
Implementation of planning and reporting best practices
Effective change management
Other strategic business initiatives
Ensure compliance with SOX documentation requirements
Assist in preparation of ad-hoc analysis as requested
Your Role Accountabilities…
Strong analytical and logic skills including ability to grasp the “big picture” while also maintaining strong detail orientations
Advanced proficiency in Excel required (creating spreadsheets, pivot tables, v-lookups, macros). SAP BW/BPS experience preferred
Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and practices (GAAP) and financial statements Effective communicator at all levels of the organization with the ability to influence others and negotiate outcomes. Strong written, oral and presentation skills required (English).
Proven ability to develop and maintain strong relationships across the organization. Strong problem resolution skills, and a high degree of integrity, tact and diplomacy.
Qualifications & Experience…
Minimum 10+ years’ related professional experience, with at least 8 years’ in a management position
Previous experience in entertainment industry / public accounting preferred
BA/BS degree in Accounting/Finance/Business or related field required
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
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our society and the world around us. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, union status, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law.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.