Vice President of Accounting

Our client of many years, Tennis Channel, the premier media hub for the global tennis and pickleball communities, has retained us to identify a Vice President, Finance/Controller. This senior finance leader will work from their Santa Monica office and report directly to the COO/CFO. The role requires a hands-on leader who can balance operational execution with strategic insight in a dynamic, production-driven media environment.

Tennis Channel is the media hub for the global tennis community, offering 24-hour television coverage, a subscription streaming service, and exclusive content that connects fans with the sport’s lifestyle. Alongside Tennis Channel, Pickleball TV (PBTV) is the 24-hour network for America’s fastest-growing sport, featuring over 1,000 hours of live matches from top professionals and exclusive programming for pickleball enthusiasts. They provide live coverage of tennis and pickleball matches, expert commentary, in-depth analysis, interviews and we bring unparalleled coverage and experiences to fans.

Aside from a great work-life balance, they have created an amazing company culture. This position will be given an outstanding compensation package which includes a bonus, benefits which the company generously provides and excellent perks.

The Vice President, Finance / Controller is a senior finance leader responsible for overseeing the financial operations of a national sports network. This role leads Accounting, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Production Finance, and New Business Initiatives, ensuring accurate financial reporting, disciplined budget management, and strong financial support across a dynamic, production‑driven media environment.

Reporting to the COO/CFO, the VP Finance / Controller partners closely with Network leadership and Corporate Finance to support operational execution, financial discipline, and growth initiatives while ensuring compliance with company policies and reporting requirements.

The following information will provide more insight. After reviewing the details below our hope is that you may know someone who would be interested in this highly visible role. Feel free to distribute this document to others.

If you have any questions or require further information, please contact Adam Kaufman at 818.216.7684 or adamkaufman@kaufmansearch.com.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Operations & Reporting

• Oversee all accounting functions, including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Production Accounting.
• Lead a fast, accurate month‑end close and ensure timely submission of financial results and supporting schedules.
• Prepare and review GAAP‑compliant financial statements and management reports.
• Maintain strong internal controls, ensuring audit readiness and compliance with company policies.

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Lead the annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, and long‑range planning processes.
• Analyze financial performance, identify key variances, and provide actionable insights to leadership.
• Support preparation of executive‑level operating reviews and financial presentations.

Production Finance

• Oversee production finance for live sports, studio programming, and original content.
• Partner with Production and Programming teams on budgeting, cost tracking, and forecasting.
• Ensure compliance with contracts, union agreements, and production finance best practices.

New Business Initiatives

• Provide financial oversight and support for new business initiatives, including new content offerings, distribution opportunities, partnerships, and strategic investments.
• Develop business plans, financial models, and pro formas to evaluate growth opportunities.
• Support greenlight decisions and ongoing financial tracking for new initiatives.

Corporate & Shared Services Partnership

• Serve as the primary finance liaison with Corporate Accounting, Tax, and Shared Services teams.
• Support federal, state, local, and other required tax filings through coordination with Corporate Tax.
• Ensure adherence to corporate reporting standards, timelines, and controls.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop teams across Accounting, FP&A, Production Finance, and New Business support.
• Foster a collaborative, hands‑on, high‑accountability finance organization.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes, reporting, and systems.

Special Projects

• Support system implementations, process improvements, M&A integrations, and other special projects assigned.

Qualifications:

• CPA required
• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field (advanced degree preferred)
• 12+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including leadership responsibilities
• Strong knowledge and practical application of U.S. GAAP
• Experience in sports, media, or entertainment strongly preferred
• Proven ability to operate in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven, production environment
• Experience supporting new business initiatives or growth investments, diligence or IPO experience helpful
• Strong communication skills and ability to partner with operational and corporate stakeholders
• Hands‑on leadership style with attention to both detail and outcomes

About Kaufman Search: For more than 30 years we have been specializing in the placement of Accounting, Finance, Tax and Human Resources professionals in Southern California. Our expertise, contacts, and reputation combine to help companies identify, attract, and acquire the most talented professionals. Thank you. For more details please visit https://kaufmansearch.com/ . Thank you.