Royalty Accountant (6 months contract)

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 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.

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) the global publishing division of Universal Music Group, represents a world-class catalogue of songs inclusive of every genre. Headquartered in Los Angeles, UMPG has 48 offices in 40 countries. The company represents some of the world’s most important songwriters and catalogs, including: Gracie Abrams, Adele, Chemical Brothers, The Clash, Coldplay, Beach Boys, Justin Bieber, Neil Diamond, Disclosure, Florence + the Machine, Ariana Grande, Halsey, Imagine Dragons, The Killers, Billy Joel, Elton John/Bernie Taupin, JOY, Jessica Mauboy, Otis Redding, Peking Duk, Sex Pistols, Paul Simon, Swedish House Mafia, Justin Timberlake, Timmy Trumpet, U2, Keith Urban, Veronicas, M-Phazes, Guy Sebastian, Robin and Maurice Gibb, INXS, The Cure, 360, Mumford and Sons, Vera Blue, Gang of Youths, Bernard Fanning, Lee Kernaghan and many more! 

UMPG is also a global leader in Classical & Screen, Christian/Gospel and Production Music. The company is the publisher of choices for film and TV studios, providing creative, sync licensing and administration services for companies including Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, Lionsgate, MGM, Paramount, Disney Europe (and other territories), Viacom, Amazon, HBO, DreamWorks, DreamWorks Animation, Legendary Pictures, Mar Vista Entertainment, NBC and Sesame Workshop, among many others.

Position Overview:

We’re on the lookout for a Royalty Accountant (6 months contract) with a meticulous eye and a proactive attitude to help chart the course of our financial operations in our Publishing team in the Philippines.

You Will:

• Prepare and distribute precise half-yearly royalty statements for our esteemed songwriters and partners, ensuring transparency and trust.
• Manage and process royalty advances, propelling our partners and songwriters along their creative journey.
• Prepare and submit comprehensive monthly income schedules and statements to our Global Admin, contributing to our worldwide success.
• Record, reconcile, and harmonize royalty cash receipts with precision and flair.
• Ensure accurate capture and reporting of all revenue streams, swiftly resolving any discrepancies that arise.
• Proactively review debtor lists and engage with clients to discuss payment statuses, maintaining positive relationships.
• Coordinate seamlessly with the licensing department for efficient invoice generation.
• Keep your finger on the pulse by tracking songwriter advances and identify critical triggers for payments and contractual options.
• Efficiently release works from the Suspense Account and identify songs from incomplete listings.
• Ensure proper tax treatment and documentation for royalty payments, including computation and issuance of creditable withholding tax forms.
• Maintain proper documentation and adhere to internal control policies, including audit trails for royalties, contracts, and cash movements, in compliance with company and statutory standards.
• Assist in internal and external audit requirements, including preparation of reconciliations, schedules, and supporting documents for royalty-related accounts.
• Assist the Publishing Head in maintaining master data for writers and contracts in royalty systems and generate reports for Finance, Legal, or Global Publishing teams as needed.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements  to enhance efficiency in royalty reporting and analysis.

You Should Have:

• A degree or diploma in Accounting is preferred, setting the foundation for your success.
• A minimum of 3 years in finance or accounting—experience in the music industry is a bonus!
• Exhibit a sharp analytical mindset, complemented by exceptional attention to detail and multitasking ability.
• Demonstrate strong skills in Excel and proficiency with copyright databases, essential for nuanced data management.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills to maintain clarity and build relationships.

Embrace a new challenge where your skills can shine and your passion for music can flourish! Join us and be a vital part of a fun, engaging, and cutting-edge team that celebrates innovation as much as accuracy.

We look forward to the possibility of working with you and thank you for considering us as your potential employer! Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Interested? Please follow the link to submit your application today!
Note: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

About us:

Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries.

Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans.

UMG's catalog is marketed through two distinct divisions, Universal Music Enterprises (in the U.S.) and Universal Strategic Marketing (outside the U.S.). UMG also includes Universal Music Publishing Group, one of the industry's premier music publishing operations worldwide and Bravado, the leading provider of consumer, lifestyle and branding services to recording artists and entertainment brands around the world.

 

Job Category:

Royalties & Copyright