Favorite Parts of Being Senior Manager Production Finance at The Walt Disney Company
Chris enjoys the collaborative nature of their current role as Senior Manager, Production Finance at The Walt Disney Company, contrasting it with their previous audit experience where they felt limited in daily interaction. The long-term project work and close relationships built with "the accountant from the minute you hire them" and other studio partners, including "business affairs, legal, the production team," are highlighted as particularly rewarding aspects of this career progression.
Collaboration, Networking, Project Management, Production Finance, Entertainment Industry
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Chris Kang
Senior Manager, Production Finance
The Walt Disney Company
University of Arizona, 2013
N/A
Accounting
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Finance
Former Foster Youth, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Collaboration with various teams: Chris highlights the collaborative nature of his role, working closely with accounting staff, studio partners (business affairs, legal, production teams, insurance, etc.), expanding his professional network.
2. Long-term project involvement: Unlike his previous audit roles, Chris appreciates the long-term engagement with projects, from initial preparation to completion, fostering stronger relationships with colleagues.
3. Building relationships: The opportunity to build lasting relationships with colleagues is a significant benefit. Chris mentions the possibility of re-hiring preferred accountants for future projects, showcasing the value of strong working relationships and team continuity.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your current role?
What I enjoy most right now is being able to collaborate with people. When I was in audit, I'm not saying audit isn't collaborative, because it is. But sometimes when you're auditing, you're amongst your audit peers, doing the work yourself.
You have conversations with the people you're auditing. However, part of me, in my last role, felt I wanted something more. I wanted to be more collaborative on an everyday basis, working on a project long-term rather than doing a short audit and then moving on.
What I like about this role is you're with the accountant from when they start prepping for the show through shooting and wrap. Then, if you like them, you can hire them again for another show.
So, that's one aspect I like: working more closely with production and accounting staff. It also involves working more closely with studio partners in business affairs, legal, the production team, assets, and insurance. I feel I've really expanded my network and connected with a lot more people in this new role at ABC.
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