Production Accountants are responsible for managing finances and maintaining financial records during film production. They work closely with the Producer and the production office to prepare schedules and budgets for film productions, as well as managing the day-to-day accounting office functions, and reporting the projects' financial progress against the budgets.

They are usually Accountants with experience in film production, and with a thorough knowledge of union, guild, tax and other relevant Government regulations. They usually work on a freelance basis, and the exact level of experience required depends on the size and scale of each specific film production. Career prospects are very good, both in the UK film industry and around the world.

Responsibilities
Production Accountants are responsible for calculating finances, costing productions, liaising with financiers, and controlling the cash flow to ensure that payments are made on time, and in accordance with agreements and approved budgets. They must contribute to the probity of the production, confirming that all legal requirements are met, and that the company is a legal trading entity. In pre-production, Production Accountants assist the Producers and Production Managers to prepare budgets and Estimated Final Cost Reports.

During production, they evaluate and approve all purchase requisitions and organise VAT and PAYE registration; oversee payments, manage payroll, petty cash and foreign currency and keep accurate financial records; help monitor budgets, and analyse costs and expenditure; and provide daily or weekly cost reports, as well as cost forecasts that evaluate the financial impact of any production changes.

Production Accountants are responsible for the health, safety and security of the Accountancy section, as well as being a part of the wider team that manages the delivery of film and TV projects. They must set up and maintain accounting systems, and supervise Assistant Accountants and Accounts Trainees. This involves setting work objectives, standards and outcomes, and continuously monitoring performance. Depending on how the film is financed, Production Accountants may also have to deal with bank finance and completion guarantors. They need to ensure that all the necessary paperwork is available in order to prepare accurate, timely cost reports. 

Production Accountants must prepare a Statement of Account detailing all income and expenditure, for the Producer or Production Company and the financiers, and finalise all financial records relating to the production. They may also have to arrange an independent audit. On larger productions, Production Accountants may work in collaboration with Senior Accountants, known as Financial Controllers, who are often permanently employed by production companies.

When a Studio (a large film company that finances many films a year) is involved, either through a distribution deal, or by providing direct finance for the production, Production Accountants also work in collaboration with Studio Finance Executives, who set the parameters within which Production Accountants must operate. Individual studios may have their own Film Production Accountant Manual, which Production Accountants must follow.

Skills
The individual nature of each film production requires that, in addition to meticulous bookkeeping and accountancy skills, Production Accountants must also possess a thorough working knowledge of filmmaking processes. They need strong organisational and interpersonal communication skills, and must be able to prioritise jobs effectively within a fast-paced environment. Production Accountants are typically able to take the initiative, learn quickly, and work with discretion, in order to maintain absolute confidentiality. Skills specific to the role include expertise in accountancy software packages, as well as in Movie Magic or other budgeting and scheduling software.  

Qualifications/Experience
Film Production Accountants are typically freelance Accountants with a BA in Accounting, combined with a number of years' experience in the film industry. The exact level of qualification and experience required depends on the size and scale of each specific production; however, Film Production Accountants usually need a proven track record, in order to secure the approval of the Financiers, Completion Guarantors and Studios involved in the Film Production. Knowledge of foreign languages is also advantageous on specific productions.

Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film.

Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.