Overview
Director, Finance & Business Analysis – London, N1C 4AG, United Kingdom
Universal Music Group is looking for a highly motivated person to work as part of the Global Rights & Society Relations (“GRSR”) team focusing on Neighbouring Rights.
The role will cover two main areas. The first is to lead and oversee all data and analytical aspects of UMG’s global neighbouring rights in the context of the broader global Neighbouring Rights market. This person will be expected to initiate and perform a wide-ranging set of analytical research projects and deliver logical, evidence-based results. The ability to build analysis that can help resolve issues and highlight business opportunities for the team will be vital so an eye for detail to spot trends, anomalies and deviations in business data, and a creative and open approach to building and presenting results are a must, as is the curiosity to continually challenge and question this data.
The second area is to be the Finance Business Partner for Universal’s Artist Neighbouring Rights Service trading as Perform Neighbouring Rights. This will involve being responsible for all financial aspects of Perform NR, including deal negotiation support (deal modeling, advance calculations), revenue recognition, oversight of royalty processing, advance recoupment tracking and preparation of data and analytics for client business reviews.
This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic team with a commitment to deliver excellent standards of service for all UMG’s Labels and Artists. It is essential that the individual has an interest in being part of a developing department with a constructive approach to change. This is a challenging role which offers a real opportunity to contribute to a growing part of our business.
Key duties and responsibilities include:
- Responsible for UMG’s Revenue Assurance programme for both UMG labels and Perform Neighbouring Rights
- Benchmarking UMG’s performance against both internal and external Industry data to identify trends and anomalies and to provide actionable information back to the business
- Drive and oversee UMG’s data management strategy with regards to Neighbouring Rights data, both internal and external data
- Represent UMG within the Repertoire Data and Rights working group at DDEX to promote and encourage the adoption of Industry standards by the Neighbouring Rights societies
- Assist the team in preparing for territory visits and interactions with OpCos and Societies through the identification, extraction, analysis and presentation of key society and company data
- Act as Finance Business Partner for Perform NR. Includes supporting the Senior Director, Business Development, in deal negotiations and deal modeling, preparation of monthly analytics, oversight of revenue recognition, royalty processing and advance recoupment, and preparation of data and analytics for client business reviews
- Work with other UMG teams, including Finance and Royalty teams, to further improve our Neighbouring Rights service to UMG labels, our distributed labels and Perform NR clients
- Manage the NR Revenue & Data Manager, to further develop their skills, set targets and manage deliverables
Job specific skills
- management accounting background, familiar with investment appraisals, P&L analysis, budgeting and forecasting
- advanced skills in Microsoft Office Excel, and very comfortable at learning customised systems
- proven analytical skills and ability to translate data into meaningful analysis and insights to help support and explain activities to the wider business
- ability to make complex numerical calculations and to manipulate and clearly present data in Excel, PowerPoint and other desk-top solutions
- experience in the music industry helpful but must have a willingness to learn the intricacies of the neighbouring rights business, its data and processes
- motivated by resolving issues and with an ability to calmly and effectively manage these issues through to successful resolution in a timely manner
- experience in managing and effecting change both internally and with external stakeholders
Time & work management
- works towards team/department/company objectives and takes pride in meeting targets and satisfying internal and external customers
- manages self and follows through on tasks and to do lists so that deadlines are consistently met in the most efficient and effective way
- Prides oneself on accurate analysis, rigorous research, effective problem-solving
- sets priorities and plans workload efficiently. Consults manager and colleagues where appropriate to solve problems and complete tasks and projects to deadlines
Teamwork & collaboration
- supports, co-operates and collaborates with others across the Organisation
- open-minded, flexible and cooperative with the needs and priorities of the team so that customer needs are met consistently
- responds appropriately to direction regarding key performance indicators and service level agreements
Communication
- fluent in English
- ability to communicate clearly in a courteous and professional manner with clients and colleagues
- ability to escalate issues appropriately in a timely and professional manner
Initiative & motivation
- flexible, enthusiastic and effective approach to implementing tasks, taking on new work and assignments, developing new skills and servicing customers
- prepared and motivated to be part of an evolving business environment with an interest in improving customer service and developing the role, processes and procedures