Job Title: VP, Controller, Corporate Finance & Accounting
Santa Monica, CA, US, 90404
Summary of Position
The VP, Controller is the senior controllership leader for the Lionsgate Alternative TV division, accountable for end-to-end close governance, GAAP reporting integrity, audit readiness, consolidation support, and the transition of legacy processes into SAP under the newly consolidated Lionsgate Alternative entity. This role consolidates US-based controllership responsibilities and assumes oversight of UK unscripted content finance processes required for accurate reporting, funding/cash processes, and corporate deliverables. This position serves as the primary point of accountability for divisional financial reporting, controls, and executive issue resolution.
Responsibilities
Close Governance, GAAP Reporting, and Consolidation
- Own month/quarter/year-end close governance across legacy entities and the new consolidated entity; establish close calendar, deliverable ownership, and review cadence.
- Maintain and review key reconciliations and schedules supporting GAAP reporting (e.g., accruals/deferrals, intercompany activity, cash-to-accrual conversion model, recurring consolidation support, and other critical balance sheet schedules).
- Coordinate consolidated reporting deliverables to corporate finance/accounting, including tie-outs between supporting tools/files and SAP/GL outputs.
- Integrate UK reporting packs and related operational accounting outputs into consolidated corporate deliverables and close timelines.
- Partner with production finance and corporate accounting stakeholders to resolve issues impacting reporting accuracy and close timelines.
SAP Transition and Tooling Integration
- Lead process mapping and integration of legacy workflows into SAP, including entry workflows, upload processes, reconciliation logic, and reporting outputs.
- Oversee development/maintenance of critical close support tools/files (e.g., converter/workbooks) and ensure governance, documentation, and tie-outs to SAP/GL.
International Oversight (UK)
- Ensure continuity of UK reporting and operational accounting deliverables that feed corporate reporting and management reporting.
- Coordinate critical operational accounting functions such as cash application, revenue recognition support, cost amortization schedules, cost allocations, and related reporting packs.
- UK process responsibilities and handoffs will be finalized through documented transition mapping during the first 30–60 days, including cadence (daily/weekly/monthly/quarterly), controls, and escalation paths, with documentation maintained in a central, audit-ready repository.
- Manage FX considerations and multi-region reporting pack requirements tied to UK reporting and corporate consolidation.
Controls, Audit, and Risk Management
- Maintain audit-ready documentation and support for close and recurring entries; serve as primary point of contact for audit inquiries tied to divisional reporting.
- Identify and escalate reporting/control risks created by transition timing and resource constraints, including mitigation options and resourcing needs.
Stakeholder Partnership and Executive Issue Resolution
- Serve as the primary accounting/finance point of accountability for divisional inquiries; provide executive-ready analysis and reporting support as needed.
- Coordinate cross-functionally with AP/AR, tax, treasury, production finance, and corporate accounting partners to resolve issues impacting funding/cash processes and reporting.
People Leadership and Resourcing Model (Backfill)
- Define and manage the accounting execution resourcing model (e.g., Accounting Manager backfill/contract) to maintain continuity of legacy close work while the SVP focuses on consolidated controllership and SAP integration.
- Define role scopes and success metrics for backfill/international support resources; establish handoffs and review cadence to maintain controls and close consistency.
- Establish repeatable processes, documentation standards, and handoffs to stabilize operations post-transition and support sustainable execution.
Qualifications and Skills
- 10+ years progressive accounting/controllership leadership experience, including multi-entity close governance and reporting accountability.
- Strong US GAAP foundation and comfort operating in a deadline-driven close environment; audit readiness and internal controls mindset.
- ERP experience required; SAP (FI) strongly preferred.
- Advanced Excel; ability to govern complex close workbooks/datasets and drive standardization across reporting tools.
- Ability to prioritize competing deliverables, communicate clearly, and operate calmly under pressure in a transition environment.
- Experience leading and mentoring accounting resources (employees and/or contractors) and establishing repeatable processes/documentation.
Nice to Haves
- Entertainment/media accounting exposure (production accounting workflows, royalties/participations, billbacks) as applicable.
- Experience supporting international operations (UK) including FX considerations and multi-region reporting packs.
- Experience building/maintaining consolidation support tools and structured close calendars/checklists.
- CPA preferred; CPA candidate/in progress acceptable.
Additional Requirements
This position requires five (5) days per week in office.
About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE: LION) is one of the world’s leading standalone, pure play, publicly traded content companies. It brings together diversified motion picture and television production and distribution businesses, a world-class portfolio of valuable brands and franchises, a talent management and production powerhouse and a more than 20,000-title film and television library, all driven by the studio’s bold and entrepreneurial culture.
Our Benefits
- Full Coverage – Medical, Vision, and Dental
- Work/Life Balance – generous sick days, vacation days, holidays, and Impact Day
- 401(k) company matching
Compensation
$200,000 - $220,000
EEO Statement
Lionsgate is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants are evaluated on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws. In addition, Lionsgate will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Lionsgate will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal law.
Nearest Major Market: Los Angeles