Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Working Life

Production Accountants are usually self-employed freelancers who manage financial reporting to the broadcaster in line with the production budget.

Role and Responsibilities

• Set up and manage the accounting systems used to track, control, and report all expenditure against budget. In general, this does not involve creating the initial programme budget, as this will have already been agreed and created between the producer and the head of production. 

• Produce cashflows for the production based on the expected timing of income from broadcasters and other sources, as well as the timing of outflows based on budgeted costs.

• Liaises closely with the head of production and possibly the producer, and reports directly to the broadcaster on behalf of the production company on all matters relating to the budget.

• Be familiar with each line item in the budget, as well as all freelance market rates. 

• Requires a deep knowledge of the processes necessary for broadcaster approval of cost reports, as well as the presentation of these for approval.

• While there may be some interaction necessary with the production company prior to the commencement of production, the role starts in earnest during production and applies until the final cost report is agreed by the Broadcaster.

• The production accountant is an office-based role, usually in multiple production companies. 

Works with 

• Producer
• Production Manager
• Accountant (Production Company)
• Broadcaster

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Prepare detailed reports on audit findings.
• Report to management about asset utilisation and audit results, and recommend changes in operations and financial activities.
• Collect and analyse data to detect deficient controls, duplicated effort, extravagance, fraud, or non-compliance with laws, regulations, and management policies.
• Inspect account books and accounting systems for efficiency, effectiveness, and use of accepted accounting procedures to record transactions.
• Supervise auditing of establishments, and determine scope of investigation required.
• Confer with company officials about financial and regulatory matters.
• Examine and evaluate financial and information systems, recommending controls to ensure system reliability and data integrity.
• Inspect cash on hand, notes receivable and payable, negotiable securities, and canceled checks to confirm records are accurate.
• Examine records and interview workers to ensure recording of transactions and compliance with laws and regulations.
• Prepare, examine, or analyse accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Education Route: There is no formal qualification required, but it is highly likely people will have at least completed an Accounting Technician course or similar.

Career Path to Production Accountant - TV Production: This role may be a progression from working as an accountant or book keeper in a production company – or from outside the industry entirely.  

Career Path from Production Accountant - TV Production: Key/Lead Production Accountant, Production Finance Manager, Head of Production Finance.