Staff Accountant
Sony · Nashville, United States · 1d ago
At Sony Music Publishing (“SMP”), we believe every voice matters. We are the #1 global music publisher, advancing the artistry of the world’s greatest songwriters and composers for over 25 years. We keep songwriters at the forefront of everything we do, and design our suite of services to amplify opportunities, build connections, and defend their rights. Our roster benefits from an international team committed to providing support at every career stage. From classic catalogues to contemporary hitmakers, history is always being written. We are a part of the Sony family of global companies. Learn more about SMP at https://www.sonymusicpub.com/en.
Why join Sony Music Group?
Here at Sony Music Group, we are shaping what’s next in a way that creates impact. Forging powerful new ideas at the heart of music, technology, and culture that entertain and move people.
This is your opportunity. Part of a global community, united by individual passion, rising to that challenge every day. Adapting at pace and supporting one another, inspired to influence the future. For the benefit of you, our people; our creators, our business, and wider society too.
Be a part of an organization that is creator first. Committed to fueling excellence and always imagining more, while fostering a supportive culture, one where we elevate each other and act responsibly.
The Staff Accountant plays a critical role in the revenue accounting cycle by ensuring all incoming cash receipts are accurately identified, recorded, and applied in a timely manner. As the first point of review for cash activity, this position is responsible for maintaining the integrity of revenue recognition, performing monthly bank reconciliations, and supporting the efficient processing of songwriter royalties.
In addition to core accounting responsibilities, this role will lead a strategic initiative to enhance billing and collections processes related to studio utilization. The position works closely with Finance, Royalty Accounting, Business Affairs, Studio Operations, and other stakeholders to improve cash flow, strengthen controls, and drive operational efficiencies across the organization.
What You’ll Do:
· Review, identify, and accurately apply incoming cash receipts from customers, licensees, affiliates, and other business partners.
· Perform daily cash application activities and investigate unidentified or unapplied receipts.
· Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and resolve reconciling items in a timely manner.
· Support accurate revenue recognition by ensuring cash receipts are properly recorded and classified.
· Collaborate with royalty accounting teams to ensure receipts are processed efficiently for songwriter and client royalty distributions.
· Monitor outstanding receivables and assist with collection efforts.
· Lead the design and implementation of enhanced billing and collection procedures for studio utilization activities.
· Partner with studio operations and business stakeholders to improve invoicing accuracy, collection timelines, and reporting visibility.
· Identify opportunities to automate processes and strengthen internal controls surrounding cash management and revenue operations.
· Assist with month-end close activities, account analyses, and audit support.
· Prepare schedules and documentation for internal and external auditors as needed.
· Support special projects and process improvement initiatives within the Finance organization.
Who You Are:
· Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or relevant experience
· 1-3+ years of accounting experience.
· Strong understanding of cash application, reconciliations, and general ledger accounting.
· Advanced Excel skills and experience working with large data sets.
· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
· Excellent communication and organizational skills.
· Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
· Must be aligned with Sony’s Values and Purpose
· A dedication to accuracy is key and necessary to ensure that all information is recorded correctly.
· Must be authorized to work in the United States
· 7.5-hour business workday but variations in work volume may require extended working hours especially around month-end close and late-night events
What We Give You:
· You join an inclusive, collaborative, and global community where you have the opportunity to fuel the creative journey
· A modern office environment in downtown Nashville designed to foster productivity, creativity, and teamwork
· An attractive and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life & disability coverage, and 401K + employer matching
· Voluntary benefits like company-paid identity theft protection and resources for pets, mental health and meditation resources, industry-leading fertility coverage, fully paid leave for childbirth or bonding, fully paid leave for caregivers, programs for loved ones with developmental disabilities and neurodiversity, subsidized back-up child and elder care, and reimbursement for adoption, surrogacy, tuition, and student loans
· We invest in your professional growth & development
· Time off for a winter recess
Honesty, trustworthiness and ethical conduct are material requirements for the responsibilities outlined above.
Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy), gender, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, military status, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, genetic information, medical condition, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.
We are aware that unauthorized individuals or organizations may attempt to solicit personal information or payments from job applicants by impersonating our company through fraudulent job postings. We take these matters seriously but cannot control third-party websites. To protect your personal information, please verify that any job posting you respond to also appears on our official Careers page: www.sonyjobs.com. Please also be advised that we never request personal identifying information (such as Social Security numbers, bank details, or copies of identification documents) during the initial stages of our application process. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a job posting or communication, please contact talentacquisition@sonymusicpub.com before submitting any information.