Financial Controller

Guru Studio is a creative-driven entertainment company and an industry leader in animated storytelling. For over twenty years, our studio has brought to life some of the most recognizable and beloved children’s properties in the world.

Guru Studio's dedicated team is passionate about bringing inspired character driven stories to screens around the world. Our award winning and internationally renowned Toronto animated entertainment company is looking for a Financial Controller to join our dynamic team!

Responsibilities: 

• Reporting directly to VP of Finance (Your “Supervisor”);
  
  

Financial Reporting and Consolidation:

• Manage day-to-day financial accounting functions of the company including all daily accounting operations, period-end close processes, production financials, cash management, expense and key vendor management, receivables, payroll and corporate tax.
• Prepare and analyze consolidated monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for multiple entities within the organization. Ensure accuracy and integrity of consolidated financial data, adhering to relevant accounting standards.
• Manage Quarterly consolidated financial statements, close calendar and reporting for prodcos and corporate.
• Present financial reports, consolidated statements, and industry analyses to senior executives.
  

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Develop and manage the annual budgeting process.
• Prepare financial forecasts and KPIs.
• Manage monthly actuals vs budget reporting, review variances and provide recommendations for optimizing financial performance.
  

Cash Flow Management:

• Manage monthly cash flow forecasting process and related scenarios including Production RPTs, intercompany loans, corporate expenses, bill downs, sales and commissions, capital and infrastructure investments, opex, tax and dividends. 
• Oversee monthly cash flow actuals reporting, reviewing production cash flows and RPTs, payment schedules.
  

Inter-departmental and External Relationships Management:

• Provide cross-functional department support, including expense tracking, regular departmental reporting, project analysis and planning, ad-hoc analysis, etc.
• Evaluate investment opportunities and financial risks associated with media content acquisitions and partnerships.
• Manage external relationships with banks, auditors, CRA, lenders, clients and vendors.
• Provide guidance to the accounting and finance team and promote a culture of continuous improvement that values learning and drives a commitment to quality.
• Assist VP of Finance with internal controls and process documentations.
  

Industry and Competition Tracking:

• Monitor and analyze industry trends, competitor financial performance, and market dynamics.
• Provide insights and recommendations to senior management on strategic initiatives, market opportunities, and competitive positioning.
• Provide updates to senior management on industry-specific regulations.
  

Qualifications:

• Former experience going through internal and external audits, partnering with internal teams and external audit firms.
• Experienced with Media/Animation industry (knowledge of Tax Credits and Production Accounting is essential)
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field. CPA is required. 
• Proficiency in NetSuite or any ERP systems. 
• Excellent analytical, oral and written communication skills.
  

Personal Attributes:

• Passion for the media industry and understanding of current market trends
• Detail-oriented with a focus on financial accuracy, consolidation expertise, and compliance.
• Ability to navigate complex financial structures, and contractual agreements.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive strategic initiatives.
  

Why Join Guru?

• We create a collaborative and creatively fulfilling work environment by promoting courage, purpose, inspiration, integrity, transparency, and empowerment as our core values
• We take great pride in our work and we always ensure it reflects a high standard of quality and creativity
• We encourage individuals to grow with us by offering learning opportunities that encourage skill development and growth
• We are proud to support philanthropic initiatives that support our local and global community through our charity committee Guru Gives
• We offer health and wellness support through an extensive benefits plan and extended mental health services and initiatives
• We allow the flexibility to work remotely while making our downtown studio available for in-person team building and collaboration

Guru is committed to providing an inclusive work environment that celebrates the diversity of its employees. We are dedicated to employment equity and welcome applications from people from all Indigenous groups, races, religions, genders and people with disabilities.

We are committed to providing an accessible candidate experience during our recruitment process and are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible ‎environment where candidates and ‎employees feel valued and respected. Guru strives to respect the dignity and ‎‎independence of people with disabilities and is committed to giving them the same ‎‎opportunity to succeed in the recruitment process as all other candidates. If you have a disability, you may request ‎to be accommodated at any time. Guru will work with all candidates to ‎‎accommodate individual accessibility needs to the point of undue hardship. 

Guru Studio would like to thank all applicants for your interest, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.  Guru Studio is an equal opportunity employer.  

Please note this is a Hybrid / In-Studio position