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Director, Studio Content FP&A

Walmart
Full-time
On-site
United States
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Director, Studio Content FP&A

πŸ”Ή Company: Warner Bros. Discovery

πŸ”Ή Location: CA Burbank Bldg. 156, Bridge Bldg. South, United States

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Finance

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: 2025-07-17

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Managing the consolidation and by-title reporting process for Television Product.
  • Partnering with key stakeholders to calculate Television film costs and analyze financial impacts.
  • Supervising the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual Television performance reporting.
  • Providing coaching, development, and supervision for direct and indirect reports.
  • Assisting with transformation projects to help streamline processes.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of accounting principles, financial analysis, and stakeholder engagement. It also involves managing teams and driving process improvements.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Manage the ultimates process for Television series produced or acquired by Warner Bros. Television, including review and analysis and communication with BUs for updates.

βœ… Analyze the impact of ultimate changes on quarterly and annual gross profit results.

βœ… Review and analyze the ultimate submissions for all cycles (budget, forecast, and actuals) from the business units in preparation for costing for Television product.

βœ… Perform preliminary costing analysis to determine the impact of changes for ultimates.

βœ… Determine appropriate film cost calculation during the planning cycles to ensure that appropriate film amortization, participation, and residual expense is computed on appropriate Television titles.

βœ… Review, prepare, and/or approve journal entries for plan periods for any adjustments needed to ultimates costing in planning cycles.

βœ… Determine MPM attributes and ensure they are updated/maintained in SAP.

βœ… Oversee the preparation of specific By-Title Ultimate Profit & Loss statements as necessary and present to management and the Television Business Unit.

βœ… Determine and communicate procedures to be followed by Business Units that provide Ultimate data.

βœ… Supervise the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual Television performance reporting to department as well as Senior Management.

βœ… Perform Ultimates review and record accelerated amort where applicable for plan cycles.

βœ… Review and analyze consolidated and divisional by-title gross profit reports for television product line for all cycles.

βœ… Manage key stakeholder engagement with Sr. Management in WB Studios, Networks, HBO/Max, and the Content COE.

βœ… Respond to inquiries from business units' finance personnel as well as management from WB Studios, Networks, HBO/Max, and the Content COE.

βœ… Manage the TV Long Sheets submitted by the TV Production Business Unit.

βœ… Review the episodic delivery/completion data for titles in production.

βœ… Review the TV Production and Animation Cause of Change Schedules for all cycles.

βœ… Review, prepare, and/or approve journal entries for plan periods for any adjustments needed to plan cycles.

βœ… Responsible for distribution of Actuals SOP’s, COC’s, and any deliverables required for the Results Binder and to Group FP&A.

βœ… Assist the WB Studio business units with providing pro-forma analysis and support strategic decisions.

βœ… Assist with Business Unit Costing Allocation, including analysis and variance explanations.

βœ… Provide ROI Inputs for Business Units decision support.

βœ… Support Business Units providing data, variance explanation for management, Audit Committee, and Board decks.

βœ… Assist Business units with any specialty reporting needs they may have.

βœ… Provide support to the Global Content Teams for information to help with Strategic Goals.

βœ… Coach and develop COE’s.

βœ… Assist with transformation projects to help streamline processes.

βœ… Work with external auditors to provide documentation for the quarterly/yearly audits.

βœ… Champion corporate finance goals and develop FP&A and individual goals in support of overall goals.

βœ… Assist in preparation of ad-hoc analysis as requested.

βœ… Ensure compliance with SOX requirements.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong analytical and logical skills, as well as the ability to grasp the "big picture" while maintaining a strong detail orientation. Effective writing and verbal communication skills are also essential.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Economics, or a related field required, advanced degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in an accounting/forecasting or related environment required. Previous experience in public accounting and/or the entertainment industry required. 2-3 years of Supervisor experience required.

Required Skills:

  • Advanced proficiency in Excel (creating spreadsheets, pivot tables, v-lookups, macros).
  • SAP BW/BPS experience preferred.
  • Strong analytical and logical skills.
  • Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and practices (GAAP) and financial statements.
  • Strong managerial skills.
  • Ability to work with all levels of management.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with transformation projects.
  • Experience with external auditors.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in accounting, financial analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Previous experience in the entertainment industry is a plus.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $146,440.00 - $271,960.00 per year.

Benefits:

  • Health Insurance
  • Employee Wellness Program
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Savings Plan
  • Paid Holidays
  • Sick Time
  • Vacation

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on market data and internal equity. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading media and entertainment company that creates and distributes premium content to global audiences.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: Warner Bros. was founded in 1923, and Discovery was founded in 1985. The two companies merged in 2022.

Company Description:

  • Warner Bros. Discovery combines WarnerMedia's premium content, streaming and entertainment networks and Discovery's global leadership in non-fiction and unscripted programming, local content, and digital media.
  • The company operates in more than 200 countries and territories, with headquarters in New York and operations in both Burbank, CA, and New York, NY.
  • Warner Bros. Discovery's portfolio includes: Warner Bros. film studio; Warner Bros. Television Studios; HBO, HBO Max; TNT, TBS, CNN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang; Discovery Channel, HGTV, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Animal Planet, Science, and other global channels; Magnolia Network; Discovery+; Eurosport; and Motor Trend.

Company Specialties:

  • Entertainment
  • Media
  • Streaming
  • Non-fiction programming
  • Unscripted programming
  • Local content
  • Digital media

Company Website: https://www.wbd.com/

ASSUMPTION: Warner Bros. Discovery is a large, global media and entertainment company with a diverse portfolio of content and brands. This role is based in Burbank, CA, and may require occasional travel.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Studio Content FP&A.

