Job Title:
Production Finance Manager
Location:
Belfast
Reports to:
Director of Operations
About the Role
We're a busy, fast-moving, creative TV production company with multiple projects in development and production. We're looking for a Production Finance Manager who can juggle multiple projects and deadlines across the company while supporting the creative teams. This is a hands-on role where you'll oversee the entire financial function, ensuring the business remains on-budget, compliant, and financially sound.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial Management & Production Finance
* 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, cashflows, 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.
Reporting & Analysis
* 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.
Compliance & Audit
* 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.
Team Management
* 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 Productions.
Essential Skills & Experience:
* 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 UK production funding landscape, including tax reliefs.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
* Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple productions simultaneously.
Desirable
* Experience with funding reports (e.g. NI Screen, HMRC tax credits).
* Knowledge of industry contracts, union agreements, or freelancer payroll.