About the Guide

This guide is aimed at established and new professionals working in film and TV

• Production Controllers
• Financial Controllers
• Production Accountants
• Assistant Production Accountants
• Co-Producers
• Line Producers
• UPMs
• Producers
• Production Executives
• Finance Executives
• Heads of Production
• Production Companies
• Overseas Producers / Accountants filming in the UK

Production accountant jobs – profiles and definitions of the different roles in production accounting.

To view job profiles for the following roles, visit the ScreenSkills website

• Financial Controller
• Production Accountant
• Key Assistant Accountant
• Assistant Accountant
• Accounts Trainee
   

A note on US film and TV production studios

The US TV and film production studios generally have their own production accounting manual outlining the processes, including those for reporting to the studio, and how the department should operate. Production Accountants working on US film and TV productions should ensure they are familiar with the manual from the start of their employment.

The table gives an overview of responsibilities in different genres in production accounting.

About Production Accounting

Production Accounting is a niche area of Finance.  Production Accountants are a vital part of film and television production management. They are  responsible for managing and maintaining the finances and records for film or TV productions.  It is important the Production Accountants have both strong bookkeeping skills, a sound knowledge of the film or TV production process and strong communication skills.  It’s a collaborative role and you’ll be working closely with Producers, Line Producers and Heads of Departments to work out the most cost effective way of staying true to the Director’s creative vision. The ability to build strong working relationships with producers, heads of department and the rest of the production office is as important as being able to produce timely, accurate and informative cost reports.

Career Path

The route into and onwards from Production Accounting is varied.

Production Accountants come from a range of backgrounds:

• Qualified Accountants a variety of sectors changing industries
• Graduates starting as trainees and progressing through the cashier and assistant roles
• Production Co-ordinators or Production Managers making a sideways move
• Media finance or corporate workers looking to move into production
• Or a career change for people who have always enjoyed working with numbers

The Production Accountant role equips people with sought after skills which can open other doors in the industry.  Production Accountants can move onto careers as:

• Production Manager or Line Producer
• Post Production Supervisor
• Production Executive
• Finance Manager
• Head of Production Finance
• Financial Controller

Entering the Industry

The film and TV drama industry are continually looking for more people to train and work their way up through the accounts department to become Production Accountants and Financial Controllers.

Once employed in the industry the opportunities for reliable, personable and thorough Production Accountants and Assistant Accountants are plentiful.

Many production companies and broadcasters employ Production Accountants on staff roles

Even if no roles are currently advertised there may be an opportunities for work experience or shadowing.  Personal contacts are very useful for building a network and getting considered for future opportunities.

It is worth familiarising yourself with Televisual's top 100 Production Companies in the UK.

Most Production Accountants in Film and High End TV Drama are self-employed.  The PGGB Availability Service is a resource for members to advertise their availability.

To become a member you need credits and nominations from existing members.  Getting these is often the hardest first step.

How to find a career in production accounting for film and television

Hear first-hand how the Guild’s Assistant Production Accountant Training Scheme (APATS)  launched the career of this former trainee int he PGGB video How to Find a Career in Production Accounting for Film and Television.

Training

There are courses available for new entrants to gain qualifications, contacts and experience to take that first step on the ladder

The PGGB Training Mailing List – Sign up to join our mailing list to be kept up to date with new training opportunities

The National Film & Television School run a number of Production Accounting courses, including their Diploma in Production Accounting and Introduction to Production Accounting.

Other courses available include:

ScreenSkills: Introduction to Film and TV Production Accounting

ScreenSkills: Step up to Production Accountant

ScreenSkills: Trainee Finder

We would like to thank the following companies for their editorial input: Film Finances, Grant Thornton, Saffery, Sargent-Disc, Robertson Taylor Partners, Wiggin LLP

Last edit: September 2025