Gerry Tyrrell – Film Bang: Scotland Production Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\nACCA-qualified finance professional with 30+ years\u2019 experience delivering financial strategy, reporting, and control across fast-paced, commercially complex environments – from manufacturing and multi-jurisdictional operations to the creative sector.<\/span><\/p>\nMy strengths lie in analysis, budgeting, and business partnering, with a proven track record managing high-value development projects and leading forecasting and reporting across multiple currencies, time zones, and teams. I\u2019m as confident navigating the technical detail of financial systems as I am engaging senior stakeholders, external auditors, and HMRC.<\/span><\/p>\nIn 2022, I transitioned into the screen industry – supported by a diploma in Production Accounting for Film & High-End TV (NFTS) – leveraging transferable skills to bring a forward-looking, enabling approach to production finance. I offer a considered, collaborative style that aligns the numbers with the creative intent, helping productions stay agile, informed, and in control.<\/span><\/p>\nDirect experience includes:<\/span>
\nProduction Accountant \u201cMint\u201d \u2013 8 Episode Band 2 \u2013 House Productions for BBC<\/span>
\nFeb 2025 \u2013 present \u2013 PSL, DPO, incl early adopter new DPO\/AP workflow integration<\/span>
\nProduction Accountant for final 4 weeks of Shoot \/ first 2 weeks of Wrap<\/span>
\nPost Production Accountant<\/span><\/p>\n1st Assist Accountant \u201c& Sons\u201d \u2013 Feature film \u2013 Infinity Hill \/ Elevation Pictures<\/span>
\nNov 2024 \u2013 Mar 2025 \u2013 PSL, DPO, incl Post, partnering with the Bond<\/span><\/p>\n1st Assist Accountant \u201cGlenrothan\u201d \u2013 Feature film \u2013 Nevision \/ Blazing Griffin<\/span>
\nJuly 2024 \u2013 present \u2013 PSL, DPO, Equals, incl Post<\/span><\/p>\nAP Accountant \/ business partnering \u201cDept Q\u201d- 8 Episode Band 3 – Left Bank Pictures for Netflix<\/span>
\nNov 2023 \u2013 Aug 2024 – Smart Accounting, DPO<\/span><\/p>\nAssist Accountant \u201cMurder is Easy\u201d – 2 Episode Band 3 – Mammoth Screen for BBC\/BritBox<\/span>
\nMay 2023 \u2013 Mar 2024 \u2013 Eclipse, DPF, EzyPO \u2013 incl Post, DPF rollout & crew training<\/span><\/p>\nJun 2023 \u2013 present Built and supplied Crew timesheet\/calculator to reflect 2023 PACT-BECTU TV agreement, in particular the dynamics of Working Day, Overtime, Enhanced Overtime and scheduled Nightwork based on Crew Member hours and production scheduled Working Day-type. Later expanded for Film. Used as crew timesheet by both Left Bank Pictures on \u201cDept Q\u201d and Mammoth Screen on \u201cMurder is Easy\u201d above. Aug \u2013 Nov 2024 \u201cBorges & Me\u201d \u2013 custom Film edition (specific contracted working day) Feb \u2013 Jul 2024 \u201cDalgleish\u201d Season 3 \u2013 New Pictures for Channel 5, including onboarding, production management training and run of shoot consultancy.<\/span><\/p>\nJan 2023 \u2013 Apr 2023 Ad hoc consultation using Movie Magic Budgeting to support studio Chart of Account migrations, Budget mapping and Budget review & adjustment for 2023 PACT-BECTU rates for projects in Development at the time – MMB, Excel<\/span><\/p>\nQUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION<\/span>
\nProduction Guild Great Britain \u2013 Jun 2024<\/span>
\nProduction Guild Great Britain \u2013 Step up to Production Accounting \u2013 Apr 2024<\/span>
\nNational Film & TV School NFTS \u2013 Diploma Production Accounting for Film & High-End TV \u2013 2022\/23<\/span>
\nA.C.C.A. \u2013 Association of Chartered Certified Accountants \u2013 March 2000<\/span>
\nUniversity of Limerick \u2013 Bachelor of Business Studies (2.1 Hons) 1996 \u2013 Accounting & Finance with minor option in Financial Services<\/span>
