ZNMC0111 - Production Accounting

Course Description

Dive into the heart of film finance with our Production Accounting boot camp! Taught by producer Steve Loff (The Irishman; Kiss of the Spider Woman), this intensive course demystifies the accounting department, equipping you with essential skills for successful film production. We'll explore the entire department's workflow, from budgeting to wrap, with a focus on the entry-level role of an accounting clerk. Learn crucial tasks like tracking expenses, payroll management and cost reporting. Master the language of production accounting, understand key documents, and gain invaluable insight from real-world examples. Ideal for aspiring producers, production managers and department coordinators, this boot camp provides a solid foundation for jump-starting your career in production accounting. No CPA is required. 

Course Outline

Day 1: Production Accounting Department Overview/Production Accountant Position 

Day 2: 1st Assistant Accountant 

Day 3: 2nd Assistant Accountant

Day 4: Payroll Accountant/Payroll Clerk 

Day 5: Accounts Payable Clerk 

Day 6: Breaking Into the Business/Getting That First Job

Learner Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the specific roles and responsibilities within a production accounting department—from the Clerk to the Production Accountant—and how they collaborate throughout a project’s lifecycle.
• Perform essential entry-level functions, including processing accounts payable, tracking production expenses, and organizing key financial documentation.
• Understand the fundamentals of film industry payroll, including the unique workflows required for processing crew timecards and managing union/non-union pay requirements.
• Interpret the professional "language" of film finance to accurately read and support the preparation of budgets, cost reports, and daily hot costs.