Data Specialist, Production Finance Systems

Sony Pictures Television is seeking an experienced and proactive Data Specialist, Production Finance Systems to support the system-based setup and ongoing maintenance of television productions across Production Finance platforms. This role is responsible for configuring and maintaining accurate production setup data in internal database tools and other similar systems, with a strong emphasis on SAP master data, production coding structures, location accounting software setup, and cross-system data integrity. The Data Specialist will partner closely with Production Finance, Production Accounting, IT, Finance Executives, SAP master data teams, and external system providers to ensure productions are accurately configured and ready to support accounting, reporting, payroll, banking, and operational workflows. The ideal candidate is a self-directed problem solver who takes ownership of the production setup process, actively researches answers, identifies missing information, coordinates the right stakeholders, and drives open items to resolution rather than waiting for step-by-step direction. This role supports the full production setup lifecycle, including onboarding, maintenance, validation, and deactivation or decommissioning activities where applicable. Responsibilities Own and execute the end-to-end production title setup process for television productions, ensuring required data is collected, validated, configured, and maintained across Production Finance systems. Configure and maintain production setup data in internal database tools and other similar systems, including MPM, WBS, GL Prod, check prefix, company code, production entity, and related setup fields. Maintain production master data ownership across systems, ensuring setup information is accurate, complete, consistently structured, and aligned with downstream system requirements. Apply strong SAP knowledge to support accurate production setup, including WBS structures, company codes, coding strings, check prefixes, master data dependencies, and related financial setup requirements. Partner with SAP master data teams IT, Production Finance, and Production Accounting stakeholders to ensure setup data is accurate, complete, and aligned with business requirements. Manage process dependencies and support timely completion of production onboarding and setup activities. Configure and validate location accounting software setup requirements, including production details, company information, chart of accounts, GL Prod data, payroll-related identifiers, and related configuration elements. Perform checks on accounting structures, coding, and required setup data before activation or deployment. Proactively review setup requests to identify missing information, inconsistent data, approval gaps, or downstream system impacts before they create delays or rework. Coordinate and help lead production setup calls with Finance Executives, Production Accounting, IT, and external providers to confirm requirements, resolve open questions, and drive setup completion. Maintain awareness of how production setup data impacts SAP, location accounting software, internal reporting, corporate reporting, payroll-related workflows, vendor setup processes, and downstream Production Finance operations. Partner with owners of related SAP-supported workflows, including Fiori where applicable, to confirm setup readiness, dependencies, and handoffs. Support accurate setup of productions in alignment with corporate reporting requirements, multi-entity production structures, Pillar II-related requirements, and internal policy standards. Support production setup lifecycle activities, including new title setup, ongoing maintenance, validation, and deactivation or decommissioning of MPMs and related setup records where applicable. Perform monthly validation checks of production setup data and flag inconsistencies, outdated information, missing fields, or control concerns requiring correction or escalation. Escalate exceptions, approval gaps, policy questions, or non-standard setup requests to appropriate stakeholders in a timely manner. Manage Billover access requests and weekly updates, ensuring users are properly provisioned and related documentation is maintained. Generate and distribute the monthly EP Cares report to Finance Executives and other designated stakeholders. Serve as a subject-matter expert for production setup and master data during systems projects, audits, process redesigns, data cleanups, and system enhancement initiatives. Support requirements gathering, user acceptance testing, documentation updates, and process improvement efforts involving Production Finance systems. Support data cleanup, process documentation, and system migration or transition activities as Production Finance tools and workflows evolve. Maintain process documentation, trackers, and supporting records to support continuity, backup coverage, auditability, and consistent execution. Act as backup support for onboarding-related processes and other Production Finance Systems responsibilities as needed. Technical Skills Strong SAP experience required, including familiarity with financial master data, WBS structures, company codes, coding strings, and system-driven accounting workflows. Experience working with internal database tools, financial systems, or system-of-record platforms requiring accurate data entry, validation, maintenance, and cross-system awareness. Strong knowledge of production finance systems, location accounting software, and related accounting workflows. Experience with Entertainment Partners products such as SmartAccounting strongly preferred. Experience with Airtable, workflow tracking tools, reporting tools, or similar production finance support platforms preferred. Familiarity with SAP Fiori or related SAP applications preferred. Advanced Excel and Microsoft Office skills. Qualifications BA/BS degree or equivalent work experience in Finance, Accounting, Business Systems, Information Systems, or a related field. 4+ years of relevant experience in production finance, production accounting, accounting systems, financial systems, master data, or a related operational finance function. Demonstrated ability to analyze system data, research issues, identify inconsistencies, and determine appropriate next steps. Strong attention to detail and ability to manage business-critical data accurately. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to clarify requirements, document open items, coordinate stakeholders, and follow up effectively. Ability to work independently, take ownership, and proactively resolve issues without waiting for step-by-step direction. Desired Characteristics Proactive, ownership-oriented approach to problem solving and follow-through. Strong SAP and financial systems orientation. Master data accuracy and governance mindset. Ability to lead productive cross-functional setup discussions. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Highly organized with strong attention to detail and process discipline. Comfort working across Production Finance, Production Accounting, IT, external vendors, and system support teams. Ability to identify risks, elevate appropriately, and drive open items to resolution. Understanding of internal controls, policy compliance, access administration, and system validation processes. Working knowledge of production accounting policies, setup processes, and operational workflows. Developing understanding of guild structures, union-related production requirements, payroll setup considerations, signatory implications, and related production finance processes. Continuous improvement mindset with an interest in strengthening workflows, improving documentation, reducing manual effort, and enhancing data accuracy. #J-18808-Ljbffr Sony Pictures Entertainment