Production Finance Manager - Stellify
- Belfast
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Oversee day-to-day finance operations of the business, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, Credit card reconciliation and procurement card reconciliations, bank reconciliations, and month-end processes.
- Develop and manage detailed production budgets in collaboration with producers, ensuring accurate cost reporting, cash flows, and forecasting.
- Track actuals vs. budget throughout production cycles, flagging overruns early, and managing funding drawdowns and reconciliations.
- Ensure timely processing of cast/crew payroll, expenses, and supplier invoices, while identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising production quality.
- Oversee, support, and assist Production Accountants on various productions where necessary.
- Produce monthly management accounts, project-specific financial reports, and prepare reports for funders, broadcasters, and public bodies (e.g., NI Screen, Sony, Broadcasters).
- Assist with cost reports, forecasting, variance analysis, and final cost reporting.
- Support post-production wrap and final cost reporting.
- Understand and complete reporting on IR35.
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations, tax obligations, funding requirements, tax credits, and audit requirements, including government business returns.
- Liaise with Sony on year-end accounts and liaise with external auditors.
- Lead on reporting to Sony regarding GHG (Green House Gas) Scope across productions.
- Supervise junior finance staff or freelancers as required.
- Set up and improve finance processes, controls, and systems, ensuring smooth operations across all finance activities.
- Support all non-finance managers in both Development and Production.
- Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA), Accounting Technician or equivalent experience.
- At least 3 years' experience in a finance role, preferably with some of that in media or multi-project-based environments.
- Strong knowledge of UK tax, PAYE, IR35, VAT, and accounting standards.
- Experience with production accounting tools and software (e.g., Just TV or similar)
- Excellent communication skills-able to translate finance speak to producers and creatives.
- Confident, independent, and proactive with strong attention to detail.
- Strong budgeting and cost management skills.
- Understanding of the UK production funding landscape, including tax reliefs.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple productions simultaneously.
- Experience with funding reports (e.g. NI Screen, HMRC tax credits).
- Knowledge of industry contracts, union agreements, or freelancer payroll.