Associate 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.
Job Description
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.
Please note, UMG is not enrolled in E-Verify in California and New York, and cannot support employment of candidates whose employer must enroll in E-Verify, for example candidates on STEM-OPT.
For more information, please click on the following links.
E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish
E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish