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. 

Flying Bark Productions is experiencing unprecedented growth, and as a result, we are excited to announce the creation of a new key role within our financial team: Financial Controller. This pivotal position has been established to support our expanding operations and ensure we continue to deliver exceptional content while maintaining our financial health. As we scale new heights in the animation industry, we are looking for a dynamic financial leader to join us on this journey and drive our strategic financial initiatives across our global offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, and Madrid.

Key Responsibilities:

As our Financial Controller, you will oversee and manage all financial activities outside of corporate accounting. Your role is crucial in delivering operational efficiencies and effectively leading project accounting, financial planning, budgeting, and strategic financial management.

Project Accounting:

• Oversee financial aspects of all animation projects, ensuring accurate cost tracking and revenue recognition.
• Prepare and review project budgets, forecasts, and financial statements.
• Conduct financial reviews to monitor adherence to budgets and timelines, identifying and explaining variances.
• Assist with accurate and timely PDV (Post, Digital and Visual Effects) subsidies ensuring accurate and timely applications and compliance.

Financial Planning and Analysis:

• Develop and implement financial models to support strategic decision-making.
• Provide detailed financial analysis and insights to senior management to inform business strategies.
• Analyze financial performance, preparing comprehensive reports on key metrics and trends.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Lead the preparation and monitoring of annual budgets and quarterly financial forecasts.
• Collaborate with department heads to ensure accurate budget planning and adherence.
• Monitor budget variances and recommend corrective actions as needed.
• Assist the Director of Finance with maintaining cash flow planning and projection activities to ensure the company meets its financial obligations and objectives.

Strategic Financial Management:

• Support the Director of Finance in developing and implementing long-term financial strategies.
• Evaluate the financial impact of new projects, partnerships, and investments.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
• Support the Director of Finance with any ad hoc financial activities.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Work closely with production teams to provide financial guidance and support.
• Liaise with external partners, including auditors and financial institutions, as required.
• Ensure financial alignment with operational goals and objectives.

Risk Management:

• Identify financial risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal policies.
• Maintain robust internal controls to safeguard company assets.
• Assist with maintaining appropriate company and production insurances.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead and mentor a team of Senior Accountants & Account Clerks.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Ensure the finance team is up-to-date with industry best practices and regulatory changes.

Experience / Technical Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CA.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in financial management or 3 years in financial audit, and with at least 5 years in a supervisory role.
• Experience in the creative or entertainment industries is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of financial regulations, accounting principles, and project accounting.
• Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems (such as Dynamics 365) and reporting tools (PowerBI); advanced Excel skills required.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Why work with us?

• We work on some pretty cool projects - check out our website: https://www.flyingbark.com.au/
• 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 is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for financial management in the creative industry, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.