Director of Finance and Accounting

Summary

Join Sawhorse Productions, an award-winning creative studio in Los Angeles, as their new Director of Finance and Accounting. This hands-on leadership role requires managing all accounting operations, from A/P and A/R to forecasting and reporting, while also overseeing contractor payments and payroll. The ideal candidate possesses deep entertainment or production accounting experience and thrives in a dynamic environment. You will be responsible for improving existing systems, collaborating with internal teams, and ensuring financial clarity across multiple projects. Client and vendor relations are also key aspects of this role, requiring strong communication skills. The position demands a strategic mindset and the ability to provide financial guidance to executive leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA preferred
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, with 5+ in a leadership capacity
• Proven background in production or studio accounting within entertainment, advertising, or digital media
• Comfortable with both strategic finance and the operational details (e.g. paying invoices, reconciling statements)
• Advanced knowledge of QuickBooks is required; experience with Bill.com, ADP TotalSource, and production payroll providers is preferred
• Highly proficient with essential workplace tools including G Suite (Google Workspace), Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Word), Slack, and other common cloud-based platforms
• Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt to new software and internal systems as needed
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain financial matters clearly to creative and non-financial teams
• Skilled at optimizing systems, structuring workflows, and identifying operational gaps
• Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams and oversee finance with both confidence and precision
• Thrives in a fast-paced, creative studio setting where priorities shift and timelines evolve

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain all accounting operations including A/P, A/R, GL, payroll, cost tracking, forecasting, revenue recognition, and EBITDA reporting and performance analysis, using a combination of cash and accrual accounting to drive informed decision-making and improve profitability
• Maintain a chart of accounts tailored to production workflows, enabling accurate job costing, multi-project visibility, and entertainment-specific cost tracking
• Deliver timely and accurate monthly/annual financial statements, including company-wide and departmental P&Ls, cash flow, budget variance, and financial dashboards
• Own systems like QuickBooks, Bill.com, and ADP TotalSource
• Manage the end-to-end contractor invoice/payment pipeline and oversee payroll across freelance and full-time teams
• Review existing accounting systems and workflows with the goal of improving efficiency, scalability, and visibility across departments. Implement upgrades where needed
• Work closely with internal producers, department heads, and project managers
• Much of the project bookkeeping is handled internally - this role ensures accuracy, oversight, and financial integrity once data is submitted
• Serve as the point person for finance-related communications with external partners, vendors, and clients
• Build and maintain relationships while ensuring timely payments and financial transparency
• Ensure accounting practices comply with federal, state, and entertainment industry requirements
• Maintain strong internal controls and audit readiness
• Work alongside executive leadership to support business decisions through financial planning, forecasting, and strategic guidance

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with CRM tools (such as Airtable) and corporate spend management platforms (e.g., Ramp, Brex, Bill Spend & Expense) and how they integrate into the accounting ecosystem is a strong plus
• Curiosity and/or experience with AI tools or automation platforms that can streamline accounting, bookkeeping, or reporting processes
• Open to exploring and implementing tech solutions that improve efficiency, reduce manual overhead, and modernize studio finance operations
• LA-based (remote-friendly with PST core hours)
• Experience transitioning accounting functions from outsourced to embedded
• Familiarity with international transactions and multi-currency reconciliation
• Advanced certifications (e.g., CPA, CMA, MBA)

Benefits

• $130,000 - $140,000 annual salary, depending on experience
• Annual bonus structure
• Medical, Vision, and Dental
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401(k)