Senior Accountant - Royalty and Revenue Share

Company Background/Culture

Fanatics is expanding into the booming trading cards and collectibles business with a new model and vision for the hobby that will fundamentally change the experience for current and future collectors, leagues, and players across many sports.

With trading cards and collectibles being a significant pillar of Fanatics’ long-term plans to become the leading global digital sports platform, Fanatics Collectibles, a subsidiary of Fanatics, was launched in 2021 after securing long-term, exclusive rights to design, manufacture and distribute trading cards for several sports properties, including MLB, MLBPA, NBA, NBPA and NFLPA. Fanatics is the majority owner of Fanatics Collectibles, with leagues, players associations and investors owning the rest.

In January 2022, Fanatics Collectibles announced the acquisition of Topps, the preeminent licensed trading card brand that has serviced collectors, fans, and retailers for more than 70 years. The deal, which included both the Topps physical and digital divisions, established the iconic trading cards company as the cornerstone of Fanatics’ trading cards and collectibles business and jumpstarted its MLB and MLBPA rights to design, manufacture and distribute trading cards, which begin in 2022 versus the original joint start date of 2026.

The Opportunity

Fanatics is searching for a senior accountant that will be part of its Collectibles Royalty Accounting Team. This role will include preparing royalty and revenue share calculation accrual entries, royalty reports and royalty payments. They will communicate with license partners as well as other internal and external parties, ensure compliance with Licensor Agreements with royalty and revenue share obligations. The individual will work cross-departmentally and collaboratively with others on the team.

Job Functions

• Performs complex month-end close process including preparation of royalty accruals, estimates and prepaid royalty entries
• Prepare and review licensee partners royalty reporting for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with license agreement requirements
• Thoroughly understand license agreements and monitor to ensure financial contractual obligations are met throughout all business interactions across assigned licensees
• Monitor and manage minimum guarantees, excess royalty payments, and identify/report royalty shortfalls, providing strategic insights and recommendations to management
• Act as a key liaison for quarterly and annual external audits, managing the preparation of audit schedules and responding to audit inquiries with minimal oversight
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations for prepaid and accrued royalties
• Maintain/recommend a strong financial controls environment and compliance with SOX processes

Customer Service / Collaboration

• Able to research and respond promptly to all licensee and colleague inquiries and requests with accuracy and professionalism
• Positively impact the speed and ease for licensees to conduct business with the company
• Ability to effectively communicate with clients, licensees, and colleagues, including complex royalty accounting issues, errors, or opportunities for improvement

Professional Experience/Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following credentials:

• Bachelor (or higher) degree in accounting required
• 4+ years of accounting experience, preferably with royalty accounting exposure (music, consumer products, publishing, etc.)
• Strong understanding of US GAAP and internal controls, with experience and proficiency in researching technical accounting issues
• Experience handling annual audits and working with internal and external audit functions
• Desire to develop and continuously improve processes
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and stringent deadlines within a fast-paced environment is a must
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks
• Must have strong analytical skills and strong attention to detail
• Must have excellent communication skills – verbal and written
• Ability to effectively work with multiple departments
• Internally motivated to seek out answers, generate ideas, and develop new skills
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel, and experience with ERPs (Oracle) is preferred

Equal Employment Opportunity

Fanatics, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and, as a corporate practice, does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Fanatics is building a leading global digital sports platform. We ignite the passions of global sports fans and maximize the presence and reach for our hundreds of sports partners globally by offering products and services across Fanatics Commerce, Fanatics Collectibles, and Fanatics Betting & Gaming, allowing sports fans to Buy, Collect, and Bet. Through the Fanatics platform, sports fans can buy licensed fan gear, jerseys, lifestyle and streetwear products, headwear, and hardgoods; collect physical and digital trading cards, sports memorabilia, and other digital assets; and bet as the company builds its Sportsbook and iGaming platform. Fanatics has an established database of over 100 million global sports fans; a global partner network with approximately 900 sports properties, including major national and international professional sports leagues, players associations, teams, colleges, college conferences and retail partners, 2,500 athletes and celebrities, and 200 exclusive athletes; and over 2,000 retail locations, including its Lids retail stores. Our more than 22,000 employees are committed to relentlessly enhancing the fan experience and delighting sports fans globally. 

Fanatics Collectibles is a new model and vision for the hobby, fundamentally changing the experience for current and future collectors, leagues, and players across many U.S. and international professional and college sports. The organization has long-term, exclusive rights to design, manufacture and distribute trading cards for several sports and entertainment properties, including MLB, MLBPA, the Premier League, MLS, UFC, Formula 1 as well as Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, among others. In January 2022, Fanatics Collectibles announced the acquisition of Topps, establishing the preeminent licensed trading card brand as the cornerstone of Fanatics’ trading cards and collectibles business, and jumpstarted its MLB and MLBPA rights to design, manufacture and distribute trading cards