Production Analyst

About The WONDER Project

We are excited to introduce The WONDER Project, a transformative new media company for the global faith and values audience. We understand the profound impact that stories have on our lives, and our purpose is to tell stories that restore faith in things worth believing in that will endure for generations. Guided by the principles of courage, collaboration, excellence and service, we strive to see the world through different perspectives, recognizing that empathy fosters understanding and unity.

We are looking for motivated team members who are passionate about their craft and hungry to make a meaningful impact through their work. On our team, we value creativity, curiosity, kindness and a bias towards action. Those with a desire for growth, experience and opportunity who can excel in a dynamic and lean organization will fit right in. We welcome you to join us on this journey, where our work is a testament to our unwavering commitment to restoring faith in things worth believing in.

About the role

The Production Analyst will oversee day-to-day accounting for film and television projects, while supporting broader company-wide initiatives. Responsibilities at the onset include setting up projects with payroll companies, managing start paperwork, processing payroll and accounts payable, and cost reporting for development projects. The Production Analyst will assist with onboarding production accountants and production service companies and own the process for production billbacks and studio-paid costs. This role also supports budget preparation, cash flow forecasting, audit readiness, and financial documentation management for the larger Finance organization at Wonder. Upon mastering these duties, the Production Analyst will have the opportunity to expand their role and assume greater responsibilities. 

Knowledge of union payroll and agreements (SAG, WGA, DGA, IA) is essential. Understanding of studio accounting processes and standards is preferred.

This role is LA based, with standard Wonder in-office requirements. 

What you'll do

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Development:

• Handle start paperwork for assigned projects in development.
• Manage monthly cost reporting for development projects, ensuring accurate reporting of actuals and forecasting of projected spend.
• Manage development cost reporting, billbacks, studio-paid costs, and writers' room setups.

Production:

• Create budgets and summaries that provide key metrics and data to inform decision-making pre and post greenlight of a project.
• Onboard production service companies and accounting teams.
• Establish financial setups for productions, including bank accounts, accounting systems, and payroll.
• Process payments for talent, vendors, and production service companies in accordance with deals.
• Ensure compliance with union payroll agreements (SAG, WGA, DGA, IA).
• Coordinate funding requests, track cash inflows and outflows, and reconcile funding sources to ensure accurate reporting.
• Prepare and review monthly cash flow forecasts and cost reports.
• Assist with tracking and reconciling tax incentives.
• Identify and quantify opportunities for innovation in the production cycle

Accounting Finance: 

• Develop a PO system and assist in creating the studio production accounting manual.
• Map budgets to the Wonder COA and maintain internal financial trackers.
• Organize and maintain accessible documentation for all financial activities.
• Ensure impact of development, production and recoupment are accurately reflected in Wonder cash forecasts.
• Prepare rate card for Wonder equipment and services provided to production, ensuring consistent margins are achieved across projects. 
• Support Finance leads in the compilation of the Annual Operating Plan
• Support annual Wonder financial audit third-party production audits as needed.
• Execute ad hoc financial analysis and special projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Mathematics, or a related field.
• 3–10 years of experience in production finance and/or production accounting
• Familiarity with entertainment industry finance and production processes.
• Effective and empathetic communicator to all levels of an organization, who drives consensus and decision making in a timely manner. 
• Hands-on, process and results oriented, independent thinker with obsessive attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with an ability to collaborate effectively and efficiently with third parties, service providers and cross-functional teams at Wonder.
• High professional and ethical standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and industry-standard accounting software (e.g., EP, PSL, Movie Magic Budgeting); experience with NetSuite is a plus.
• Experience with tax incentive tracking and multi-currency accounting is a plus. 

Salary Range: $70,000 - $150,000