Background: 

MLB Network is the premier destination for baseball fans, offering comprehensive coverage of Major League Baseball (MLB) year-round. Launched in 2009, MLB Network delivers unparalleled access to the game through live broadcasts, in-depth analysis, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes content. It is the ultimate source for breaking news, expert commentary, and historical insights, catering to both die-hard enthusiasts and casual viewers.

With a team of seasoned analysts, former players, and top-tier broadcasters, MLB Network provides fans with expert perspectives and real-time updates on all 30 MLB teams. Flagship programs such as MLB Tonight, Intentional Talk, and Quick Pitch keep audiences informed and entertained with highlights, player interviews, and game breakdowns. The network also offers extensive coverage of marquee events, including Opening Day, the All-Star Game, the postseason, and the World Series.

In addition to daily programming, MLB Network produces original documentaries and features that celebrate the rich history of the sport. Through advanced technology, including cutting-edge analytics and high-definition broadcasts, MLB Network enhances the viewing experience, making it a must-watch for baseball lovers.

Available in millions of homes across the United States, MLB Network continues to evolve with digital platforms, streaming services, and interactive content, ensuring fans can access baseball coverage anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s live games, trade rumors, or in-depth storytelling, MLB Network is dedicated to delivering the best baseball content in the industry.

Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly. 

Contacting MLB Network will only delay consideration of your qualifications. 

Position Summary: 

The Senior Vice President, Finance (the “SVP”) will serve as a collaborative, strategic leader, responsible for overseeing all accounting and payroll operations and financial planning, and analysis for the organization. Reporting directly to the President, the SVP serves as a key advisor to the executive leadership team, participating broadly in strategic, operational and financial discussions and ensuring financial strategies align with business objectives and industry trends.  The SVP will be highly visible and integrated with the entirety of the business, serving as a hands-on partner in a dynamic, complex and fast-moving environment.

The SVP will directly manage the financial health of the organization, overseeing all financial aspects of the operation including budgeting and forecasting, treasury management, accounting, financial planning, and stakeholder financial reporting while optimizing operational efficiencies.

The SVP will be responsible for leading the finance, accounting and payroll departments and furthering a culture of consistency, confidence and collaboration of the function.  The SVP will ensure that key MLB Network executives and stakeholders are provided with comprehensive and actionable financial information to provide accountability and facilitate effective decision making.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in media, entertainment, or sports finance, with a deep understanding of broadcasting, content rights, and revenue streams. Strong leadership, analytical acumen, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams are essential to success in this role.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Organizational Strategic Leadership

• Establish a strong relationship with the President, Executive Team and stakeholders centered around strong financial acumen and knowledge of the organization’s business, strategy, plan and performance.

• Participate in the development of the organization’s plans and programs by proactively partnering with the company’s functional leaders to support operations and deliver value. 

• Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-range planning and introduction of new programs/strategies.

• Coordinate strategic planning initiatives, assessing the financial requirements implicit in those plans, evaluating the potential return on investment and developing financing.

• Analyze and report on ROI for all business initiatives, providing the President and executive leaders with business tracking and variance reporting, as well as recommendations to modify business plans.

• Oversee short- and long-term projections for executives and stakeholders.

Departmental & Functional Leadership:

• Supervise and manage the Company’s Finance, Accounting and Payroll Departments.

• Oversee and optimize the overarching financial processes and procedures and the Company’s financial, budget and reporting systems and databases, as follows: .

  • Oracle

  • Board

  • Preql Reporting

  • Concur

• Develop and implement the organization’s capital strategies including both short- and long-term capital needs.

• Provide leadership, direction and management of the finance and accounting team; lead the continued development of internal controls, systems and reporting.

• Drive the development and accountability for company and departmental financial metrics and KPI’s.

• Effectively synthesize data, analyze findings and communicate results to various stakeholders including the President, Executive Management team and Major League Baseball.

• Provide the necessary data and lead financial reporting, forecasting and pacing of production and operating costs vs. budgets; serve as a thought partner not only in the creation of budgets but in ongoing adjustments and reforecasts based on company performance market dynamics.

• Oversee treasury and banking functions.

• Prepare  the annual operating budget and business plan to present to the Company’s senior management and stakeholders.

• Perform the annual financial statement audit process.

• Provide counsel and advice in connection with risk management as it relates to business and production operations.

• Partner with Major League Baseball to ensure that the Company’s properties and activities are adequately insured.

• Oversight of the Company’s Accounting department, and the Company’s asset management system, including the purchase order process, expense/project tracking and asset management.

• Responsible for the regulatory compliance across all financial and accounting activities, including the general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, and receivable.

• Oversight of the Company’s multi-state payroll in a manner compliant with federal and state wage and hour laws.

• Ensure the Company is implementing the appropriate finance, accounting and payroll policies and procedures to minimize risk and maximize efficiency.

Qualifications:

• 15-20 years of finance and accounting experience

• Strong understanding of both US GAAP and production accounting principles.

• CPA, strongly preferred; MBA or advanced degree a plus.

• Process-oriented, hands-on style.  Must possess superior organizational skills.

• Excellent communicator – must consolidate and regularly present (written and oral) data and operating/financial recommendations in impactful way to senior management.  Must proactively identify potential cost-overruns and operating constraints and offer timely solutions to mitigate.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond to urgent senior management requests with confidence and vigor.

• Previous media/entertainment-related production finance and/or accounting experience.

• Experience analyzing and structuring co-production agreements and related financial and accounting implications.

• Have advanced knowledge and experience with MS Excel and other financial reporting systems.

• Experience with Board, Preql, Concur and Oracle financial reporting system is preferred.

• Demonstrate the tact, diplomacy, decisiveness, and superior people skills required in the pressurized environment of live television.

• Ability to sit, stand, and/or kneel for extended periods of time.

• Possess the manual dexterity needed to effectively create required work product.  

• Possess the visual acuity needed to effectively create required work product.

• Possess the auditory acuity needed to effectively create required work product.

• Prompt and regular attendance at an assigned work location.

Background Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree is required. Advanced degree is preferred.