WPVI - Business Manager - Operations & Business Planning

Disney Entertainment’s eight owned ABC stations are multiplatform leaders in local news and information. As the No. 1 station in Philadelphia for almost 45 years, 6abc Action News delivers local news, information, traffic, and weather to more than 3 million homes. WPVI serves close to 7 million people, 2+ who reside in the Delaware Valley, an area covering Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware. In the past year, Action News has won 2,633 out of 2,662 newscasts in households for a winning percentage of 99.8%. In an average day Action News captures nearly 45% of all adult 25-54 news viewers. WPVI has provided coverage to the Thanksgiving Day Parade for 100 years in 2019!

The Manager of Operations and Business Planning plays a pivotal role in overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and ensuring compliance at WPVI. This strategic position is integral to the station’s continued success.

Collaborating closely with the VP of Operations and Business Planning, department heads, and other key stakeholders, this role is responsible for monitoring expenses, translating strategic goals into actionable financial plans, and delivering comprehensive financial reporting. The manager will also contribute to station-wide initiatives and drive operational efficiencies across departments.

The ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgment and adheres to established policies, procedures, and strategic plans. They will receive guidance from leadership and know when to escalate issues appropriately. This role also involves providing technical expertise on financial systems and practices, with a deep understanding of organizational financial objectives and interdepartmental priorities.

Given that the VP oversees both WPVI and WTVD, this manager will often serve as the senior financial authority on-site, making high-level decisions and collaborating regularly with station leadership.

This role includes direct supervision of Business Office and Building Operations staff, providing leadership, performance feedback, and conducting evaluations.

What You Will Do

• Primarily responsible for preparing all financial submissions for the station with assistance from subordinates and with directional guidance and limited review by VP Operations.

• Responsible for all station accounting, Quarter-end close, ad hoc requests, and special purpose operational reports, including advance planning and directing subordinates.

• Works closely with VP Operations and managers across the station to prepare Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and Forecasts, then works with all to monitor ongoing spending in relation to those financial plans.

• Supervise Finance and Building Operations staff

• Leads some station-wide projects and is a key contributor to others in pursuit of a broad range of station goals.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum of five years professional experience with prior Management experience strongly preferred

• Strong service orientation with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with both internal and external partners

• Expert knowledge of accounting procedures and practices, and Disney policies

• Collaborate closely with all departments to ensure optimization of financial resources. Strong verbal and written communication skills with an ability to communicate at all levels within the organization

• Collaborative working style and ability to meet the needs of all team members needing financial data/guidance

• Proven ability to work with confidential information, while exercising sound judgment and decision-making

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, work with flexibility, be adaptable, and demonstrate an ability to problem solve

• Proficient in Microsoft Office:  Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SAP

• Ability to effectively manage complex projects while balancing all other priorities

• Outstanding manager of team members, both direct reports and those reporting to other departments, who work with you on special projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Management experience working in Public Accounting or in a large company

• MBA, CPA, or currently working toward either designation

• Experience working in Television business operations or a related media field

Required Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting / Business

Preferred Education

• MBA, CPA, or currently working toward either designation