Company Description
ABOUT US / VALUES/ OVERVIEW
Universal International Studios (UIS), a division of Universal Studio Group, partners with storytellers from around the globe to create bold and distinctive shows with universal resonance. Based in London and led by President Beatrice Springborn, the business' in-house production companies include Carnival Films ("The Day of the Jackal," “Lockerbie: A Search for Truth,” "Downton Abbey”), Matchbox Pictures (“House of Gods,” "Bad Behaviour"), Working Title Television (“Too Much,” "We Are Lady Parts") and Heyday Television ( "The Capture," "Apples Never Fall"). UIS also backs Tony Ayres Productions ("Clickbait," "The Survivors") and is a minority shareholder with a first-look distribution deal in Canada’s Lark Productions (“Allegiance,” "Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent"). Additionally, UIS houses a scripted unit that develops and produces original series such as “Hanna,” and the BAFTA Award-winner "Dodger”, as well as partnering with third parties on series such as “The Dream Lands,” “One Day,” "Everyone Else Burns" and “The Undeclared War”. The studio also includes NBCUniversal Formats, the international sales division that brings content to the global market, including shows such as "The Real Housewives," "Top Chef," "Saturday Night Live," "Hollywood Game Night," "That’s My Jam," "Suits," "Superstore," and more.
At Universal International Studios, we are focused on our commitment to a more ambitious and inclusive future. Our company values play a huge part in this commitment and the culture of our company.
We’re Ambitious For our Future, We’re In This Together, We’re Actively Inclusive.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, and we’ll do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, speak to our recruitment team who will be happy to support you. Accessibility Statement | NBCUnicareers
NBCUNIVERSAL STRIVES TO MAKE ITS PRODUCTS AND SERVICES ACCESSIBLE TO ALL USERS, INCLUDING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.
Job Description
OVERVIEW
This is an 8 month Fixed Term Contract opportunity.
- Responsibility for the consolidation and delivery of our financial and operating results to the UIS SLT, production companies and USG. The role will agree and set the Budget and help manage the business to achieve this. This role will support the VP FP&A in Executive reporting to ensure that our stakeholders (both UIS Studio and production companies) are well informed on our business targets and performance
- To provide world class business partnering to support how we invest our Development budget across the UIS Studio and our production companies. This role will primarily support the UIS Global Development team and work closely with USG FP&A (including the Development finance team).
The role will foster a strong, collaborative relationship with the USG and USG FP&A consolidation teams. The role reports to the VP FP&A and sits within the FP&A and Commercial Finance team. The role has two direct reports at Finance Analyst and Intern level.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Pacing and Estimates leading the forecasting cycles for UIS to ensure submissions are on time and right first time. Foster a “no surprises” culture to ensure smooth management towards our targets through proactive management of the Risks and Opps. Requires a strong understanding of the business, trends, risks and opportunities and the impact on financial reporting.
- Budget own the budget process end to end with emphasis on ensuring targets are aligned with our strategy and agreed with senior UIS stakeholders.
- Assessment of Risks and Opportunities to the forecast and proactively proposing course correction actions to the Senior Leadership Team to hit financial targets.
- Work closely with the Controllership team in support of the quarterly close process
- Development
- Commitments: work closely with Development and BALA teams to ensure we proactively manage the commitments budget with a no surprises mentality. Ensure investment is made within the pre-approved Budget parameters and is closely monitored and communicated at regular intervals throughout the year.
- Prepare USG facing Development reporting materials. Ensure materials are reviewed and aligned with key stakeholders ahead of USG facing presentations.
- Development Pipeline: lead monthly reviews of the development pipeline to ensure that we have the right volume and mix of projects, at the right stage, to deliver our long-range targets. Lead action to course correct if necessary.
- Improve our analysis capability, e.g. conversion rate analysis, annual rate and volume analysis, proactive management of Options
- Systems Reporting: work closely with UK based IT team and USG team to leverage StudioHub to implement accurate, timely and suitable reporting.
- Development Project Targets: set clear, attainable targets so that, alongside development spend, we also achieve the right volume and mix of projects
- Prodcos: work closely with the production companies, BALA, and (where suitable) Finance teams to ensure we are aligned on Development commitments.
- Prodco Business Plan reviews: co-ordinate the quarterly business review meetings with the Prodco leaders.
- Write and present the UIS SLT facing presentations on Budget, LRP and Estimates. Ensure these are world class quality, suitable for Exec audience and clearly communicate the performance vs. targets.
- Team management: direct management of Finance Analyst and team Intern
- Continuous improvement: work with the team to streamline business forecasting and reporting processes
- Ad-hoc projects and tasks as required (e.g. Broadcast Indie Survey submissions).
Qualifications
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with substantial post qualification experience in FP&A, preferably within the TV industry
- Ability to use a broad suite of communication tools (e.g. PowerPoint, Word memos or in-person presentations where appropriate), a good listener and a persuasive influencer.
- Previous experience of Ultimates Accounting and IT business reporting software (e.g. BPC, SAP). Strong Excel required
- Proactive and solution focused with high attention to detail, strong analytical skills and interest in process improvement
- Ability to work at pace, using judgement to prioritise tasks whilst not compromising on quality; strong attention to detail.
- Ambitious and enthusiastic self-starter who is highly motivated and comfortable managing change. They must demonstrate ownership of their area and a can-do attitude. The successful candidate will be proactive, creative and have a curious solution focused mindset.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact across cultural and business environments
- Experience in managing and developing talent
- Strong team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to deal effectively with both finance and non-finance stakeholders. Ability to work comfortably across different time zones, including the US and Australia.
- Work discreetly with sensitive information (e.g. Opex)
- All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove they are eligible to work in the United Kingdom
The responsibilities associated with this position are not limited to the above description and may be modified at any time by the company.
Additional Information
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].
