Michael Valaire

Oversaw the accounting, budgeting and cost reporting for $35mm daily talk show with host Katie Couric. Reviewed and approved all production related expenses including A/P, travel, P-cards, petty cash, check requests, rental agreements, residuals, license fees, and guild/union payrolls. Managed start paperwork. Hired and supervised staff of 4 accountants.

Managed the production accounting on (2) 1-hr scripted TV series. Worked with producers and network executives to create budgets, establish financial milestones, track costs-to-complete and review line-item variances. Reviewed and approved all production related expenses. Prepared and filed $2mm New York State production tax credit applications.

Managed daily financial operations, ongoing operational budgeting and long-term financial strategy/business planning for MSLO’s TV division. Prepared financial statements including monthly and quarterly close, accruals and budget reconciliations. Supervised ad sales trafficking staff and managed database of ad sales inventory.

Developed revenue/expense projections, industry comparables, valuation models and financial statement analysis to identify, evaluate and execute new programming concepts, acquisitions, brand extensions and ancillary revenue. Provided research and analysis for launch of MTV Online through a $14.5m acquisition of Imagine Radio streaming audio and SonicNet music website.

Forecasted and hedged foreign currency cash flows for Viacom’s international subsidiaries: Paramount Pictures, MTV Networks, Blockbuster Video, Showtime Networks and Simon & Schuster. Negotiated and executed foreign currency trades. Tracked portfolio gains and losses.