East Tower Toronto Dominion Centre 
416-360-8850 
Schulich School of Business at York University 
416-736-5079 Production Accounting for Film and Television
Jump Start Your Production Accounting Career
Gain entry-level certification in production accounting for film and TV productions. Over six weeks, learn the fundamentals of the production workflow from the perspective of the accounting department. Developed with top-level production accountants and industry experts, this program will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of accounting in film and TV and provide the opportunity to enter a sustainable career in this high-demand department of the sector.
Production Accounting for Film and Television
- Programs
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- Production Accounting for Film and Television
Level Up Your
Production Accounting Skills and Career
The demand and labour shortage for production accountants in Ontario’s film and television industry is growing. But how do you enter this thriving industry? This comprehensive introductory program, offered in partnership with Cinespace Studios Toronto, York University and Schulich ExecEd, will prepare you to begin your production accounting journey.
Explore the function and importance of the production accounting department, review bookkeeping standards within film and TV, and familiarize yourself with common systems, tools and techniques used in the production accounting office. Review the stages of a film and TV production and the roles of the production accounting office from “greenlight” and “prep” through to “post-production” and “delivery.” With a logical and consistent framework for problem-solving, aspiring production accountants can jump into this fast-paced industry.
Get Training in Marketable Skills
Accounting
Budget Management
Data Analytics
Financial Analysis
4 Reasons to Enrol
Amazing Education For Busy Professionals
This program packs rich learnings into 12 three-hour modules over 6 weeks, so you can put your new skills to work right away. With evening modules, you don’t need to put your life on pause to grow your career.
Stand Out From The Crowd
Build on your bookkeeping, administrative and film experience and level up for a career in production accounting. With this complete introductory program, you can also level up for other roles in the industry.
Learn From The Pros
Train with distinguished and seasoned professionals in the production accounting and film industry, with a curriculum designed in consultation with top Production Accountants who are members of the Directors Guild of Canada-Ontario.
Earn Higher Pay
Gain the confidence, skills and perspective to attain better roles, launch new ventures, and lead your teammates.
Who Will Benefit
Aspiring Administrators
This program is designed for participants currently interested in administration and the creative sector as well as those currently working as bookkeepers, in administrative roles, and in other junior film positions looking to expand their capabilities in production accounting. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of accounting in the creative sector, gaining the accounting, film, and procedural skills to level their careers.
Program Overview
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Discover how a movie gets approved, the process that follows it, and all that is involved in making the magic happen. Learn about:
- The importance and function of Production Accounting
- Major and Minor Studios shooting in Canadian jurisdictions
- Prep/Production/Post-Production
- Hierarchy of the film and TV industry
- Roles and responsibilities of the production accounting team
- Basic production paperwork
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Understand the accounting process of maintaining accurate records including:
- Trial Balance and Funding Reconciliations
- Review in detail Accounting Policies and Procedures as well as Industry Standards
- Understand the process of Vendor set up, Purchase Order systems, Deposits and Draw Downs
- Gain insight into Accounts Payable. Petty Cash and Purchase Card systems used
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Understand the process of preparing payrolls, focusing mainly on timelines and deadlines. Learn about:
- Gain a deeper knowledge of your routines as a payroll accountant and how timecards are processed
- Explore timecard calculations focusing on how the various union contracts differ
- Learn about PR software, fringes and WSIB Obligations
- Understand Tax Credit incentives and Proof of Residency protocols
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Explore budgeting and how to analyze costs for more accurate reporting. Learn about:
- Management Accounting vs Financial Accounting
- Learn how to monitor and analyze costs to establish accurate costs to date and estimates to complete
- Learn about: Daily Hot Costs, Weekly Cost Reports, Departmental Reports and Tax Reporting
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Upon Completion of Principal Photography the accounting role is far from over. Learn about:
- Wrap reporting requirements
- Asset reporting
- Residuals/Cast reports
- File auditing, and
- “Handing over the books” to the Post-production Accountant
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Understand everything you need for a job with a Production Accounting team. Learn what to expect and how to best handle whatever comes your way in this fast-paced, high-intensity and very exciting environment. Learn about:
- Soft skills / Personal effectiveness
- Day-to-day reality of the industry
- Conflict resolution
- Customer service and communications
- Time management
- Final review and questions
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What You Get
After completing Foundations of Production Accounting, you'll receive an authentic digital badge from the #1 business school in Canada that employers will recognize.
As more and more companies look for candidates with specific skills, this badge on your CV will be a credible assurance of your achievements and expertise, allowing the right roles to find you faster.
Foundational Badge
Signifies that you’ve gained information and insight into new skills.
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