Qualified Finance Analyst

We are seeking a qualified Finance Analyst to join our Disney Media Distribution team on a permanent basis.
 

The Financial Analyst will be responsible for producing all key deliverables for Disney Media Distribution (DMD) for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and providing critical analytical finance resource to the business during forecast and close reporting cycles. They will also support Sales and Operational departments by providing accurate financial analysis and support the Finance Manager and Finance Director on the assessment of business opportunities. 

This role would be an excellent first step for a recently qualified individual from a top 10 practice to take on a commercially focused role within an industry leader. 

The Department

Disney Media Distribution looks after the development and implementation of commercial strategies for the linear TV and digital distribution of The Walt Disney Company’s channels and content. In the UK, the team works with local broadcast and digital partners such as Sky, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Netflix to bring compelling and creative Disney-branded and non-branded entertainment to viewers via a variety of platforms, including the launch of ABC Studios series, such as Grey’s Anatomy and Criminal Minds. 

The Role

Key responsibilities will include:

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Responsible for the production and maintenance of planning models for the Forecast, AOP and 5YP for Disney Media Distribution; including the production of forecast, AOP and 5YP presentation decks for review by Senior Management.
• Lead team member for quarterly close and associated actuals reporting and analysis for DMD with responsibility for quarterly accruals and reviewing quarterly results accordingly
• Responsible for the production and maintenance of Ultimate planning and reporting models across Studio and Media categories, including:
  • Liaising with Sales Team to ensure standard Studio rate card and Media deal information is updated as required (Excel and TM1)
  • Preparation of title-specific ultimate for acquisition or investment decision-making
  • Preparation of generic ultimate for scenario analysis by US and/or Regional teams
  • Critical analysis of ultimate values/trends across comparable titles
• Ensure correct coding is used by all teams and reflected in General Ledger, reclassing / recoding as required
• Liaise with cross-functional LOB teams to track and report key title and franchise performance
• Become proficient and primary user of TM1, SAP, IBM Cognos and other reporting systems for DMD, in particular ensuring accurate input and output to systems and planning tools and performing reconciliations as required (in partnership with the intern)
• Become central knowledge source on territory, key distribution clients and contracts, competitors and industry and technology issues

Decision Support

• Key finance partner to DMD stakeholders on day-to-day business
• Produce clear and timely quarterly updates on DMD revenues and costs to Management, with particular focus on the management of risks and opportunities
• Support Finance involvement in deal negotiations and business opportunity evaluations including:
  • Modelling of deal/opportunity valuation on different assumptions and scenarios such as by territory and/or cross-genre
  • Working with the Sales Team to understand client’s negotiating position and deal/opportunity parameters, providing critical analysis of assumptions and ensuring Sales receive appropriate supporting financial information to optimise revenues
• Work with relevant stakeholders (Accounting, DMD Sales and Legal departments) to manage accounts receivable balances and promote AR financial management within the territory cluster
• Liaise with AP DWSS to support on issues encountered by regional Casual Buyers and vendors

Other

• Support Finance Manager / Finance Director with ad hoc projects, business development opportunities and analysis as required

About You

Suitable candidates will ideally possess the following skills and experience:

• University educated with excellent academic record; ACA or CIMA qualification
• Proven experience of working in a finance function at Finance Analyst level ideally within the CEE markets or experience of working within a top 10 practice.
• Proven experience and understanding of working in a commercial, multi-currency and multinational business environment, particularly of financial modelling, reporting and analysing variances against budget
• Proven experience of using SAP or other similar accounting system
• Interest in Media / Broadcast industry essential

Right to work
Please note that all of our UK roles require you to have the existing right to work in the UK.