Royalty Operations Accountant (Deputy Manager)
Job Function: The Royalty Operations Accountant is responsible for analyzing royalty data, supporting royalty reconciliations, and ensuring the integrity of the royalty calculations database. This role includes managing royalty advances and earnings payments while maintaining strict compliance with agreement setups and aligning with intellectual property management tools. The Royalty Operations Accountant will assist and lead payout-based projects across multiple geographies, providing advisory support on product structures and agreement terms to ensure accurate royalty processing and alignment with business objectives.  

In addition to these core responsibilities, the Royalty Operations Accountant will collaborate closely with the Senior Royalty Operations Accountant to monitor progress on key tasks, contributing to the overall operational excellence of the team. This role will involve conducting routine quality checks and data validation exercises to maintain accuracy, as well as preparing preliminary reports and summaries of royalty transactions for team review. 

The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational and analytical skills, with a solid understanding of data management tools and software relevant to royalty processing. This position requires effective collaboration with both internal stakeholders and external vendors, ensuring timely resolution of inquiries and fostering positive relationships. Additionally, the Royalty Operations Accountant will play a critical role in identifying and documenting discrepancies in royalty data, escalating complex issues to senior team members as necessary. 

  

By effectively managing these responsibilities, the Royalty Operations Accountant will contribute to the continuous improvement of royalty operations and support the overall success of the Rights and Royalties Department. 

General Profile: 
This role requires a highly skilled individual with expertise in royalty data analysis, problem-solving, and suspense management. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the Royalty Operations Accountant must possess strong attention to detail, ensuring the integrity of royalty-related processes while mentoring junior staff and providing strategic insights to stakeholders. 

Expertise: 

Resolve complex sales in suspense accounts, particularly those involving High-Profile Authors (HPAs), ensuring correct allocation and accurate payouts. 

Analyse royalty data for accuracy and support the preparation of royalty reconciliations. 
Strong analytical skills, especially in royalty data analysis, reconciliation, and payment management. 
In-depth understanding of royalty calculations, intellectual property tools, and agreement structures. 
Experience with data governance and maintaining databases for decision-making purposes. 
Expertise in resolving complex issues related to royalty payments and suspense accounts. 

Helps identify and document recurring issues or discrepancies in royalty and vendor data, escalating to the higher management as necessary. 

Accountability: 
Maintain responsibility for the accuracy of royalty data and the timeliness of royalty reconciliations and payments. 
Collaborates closely with the C2 and above roles to monitor the progress of key tasks, helping to ensure all action items are completed on schedule for multiple geographies 
Ensure the integrity of the royalty calculations database and proper execution of royalty payments in alignment with agreements. Participates in regular quality checks and data validation exercises to maintain the accuracy and reliability of royalty information. 
Ensure compliance with internal controls, SLAs, and governance standards. 
Provide recommendations for agreement structures and royalty setups, contributing to the strategic direction of royalty operations. 

Leadership: 
Lead and mentor junior team members, providing guidance on royalty data analysis, reconciliations, and database maintenance. 
Take ownership of projects and process improvements related to royalty operations, driving efficiency and excellence. 

Influence: 
Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to ensure accurate royalty payouts and effective royalty data management. 
Provide expert advice on royalty agreements, product structures, and payment setups to influence strategic decisions within the business. 
Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights through compelling presentations, dashboards, and reports tailored for stakeholders across functions and leadership levels. 
Lead and manage cross-functional projects end-to-end, ensuring timely execution, stakeholder alignment, and achievement of key milestones using strong project management methodologies and tools.

Skills, Knowledge, Behaviours: 

Skills: 
Strong data analysis and financial acumen. 
Proficiency with intellectual property management tools and royalty calculation databases. 
Advanced problem-solving abilities, particularly in resolving complex royalty and suspense issues. 

Knowledge: 
In-depth knowledge of royalty management, accounting principles, and agreement setups. 
Understanding of intellectual property rights and how they impact royalty payouts and agreements. 
 
Behaviours: 
Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and operational excellence. 
Proactive in mentoring junior staff and driving improvements in processes. 
Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams. 

Qualifications: 
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. 
Minimum of 4-5 years of experience in contract management or a related field.