Gain entry-level certification in production accounting for film and TV productions. Over six weeks, learn the fundamentals of the production workflow from the perspective of the accounting department. Developed with top-level production accountants and industry experts, this program will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of accounting in film and TV and provide the opportunity to enter a sustainable career in this high-demand department of the sector.
Level Up Your Production Accounting Skills and Career
The demand and labour shortage for production accountants in Ontario’s film and television industry is growing. But how do you enter this thriving industry? This comprehensive introductory program, offered in partnership with Cinespace Studios Toronto, York University and Schulich ExecEd, will prepare you to begin your production accounting journey.
Explore the function and importance of the production accounting department, review bookkeeping standards within film and TV, and familiarize yourself with common systems, tools and techniques used in the production accounting office. Review the stages of a film and TV production and the roles of the production accounting office from “greenlight” and “prep” through to “post-production” and “delivery.” With a logical and consistent framework for problem-solving, aspiring production accountants can jump into this fast-paced industry.
Programme Content
Module 1: Introduction to the Film Industry
Get a clear overview of how films and TV shows are made—from greenlight to final delivery—and where Production Accounting fits into the process. Topics include:
The role and importance of Production Accounting
Overview of major and minor studios working in Canada
Key phases: Prep, Production, and Post-Production
Industry hierarchy: who’s who on set and off
Roles and responsibilities within the accounting team
Introduction to essential production paperwork
Module 2: Introduction to Bookkeeping
Establish a strong foundation in industry-standard bookkeeping practices to support smooth project flow and financial accountability. Learn the essential tools, etiquette, and principles for managing production accounts with precision. Topics include:
Industry standards, policies, and best practices
Trial balance fundamentals
Financing basics, cash flow management, and banking procedures
Professional conduct and etiquette in production environments
Module 3: Budgets and Coding
Learn how production budgets are built—from creating a chart of accounts to tracking costs with precision. Then explore how Ontario’s film and television tax credits can support your bottom line. Topics include:
Basic budgeting overview
Chart of accounts
Cost tracking/item identification
Associating codes to costs
Overview of tax credits
Module 4: Hot Costs & Cost Reports
Learn how to monitor spending in real time and compare actuals to budget. Build confidence in preparing clear, accurate cost reports that support informed production decisions. Topics include:
Purpose and structure of hot cost reports
Weekly and episodic cost tracking
Reporting unexpected or over-budget expenses
Department-level financial reporting
Tax reporting and compliance essentials
Module 5: Accounts Payable, P-Cards & Petty Cash
Learn to manage production expenses with accuracy and accountability—from vendor setup to digital payments, petty cash, and P-Cards. Topics include:
Vendor Setup & Purchase Approvals
Initiating vendor setup and data entry
Creating purchase orders (POs)
Using digital systems (DPO, Smart PO)
Navigating internal approval workflows
Invoices, Checks & Payment Processing
Handling invoices and check requisitions
Applying coding blocks and drawing down POs
Processing checks and ACH payments
Inputting data in PAS
Petty Cash & P-Cards
Issuing petty cash advances and setting up crew/vendor access
Managing expense categories and limits
Submitting PC reports and ensuring compliance
Audit requirements, processing workflows, and system entry
Module 6: Payroll I
Get comfortable navigating today’s digital production accounting landscape. Learn how to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment using modern tools and workflows. Topics include:
Key digital platforms for Accounting and Payroll
Overview of the digital A/P process
Navigating digital payroll systems
Best practices for obtaining approvals and answers online
Filing systems, digital scanning, and audit readiness
Module 7: Payroll II
Get grounded in the fundamentals of payroll for film and television production. This module covers key documentation, union structures, and payroll systems used to process cast and crew payments accurately. Topics include:
Overview of unions and guilds: IATSE, NABET, DGC, ACTRA
Payroll systems and standard workflows
Software training: EPOL
Intro to timecard calculations for background performers
Module 8: Systems/Digitalization & Tax Credits
Advance your payroll knowledge with a focus on real-world workflows, timelines, and the core responsibilities of a payroll accountant. Learn how to manage deal memos and timecards using industry-standard tools. Topics include:
Daily and weekly payroll routines
Deal memo entry in EPOL
Timecard processing and review
Explore how union agreements and government regulations impact payroll calculations, and gain confidence navigating complex requirements. Additional topics:
Union contract variances and payroll implications
Government-mandated fringe costs
WSIB obligations and compliance
Module 9: Post Accounting/Soft Skills - DGC Presentation
Gain first-hand insight into the professional pathways available through the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC). This in-person session at the DGC office, offers a valuable opportunity to connect with Guild representatives and deepen your understanding of career development in production accounting. Topics include:
Overview of the DGC and its role in the industry
Introduction to the DGC Accounting Caucus
Membership requirements, application process, and benefits
Q&A with DGC Membership Department staff
Module 10: Cinespace - Accounting Panel/Studio Tour
Wrap up the course with an immersive, on-site visit to Cinespace Studios in Etobicoke. This session offers the opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals and gain real-world context for the accounting workflows you’ve studied. Topics include:
DGC Accounting Caucus panel featuring working accountants at various stages of their careers
Insights into career paths, daily responsibilities, and on-the-job experiences
Open Q&A with panelists about breaking into and growing within the industry
Guided studio tour, including:
A look inside a working production office
Sound stages with and without active sets
A visit to basecamp or a backlot (if accessible), providing a full view of production scale and logistics
A look inside a working production office
Sound stages with and without active sets
A visit to basecamp or a backlot (if accessible), providing a full view of production scale and logistics
This final session offers an invaluable bridge between classroom learning and the realities of studio production.
Graduation Ceremony & Mixer
TBC
Programme Audience
This program is designed for participants currently interested in administration and the creative sector as well as those currently working as bookkeepers, in administrative roles, and in other junior film positions looking to expand their capabilities in production accounting. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of accounting in the creative sector, gaining the accounting, film, and procedural skills to level their careers.
Programme Benefits
Amazing Education For Busy Professionals
This program packs rich learnings into a focused format, so you can put your new skills to work right away. Designed for working professionals, it helps you grow your career without putting your life on pause.
Stand Out From The Crowd
Build on your bookkeeping, administrative and film experience and level up for a career in production accounting. With this complete introductory program, you can also level up for other roles in the industry.
Learn From The Pros
Train with distinguished and seasoned professionals in the production accounting and film industry, with a curriculum designed in consultation with top Production Accountants who are members of the Directors Guild of Canada-Ontario.
Earn Higher Pay
Gain the confidence, skills and perspective to attain better roles, launch new ventures, and lead your teammates.
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