Film and TV drama
Finance controller
What does a finance controller do?
Finance controllers oversee the team that makes sure a production is legally and financially managed. They have a high level of authority, to the extent they can even override a producer with their decisions.
They are often employed by the studio, financier or broadcaster that’s investing in, or commissioning, the production. They are accountable to the people who have come up with the cash, so it’s their job to make sure the film is completed within budget and the money is spent properly.
What’s a finance controller good at?
- Accountancy: keep books meticulously, know Inland Revenue regulations and insurance
- Using finance software: use Movie Magic Budgeting or other finance packages
- Knowledge of film production: understand how film and TV dramas are made, love the industry
- Communication: listen to and be understood by everyone from producers, financiers, production accountants and cashiers
- Negotiation: be able to influence and persuade
- Discretion: be able to maintain confidences
Who does a finance controller work with?
Production accountants are responsible for costing productions, liaising with financiers and controlling cash flow. See separate profile:Â production accountant
Key assistant accountants are responsible for the accurate accounting up to the 'trial balance' stage. This is liaising with banks and maintaining records with receipts of all transactions. They maintain records of all cast and crew on payroll. They also monitor and maintain petty cash systems.Â
Assistants help with the day-to-day running of the accountancy office. This may involve keeping records of invoices and creditors' payments and the preparation of accounts payable, invoices, purchase orders and petty cash and payroll calculation. They process online payments, maintain filing and invoice monitoring systems, and audit petty cash envelopes. On bigger productions where there are multiple assistant accountants, one may carry out the duties of the central cashier while the second assistant may be responsible for all the accounts payable.Â
Trainees are responsible for making and recording payments and helping to control accounts. See separate profile: cashierÂ
How do I become a finance controller?
Finance controllers have spent many years working in the industry before moving into this senior position. Some go into finance from production management positions. Others work in finance in other industries before moving into film. A good route in is to start as a cashier and work your way up to being a production accountant and then step up to finance controller. Go to the cashier profile for full details of how to do this.
At school or college:
If you want to go to university, A-levels or Highers in accounting, business or business studies and maths are useful. Or you might want to take a Level 3 vocational qualification in business, bookkeeping or accounting. Look at what your local college offers in those subjects such as:
- T level in Management and Administration
- T level in Accounting
- OCR Technical Diploma / Extended Diploma in Business 
- AAT Diploma in Accounting
Get an apprenticeship:
Apprenticeships are jobs with training. They’re a great opportunity to earn while you learn. It can be challenging to find jobs as an apprentice within production companies. It might be worth looking for an apprenticeship as a junior production manager, accountant or book-keeper in a related industry. You can then transfer into film and TV drama at a later point if you keep up your interest and develop your contacts.
Check out What’s an apprenticeship? to learn more about apprenticeships and Find an apprenticeship to learn how to find one in your region, or approach companies directly. Go to  ScreenSkills information on apprenticeships for the main apprenticeship schemes in film and television.
Get a degree:
A degree in accountancy will stand you in good stead. It’s not essential. Some people get qualified as bookkeepers, get work as cashiers and then work their way up without a degree.
Take a diploma in production accounting:
If you’re already working in a finance or accountancy role, you might want to take The National Film and Television School (NFTS) Production Accounting for Film and Television diploma.
Take a short course:
If you have previous experience of working in a junior position in accounts or finance you can advance your career by taking part in the Assistant Accountant Training Scheme, delivered by the Production Guild. ScreenSkills lists relevant training courses on this website.
Meet people in the industry:
Go to ScreenSkills’ events, follow your local film office and any local community arts and media organisations and attend their events. Go to how to network well for some tips. 
Network online:
Create a LinkedIn profile. See if there’s a Facebook page or other social media group for people making films or videos in your area. Join it and take part. Create a ScreenSkills profile.
Explore ScreenSkills Resources:
ScreenSkills careers information:
The your career hub has a wealth of resources designed to help you start or progress your career.
ScreenSkills e-learning:
ScreenSkills has a suite of free e-learning modules for those who are over 18 which can improve your knowledge. The ScreenSkills Passport modules also prepare you as they are essential for some production roles. Some modules are available for those under 18. For anyone wanting advice about first steps, the Getting into the screen industries  modules are very useful.  
ScreenSkills skills checklists:  
If you would like more detail about the tasks, responsibilities and skills required for many key roles in film and TV drama, children’s TV and unscripted TV you can look at our skills checklists. 
You might also be interested in…
The world’s your oyster if you’re a good finance controller in the film industry. There’s a skill shortage, so if you’re good, you will be in demand.