Reporting Structure: This role has direct reports, including managers and analysts, and may also have indirect reports.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks or projects.

Growth Opportunities:

  • This role offers opportunities for career progression within the FP&A department and the broader Warner Bros. Discovery organization.
  • There may be opportunities to take on additional responsibilities or lead special projects.
  • Warner Bros. Discovery provides training and development opportunities to support employee growth and career advancement.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a senior-level position within the FP&A department of a major media and entertainment company. It provides the chance to make a significant impact on the financial performance of Warner Bros. Discovery's Television business.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office

Office Location(s): CA Burbank Bldg. 156, Bridge Bldg. South

Geographic Context:

  • Burbank is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States.
  • It is located about 12 miles north of downtown Los Angeles and is known for its vibrant entertainment industry.
  • The city is home to several major film studios, including Warner Bros. Studios.

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is typically Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for specific tasks or projects.

ASSUMPTION: This role is based in Burbank, CA, which is a popular location for the entertainment industry. The office is a corporate environment, and the work schedule is typical for a full-time role in the United States.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • The application process involves submitting a resume and cover letter through the Warner Bros. Discovery careers website.
  • Candidates who meet the qualifications for the role will be contacted for an initial phone or video screening.
  • Candidates who advance to the next round will be invited for an in-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other members of the team.
  • The final round of interviews may include a presentation or case study.

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Financial analysis skills
  • Stakeholder engagement and communication skills
  • Managerial and leadership skills
  • Problem-solving and process improvement skills
  • Knowledge of accounting principles and practices (GAAP) and financial statements

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
  • Be prepared to discuss your experience with ultimates processing, film cost accounting, and financial analysis.
  • Research Warner Bros. Discovery and the Television industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
  • Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.

ATS Keywords: Financial Analysis, Film Accounting, Budgeting, Forecasting, Stakeholder Engagement, Analytical Skills, Communication Skills, Accounting Principles, Managerial Skills, SAP BW/BPS, Excel Proficiency, Process Improvement, Coaching, Reporting, Variance Analysis, ROI Analysis

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is typical for a senior-level position in the entertainment industry. Warner Bros. Discovery uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage the application process, and candidates should tailor their resumes and cover letters to include relevant keywords.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Excel
  • SAP BW/BPS
  • Power BI
  • Tableau
  • Microsoft Office Suite

ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Excel and familiarity with SAP BW/BPS. Knowledge of Power BI and Tableau is a plus. Candidates should be comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite for day-to-day tasks.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Creativity
  • Innovation
  • Quality
  • Integrity
  • Respect
  • Accountability

Work Style:

  • Collaborative
  • Data-driven
  • Agile
  • Results-oriented
  • Customer-focused

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you have a strong background in accounting, financial analysis, and stakeholder engagement?
  • Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
  • Do you have experience managing teams and driving process improvements?
  • Are you comfortable using data to inform decision-making?
  • Do you have a passion for the entertainment industry and Warner Bros. Discovery's content?

ASSUMPTION: Warner Bros. Discovery values creativity, innovation, quality, integrity, respect, and accountability. The work style is collaborative, data-driven, agile, results-oriented, and customer-focused. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have a strong background in accounting, financial analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • The entertainment industry can be unpredictable, and this role may require working on tight deadlines or adjusting to changes in production schedules.
  • This role involves managing a team and may require working with difficult personalities or resolving conflicts.
  • The role may require occasional travel to other Warner Bros. Discovery offices or production locations.
  • The role may require working with sensitive financial information and maintaining confidentiality.

ASSUMPTION: This role has its challenges, but it also offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, creative industry and make a significant impact on the financial performance of Warner Bros. Discovery's Television business.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is similar to a Senior Financial Analyst or Manager role in the entertainment industry, but with additional responsibilities for managing a team and driving process improvements.
  • This role is unique in that it focuses on the Television business within Warner Bros. Discovery, which has a diverse portfolio of content and brands.
  • Career progression in this role may lead to other senior-level positions within the FP&A department or the broader Warner Bros. Discovery organization.

ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to other senior-level financial analyst or manager roles in the entertainment industry, but with additional responsibilities for managing a team and driving process improvements. The unique focus on the Television business within Warner Bros. Discovery offers a diverse portfolio of content and brands.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing a new process for ultimates submission and review.
  • Implementing a new system for tracking and analyzing Television production costs.
  • Creating a dashboard to visualize Television performance data for senior management.
  • Conducting a comprehensive review of the Television cost allocation process and making recommendations for improvement.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to give candidates an idea of the types of initiatives they may work on in this role. The specific projects may vary depending on the needs of the business and the priorities of the team.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • What are the biggest challenges facing the Television business, and how can this role help address them?
  • How does this role fit into the broader FP&A department and Warner Bros. Discovery's overall financial strategy?
  • What opportunities are there for career growth and development within the FP&A department and the broader Warner Bros. Discovery organization?
  • How does the team collaborate with other departments, such as Television Production, Worldwide Television Distribution, and Turner Networks?
  • What is the company's approach to innovation and process improvement, and how can this role contribute to those efforts?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company. They are not exhaustive, and candidates should feel free to ask additional questions based on their own interests and concerns.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through the Warner Bros. Discovery careers website.
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
  • Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.
  • Research Warner Bros. Discovery and the Television industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
  • If you are selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your experience with ultimates processing, film cost accounting, and financial analysis.
  • Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.