Absurdventures

Accounting Manager (contract)

Santa Monica Full Time

Summary 
We are seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to join our finance team at a dynamic media company with a strong focus on video games. This role is responsible for managing day-to-day accounting operations, supporting financial close activities, and partnering closely with cross-functional team leads to ensure accurate financial reporting and budget oversight. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, project-driven creative environment. 

Core Responsibilities 

  • Manage and execute month-end close activities, including preparation of journal entries, account reconciliations, and schedules through trial balance. 
  • Prepare monthly financial reports and supporting schedules for leadership review. 
  • Perform variance analysis on budgets versus actuals in partnership with department and project leads, including clear explanations of key drivers. 
  • Review and assess vendor invoices against contracts, statements of work (SOWs), and agreed-upon terms to ensure accuracy and compliance. 
  • Maintain oversight of accruals, prepaids, and other key balance sheet accounts. 
  • Respond to internal and external audit requests and assist with audit preparation and follow-up. 
  • Ensure adherence to company accounting policies and GAAP standards. 
  • Support continuous improvement of accounting processes, controls, and documentation. 
  • Collaborate with production, business affairs, and operations teams to support accurate financial tracking of projects. 
  • Manage accounts payable: receive vendor bills, ensure correct coding, and authorization protocols have been followed, enter Bill.com, prepare for review by Head of Finance.  Reconcile to QBO. 
  • Work closely with the Head of Finance on regular and ad hoc finance reports as the need arises. 

Core Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance. 
  • 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including experience in a manager or senior accountant role. 
  • Strong understanding of GAAP and month-end close processes. 
  • Proven experience preparing financial reports through trial balance. 
  • Experience performing budget versus actual variance analysis. 
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. 
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with non-finance stakeholders. 
  • Proficiency with accounting systems and Excel. 

Plus If... 

  • Experience in media, entertainment, or video game industries. 
  • CPA or CPA-track preferred 
  • Experience working with project-based accounting or production finance. 
  • Experience with QBO and Bill.com. 
  • Familiarity with contract review and revenue or cost recognition in a creative environment. 

Description  

  • This is a contract role, with a minimum of 20 hours/week 

The pay range for this position is $40-$60 per hour. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.