Sr Accountant, Programming - job 1 of 2

NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.

Comcast NBCUniversal has announced its intent to create a new publicly traded company ('Versant') comprised of most of NBCUniversal's cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel along with complementary digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. The well-capitalized company will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content. The spin-off is expected to be completed during 2025.

Position Overview:

The Senior Accountant, Programming Accounting will serve as key member of the Controllership Group within the TV Networks Group at Versant Media.  The TV Networks Group includes the best brands in the industry, including MSNBC, CNBC, E!, Oxygen, SyFy, USA Network and various sports properties that air on these networks.  This role provides an outstanding opportunity to learn about the entertainment businesses and be a change agent. The position will report to the Manager, Programming Accounting and will work closely with finance leadership across the group.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational:

• Prepare monthly journal entries and account reconciliations in the ledger and the account reconciliation tool accurately and timely
• Participate in the collaboration with production, network finance and business affairs teams to determine timing of programming to support appropriate entries in connection with monthly close and support finance team in variance reporting to pacing/budgets
• Review of program payments against contract terms and ensure proper coding to the general ledger and update in the subsidiary ledger
• Prepare monthly journal entries relating to production tax credits and ensure a complete understanding of timing of recognition in support of balance sheet classification
• Participate in processes around reconciliation of intercompany show balances to ensure proper tie out and elimination between entities
• Timely preparation of data requests from Corporate Controller’s Office for purposes of internal and external reporting purposes
• Meet with internal and external auditors and provide requested support as necessary
• Active participant in ensuring SOX documentation is up to date and is reflective of current processes
• Assist in the accurate and timely preparation of all regular and ad hoc management reports

Process Improvement:

• Drives existing processes towards standardization with keen eye towards the existence of appropriate internal controls in place for a fair presentation of program assets and obligations in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and support of the implementation of best practices for a centralized program accounting function
• Integral member of an accounting team that delivers quality accounting services as well as governance and control while supporting the close process based on a defined calendar
• Develop an in-depth understanding of key subsystem applications and the interface with financial ledger
• Active participant in the identification of areas for improvement and optimization by leveraging technology and elimination of redundancies

People:

• Develop and maintain positive and productive working relationships with the business finance and controllership teams
• Be nimble in working across portfolio
• Enthusiastic and ambitious personality in sharing ideas and ability to contribute to producing high quality results and being actively involved in process improvement

Core Skills

• Solid foundational knowledge of GAAP to ensure financial statements are fairly presented.  Must have similar foundational knowledge of controls and the ability to identify appropriate key controls to ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial results.
• Communication Skills – ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally in conversations, communications and interactions with others.  Conscientious, enthusiastic and tactful personality with positive, friendly and team-oriented attitude.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills – ability to identify and tackle a problem by using a logical and systematic approach while driving collaboration to achieve a common goal; anticipates the implications and consequences of situations and takes appropriate action.  Detail oriented and highly organized with strong analytical, writing, mathematical and computer skills.
• Managing Change Skills – ability to demonstrate support for innovation and for organizational changes needed to improve effectiveness and help others to successfully manage organizational change.
• Goal-Oriented Skills – Capacity to juggle multiple projects without sacrificing quality and professionalism.  Ability to focus on the desired result of their work.  Must seize positive opportunities that will benefit the company.
• Ability to manage and deliver against multiple priorities

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2+ years of work experience; big 4 public accounting experience preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
• CPA desired
• Entertainment industry experience preferred
• Advanced computer skills, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint

Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week. Subject to change based on Manager discussion or business need.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Salary range: $80,000 - $95,000 

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].

Although you'll be hired as an NBCU employee, your employment and the responsibilities associated with this job likely will transition to Versant in the future. By joining at this pivotal time, you'll be a part of this exciting company as it takes shape.