Director of Finance and Accounting

Job description

Sawhorse Productions is a Los Angeles based, Award winning full-service creative studio turning ideas into unforgettable experiences through captivating branded content, viral social moments, and groundbreaking interactive experiences. We partner with industry-leading brands, artists, and studios such as Walmart, Google, NBCUniversal, Fanatics, Toyota, Pepsi and Alo to deliver industry leading, innovative multi-platform content. At Sawhorse, we believe in fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and relentless excellence while shaping the future of digital storytelling.

Our projects include:

• Branded content
• Social/Digital Content
• Broadcast commercials
• UGC Gaming platform experiences
• Interactive/Web3 activations (AR, VR, MR, AI)

We are seeking a proactive, strategic, and detail-oriented Director of Finance and Accounting to lead our finance and accounting operations. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can roll up their sleeves and own both the big picture and the day-to-day—from contractor payments to strategic forecasting.

This role is ideal for someone with deep entertainment or production accounting experience who wants to step in, embed within the team, and evolve existing systems—not just oversee them. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic creative environment and is eager to drive structure, accuracy, and financial clarity across multiple projects and departments.

• Full-Cycle Accounting Oversight: 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.
• Production-Specific Financial Management: Maintain a chart of accounts tailored to production workflows, enabling accurate job costing, multi-project visibility, and entertainment-specific cost tracking.
• Financial Reporting & Analysis: Deliver timely and accurate monthly/annual financial statements, including company-wide and departmental P&Ls, cash flow, budget variance, and financial dashboards.
• Process Ownership: 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.
• Operational Improvement: Review existing accounting systems and workflows with the goal of improving efficiency, scalability, and visibility across departments. Implement upgrades where needed.
• Internal Collaboration: 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.
• Client & Vendor Relations: 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.
• Compliance & Controls: Ensure accounting practices comply with federal, state, and entertainment industry requirements. Maintain strong internal controls and audit readiness.
• Strategic Partnership: Work alongside executive leadership to support business decisions through financial planning, forecasting, and strategic guidance.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA preferred.
• Experience: 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, with 5+ in a leadership capacity.
• Entertainment/Creative Industry Expertise: Proven background in production or studio accounting within entertainment, advertising, or digital media.
• Hands-On Mindset: Comfortable with both strategic finance and the operational details (e.g. paying invoices, reconciling statements).
• Software Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of QuickBooks is required; experience with Bill.com, ADP TotalSource, and production payroll providers is preferred. 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.
• Technical Proficiency: 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.
• Client-Facing Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain financial matters clearly to creative and non-financial teams.
• Process-Oriented: Skilled at optimizing systems, structuring workflows, and identifying operational gaps.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams and oversee finance with both confidence and precision.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, creative studio setting where priorities shift and timelines evolve.

Nice To Have’s

• AI & Workflow Automation Interest: 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)

• $130,000 - $140,000 annual salary, depending on experience.

• Annual bonus structure

• Medical, Vision, and Dental

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 401(k)

EEO Statement

Sawhorse Productions 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, Sawhorse Productions will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Sawhorse Productions will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal law.