Animation Production Accountant

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series and Stranger Things animated series, as well as our production Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan.

*Please note that this is a 12 month contract and we require the successful applicant to work 5 days per week in house (no remote)*

The Animation Production Accountant will be responsible for overseeing the day to day finance operations of Flying Bark's animation productions. This includes budgeting, forecasting, tracking expenses, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and internal financial policies. The role involves close collaboration with Producers and the finance team to keep projects on track and within budget. Reporting directly to the Senior Production Accountant, the position supports detailed cost tracking, cash flow management, and strategic financial planning.

About the role:

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Maintain overall production budgets for animation projects.
• Collaborate with Producers to create department forecasts, staying aligned with updated crew planning.
• Assist with new budget simulations as required.

Cost Tracking & Reporting

• Monitor production expenses, tracking actual costs against budgeted figures.
• Meet regularly with Payroll and Producers to make adjustments as needed.
• Generate monthly cost reports for each project, along with an overall financial summary for the Senior Production Accountant, Financial Controller and Director of Production.

Bidding

• Partner with Producers to create budgets and bids for new projects.
• Liaise with relevant department managers to estimate company overheads.
• Generate and finalize external client bids upon internal approval.

Flex Overhead Budgets

• Collaborate with the Financial Controller to maintain the company Flex Overhead Budgets.
• Monitor expenditure and update financial forecasts as needed.

Payroll Support

• Assist Payroll with crew queries regarding pay rates, overtime, entitlements, benefits, or union/guild
  requirements, processing and checking of payruns.

Invoice & Vendor Management

• Review and process vendor invoices, ensuring all contracts, purchase orders, and deliverables align with the
  production budget.
• Work with the finance team to ensure timely processing of payments.

Tax Credit Reconciliation

• Regularly reconcile tax credit estimates, ensuring compliance with government regulations and stakeholder
  agreements.
• Monitor crew plans for resource location changes, managing excluded expenditures within budget.

Reconciliation & Audits

• Support the finance team with internal and external audits to ensure compliance with financial regulations.

Cash Flow Management

• Monitor cash flow schedules to ensure timely payments from clients and stakeholders.
• Ensure any schedule changes impacting cash flow are approved by the Senior Production Accountant and Financial Controller.
  

Cost-Saving Measures

• Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising production quality.
• Provide recommendations to Producers and the Senior Production Accountant.

Collaboration with Production Teams

• Act as a liaison between finance and production departments.
• Facilitate smooth communication and resolve any financial issues that arise.
  

About you:

• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in production accounting, ideally within the animation or VFX industry.
• Possess a formal accounting qualification (e.g., Bachelor of Accounting or equivalent); CPA or CA accreditation is highly regarded.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in industry production accounting software and Microsoft Excel. Experience in D365 ideal.
• Understanding of Animation Production: Familiarity with the animation production process, including knowledge of various production departments and their costs.
• Attention to Detail: Strong organisational skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with internal teams, external vendors, and clients.
• Education: A degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is preferred, but relevant industry experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot financial issues and propose solutions that keep productions on budget and on schedule.

What do we do?

Flying Bark Productions is a renowned independent producer of family-focused animation entertainment. For over 50 years, our 2D and 3D production facility has created award-winning feature films and TV series.

Why work with us?

• We work on some pretty cool projects - check out our website: 
• We have an industry leading studio space in Alexandria, complete with a cinema, quiet room, Zen Garden, games room, and state of the art animation facilities.
• Breakfast is served daily - on us
• We have cake days, movie nights, wrap parties & a culture club dedicated to coordinating our busy social calendar
• The Barkers have big hearts too, with our Paws for a Cause fundraising arm raising much needed funds for charities such as Beyond Blue, RSPCA and the Cancer Council.
• We love dogs and you will often see some of our regular fluffy companions in the studio.
• We have a hybrid approach to work with flexible work from home days on offer.
• Career development is important to us so we offer training and support opportunities whenever possible.
• Our employees say our culture is the best they've ever experienced - everyone is welcome and celebrated
• You'll have access to mental health resources and free counselling via our Employee Assistance Provider, Support Act.

Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.