Client Accounting Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About us

Gersh is a leading global entertainment and sports agency, representing a diverse roster of clients across film, television, sports, theater, comedy, branding, publishing, and digital media. Gersh is the fastest-growing major agency, respected for its hands-on, client-first approach and commitment to driving innovation and success. Following an equity investment from Crestview Partners in 2023, Gersh has advanced its long-term growth plan, acquiring the Digital and Alternative departments of the A3 Agency and You First-one of the world's top sports and entertainment agencies. With clients at the heart of every decision, Gersh leverages strategic insights and decades of experience to strengthen its resources, empowering clients to achieve success across the global media landscape.

About the Role

Gersh is seeking an experienced and service-oriented Client Accounting Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of Client Accounting for the Below-the-Line (BTL)/Production division supporting film and television clients. This position is responsible for leading the client accounting function, ensuring the accurate and timely management of client Trust accounts, payment processing, collections, payroll onboarding, and financial administration for a high-volume roster of production professionals.

The Client Accounting Manager will directly supervise a Client Accounting Coordinator and Client Accounting Assistant while serving as a strategic partner to agents, clients, production representatives, and internal accounting teams. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership, operational, and accounting expertise, along with a deep understanding of entertainment production accounting, payroll workflows, and client service. This role will drive process improvements, establish operational best practices, and ensure the team delivers exceptional service while maintaining financial accuracy and compliance.

Duties

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of Client Accounting for the BTL/Production division supporting film and television clients.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a Client Accounting Coordinator and Client Accounting Assistant, including training, workload prioritization, performance management, and career development.
• Oversee all client accounting workflows, including invoicing, payment processing, collections, payroll onboarding, trust account activity, and client reporting.
• Ensure the accurate and timely processing of client payments and maintenance of client Trust accounts.
• Oversee payment collection efforts and outstanding receivables, ensuring proactive follow-up and resolution of payment issues.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for agents, clients, production representatives, payroll companies, and internal stakeholders regarding payment and account-related matters.
• Monitor team productivity, service levels, and workflow volume to ensure deadlines are met and client expectations are exceeded.
• Review and approve client payment transactions, trust activity, and account reconciliations to ensure accuracy and compliance with company policies.
• Partner with Finance, Accounting, and Production stakeholders to optimize operational processes and improve reporting capabilities.
• Develop and implement scalable procedures and internal controls to support the continued growth of the Production/BTL client roster.
• Prepare and review reports related to outstanding receivables, collections activity, trust balances, payment trends, and team performance metrics.
• Oversee the collection and maintenance of client employment and payroll documentation, including W-2s and related tax forms.
• Review bookings, contracts, and related production documentation to ensure proper payment processing and collection.
• Support audits, compliance initiatives, special projects, and strategic departmental initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Minimum of 5+ years of accounting, client accounting, trust accounting, accounts receivable, or entertainment accounting experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of people management or team leadership experience preferred.
• Proven ability to independently manage a high-volume of client payments and invoicing, department wide.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and accounting or payroll systems (experience with NetSuite preferred.)
• Deep understanding of Below-the-Line production workflows, payroll, timecards, invoicing, fringes, and taxes strongly preferred.
• Experience overseeing operational workflows within a high-volume client accounting, trust accounting, or production accounting environment strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Highly detail-oriented, process-driven, and comfortable leading through influence.

Compensation

$80-95K + Full benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.