Accounting firms for entertainment companies expect their CPAs to have two types of education or experience: an accounting degree and experience with the entertainment industry. If you have one but not the other, you can easily become more qualified to work with media industry CPAs with an undergraduate degree program.

If you are a CPA working as an entrepreneur, you may be able to provide accounting services for entertainment companies by simply updating your accounting knowledge using entertainment industry accounting software. While CPA firms for media companies typically have high educational and experience standards, if you are running your own firm you may be able to gain your entertainment industry education less formally.

Begin your CPAs and firms specializing in media and entertainment education and training with the following resources:

1. Earn an undergraduate degree in accounting to become a CPA.
   
2. Expand your experience in entertainment accounting with a degree in entertainment business.
3. Update your entertainment accounting knowledge with financial software programs.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Prepare for work with media industry CPAs with an accounting degree

Most media industry CPAs require job applicants to have a four-year degree in accounting, although some will allow two-year degree credentials. Look for a degree program that includes certification preparation and has a high pass rate among graduates.

I recommend: The University of Texas at Austin and The University of Arizona both offer a four-year accounting sequence for undergraduates, including those preparing to become media CPAs. Globe University has a management accounting associate's degree for a shorter degree time frame.

Get entertainment business experience for working in entertainment accounting

Another option for working with accounting firms for entertainment companies is to obtain a degree in the music or film production business. Entertainment business degrees typically offer a range of courses covering different aspects of the music or film business, including production, marketing, advertising, finance and accounting.

I recommend: Full Sail University is one of only a few schools nationwide that offers a bachelor of music business degree. You can also prepare for work with media CPAs with a similar associate's degree from the Institute of Production and Recording.

Use software to train yourself to provide accounting services for entertainment companies

If you are an experienced accountant , you may be able to become a CPA for media companies without going through several years of additional formal education. A number of software programs are available to help media CPAs and other business professionals manage the various financial aspects of the entertainment industry.

I recommend: Media Services Showbiz Music Contracts software is designed to help navigate music business accounting. Softrax revenue manager software programs are also useful for sports, arts and entertainment accounting.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When preparing for work with CPAs and firms specializing in media and entertainment, education and training may also include an internship with a media company. Many firms expect their applicants to have at least 6 months of internship experience of some type, preferably in entertainment. Even if an internship is unpaid, the education and training is highly valuable.

If you're making it big as a actor or a musician in Hollywood, you can't just walk into H&R Block to have your taxes done. You really need to look at special accounting firms for entertainment companies or media CPAs.

They know all the special challenges of an industry in which privacy is hard-fought and hard-won. Media industry CPAs also understand the unique accounting needs of self-employed individuals or corporations. When looking into entertainment industry accounting, you may want to ask some questions of your prospects.

1. Many a star has made a fortune and lost one too. Ask any CPA for media companies what kind of services they offer. Can they manage your taxes, but also help you get a better handle on your overall finances and help you save for your future?

2. Ask for references from entertainment industry certified public accountants.

3. Find out how media industry CPAs will protect your privacy.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find entertainment industry CPAs who can handle star power

Whether you're a media boss or on the other side of the camera, it's in your best interest to find a CPA that fully understands the entertainment industry. You can locate accounting firms for entertainment companies with the experience you're looking for, and a star-studded client list for extra assurance.

I recommend: Hacker, Douglas & Company CPAs, is located in Los Angeles and specializes in the entertainment industry. With clients such as Kevin Costner, Harrison Ford, Barbara Streisand and Elizabeth Taylor, the firm can handle audits for production, distribution, music and merchandising, as well as litigation support.

Find media CPAs who can tailor services to meet your needs

If you work as an on-air news anchor or a radio personality, you may not be aware that there are media industry certified public accountants who can handle all your tax, accounting and investment concerns.

I recommend: R.A. Bianchi and Associates, located in Los Angeles, is a firm of media CPAs. Clients include journalists, photographers, news agencies and syndicates, as well as movie and TV executives and production personnel.

Find CPAs in New York who specialize in entertainment accounting

Hollywood isn't the only place where a person might require accounting services for entertainment companies or individual entertainers. New York is another hot area for the stars, and there are several CPAs who concentrate on entertainment accounting.

I recommend: Anita Katzen, CPA, of ERE Accountants and Advisors in New York, specializes in entertainment industry accounting and business management.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't go it alone. Get recommendations on accounting services for entertainment companies from others in the business.