Director, Third Party/Participation Accounting

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world’s leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.
 

How we LEAD:

The Central Accounting Services (CAS) division is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of all financial activities across the business. This includes managing core processes such as revenue recognition for streaming, physical sales, and licensing, as well as complex areas like artist royalties, participations, and catalog acquisitions. This role will focus on general accounting activities as described below.

Success in the Central Accounting Services (CAS) division at Universal Music Group means adhering to procedures to ensure financial accuracy, collaborating effectively, and continuously seeking improvements. Team members use their accounting expertise to prepare and review statements, apply company standards, and identify key trends. Strong data skills are needed to analyze issues and present clear findings. Building effective partnerships with stakeholders is essential to deliver insights that support daily operations and UMG’s mission to delight and entertain fans worldwide.

How you’ll CREATE:

In this role, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in a broad array of analysis and reporting activities, including:

• Review and approve complex participation statements for accuracy and completeness.
• Effectively manage and coordinate task schedules of on- and off-shore team members to drive timely and efficient completion of statements and other deliverables, including responses to third-party data requests.
• Monitor effectiveness of participation accounting and statement operations and drives continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead the resolution of significant statement and accounting matters, ensuring standardized processes and consistent application across all teams
• Assist team members with interpretation and application of artist participation agreements, ensuring accurate accounting treatment and adherence to contractual terms.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships across UMG departments and with external stakeholders.
• Advise on complex contract terms and non-routine transactions.
• Assess and resolves impacts of new policies and standards on operations.
• Manages auditor relationships and resolves audit findings.
• Oversee control environment to maintain effective and relevant controls over statement preparation and participation accounting processes.
• Lead integration and adoption of new systems, automation, and digital transformation initiatives.

Bring your VIBE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; CPA or MBA strongly preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of general ledger accounting with at least 4 years of participation accounting; public accounting experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with ERP/accounting software (SAP preferred) and financial reporting platforms (e.g., HFM).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with data analysis.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, ability to effectively multi-task and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Prior experience in music and/or entertainment is highly preferred.
• Authorized to work in the US.

Perks Playlist:

Join an entrepreneurial, global organization where authenticity, boldness, creativity, connection, drive, and insight aren’t just values—they’re how we work every day. Here are some of the ways we support you along the way (and just a few of the benefits we offer):

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Including 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services

• Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants

• Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)

• Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement

• 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution

A variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including:

• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees

• 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees

• 2-weeks paid Winter Break

• 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day)

• Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)

• Generous paid parental leave for every type of parent

Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.

Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.
Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.

For more information, please click on the following links.

E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish

E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish

Salary Range:

The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.  All candidates are encouraged to apply.