\nSt Jarlath\u2019s College, Tuam \u2013 Leaving Certificate – Chemistry, Accounting, Business Studies, French, Irish, English, Maths. Self-supported: Art & Design (not offered by the school as a subject).<\/span><\/p>\nKEY SKILLS<\/span>
\n\u25cf Banking, including processing, pay-runs, reconciliations, relationships, internal control, establishing online accounts.<\/span>
\n\u25cf Establishing strong working relationships at all levels of the business, locally & remote.<\/span>
\n\u25cf Purchase Orders & Accounts Payable, including Pay-runs, Aging, Accruals for work not invoiced, Cash Management \u25cf Significant International experience building relationships & working with Multiple Currencies and Time zones.<\/span>
\n\u25cf Financial Reporting at Company level to internal & external stakeholders \u25cf Deadline management, adept at managing conflicting deliverables.<\/span>
\n\u25cf Budget build & Reforecast, both Bottom-up detailed build and\/or Top-down. \u25cf Excellent time management skills, ability to prioritise high workloads.<\/span>
\n\u25cf Regular management reporting on Costing, Variance analysis, Risk identification & mitigation. \u25cf Wider business, logistics, shipping and commercial awareness<\/span>
\n\u25cf Cash Management and Forecasting, incl. Cash Flow build & modelling. \u25cf Communication and presentation skills<\/span>
\n\u25cf Highly Analytical with aptitude for IT environment & accounting systems, including MS Excel Advanced skills \u25cf High degree of Integrity and Professionalism<\/span>
\n\u25cf Applying stewardship, diligence & governance while not inhibiting pace of project, often to safeguard interests of remote stakeholders.<\/span><\/p>\nTRAINING & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT<\/span>
\nOngoing: Suite of awareness courses delivered via Screenskills UK \u2013 Addressing unconscious bias, Introduction to mental health awareness at work, Tackling harassment and bullying at work<\/span>
\nOct 2021: Medical Device regulatory affairs, technology management & adoption (Manufacturing Skills Academy, NMIS – National Manufacturing Institute Scotland)<\/span>
\n2018\/2019: Volunteer mentor for Career Ready, an initiative to prepare young people for<\/span>
\n2016\/2017: Suite of leadership and executive coaching sessions Edinburgh<\/span>
\nApr 2016: European Enterprise Network \/ Innovate UK (TSB) workshop on funding options<\/span>
\nApr 2015: Scottish Enterprise workshop for healthcare companies wishing to enter the German & Swiss markets.<\/span>
\nFeb 2015: Scottish Enterprise & UKDTI workshop for healthcare companies wishing to enter the US markets, with a focus on Regulatory requirement & strategy, Sales\/Distribution options, Reimbursement, impact of the Affordable Healthcare Act and hospital supply chain.<\/span><\/p>\nEMPLOYMENT HISTORY<\/span><\/p>\nOptos PLC (now a Nikon Group Company)<\/span>
\nJun 2017 – Oct 2021 Financial Controller \u2013 International (EMEA & APAC)<\/span>
\nJan 2014 – Jun 2017 Financial Controller Global Operations, Research & Development<\/span>
\nMay 2012 – Dec 2013 Operations & New Product Development Controller<\/span>
\nMay 2008 – May 2012 Senior Finance Analyst<\/span><\/p>\nSystems Improvement & Identification \u2013 Online rolling forecast, budgeting & reporting package shortlist, selection & build; mitigate Spreadsheet Risk; Consistent fast production of reporting packs with comparisons. Embed awareness of Fraud, Phishing and electronic deception into Accounts Payable; Empower team with confidence to validate changes and small details independently. Accounts Payable – Supplier payment tools via bank portal to allow additional credit terms & cash rebate; e-Invoicing, OCR, Purchase Order & delegated authority tool; Accounts Receivable – adapt to e-invoicing portals to improve Aging and Collection risk. Product Roadmap (\u201cSlate\u201d) – Development, New Product Introduction & End of Life. Business case, accounting & forecasting for Development project spend (project values $20m). Partner with Clinical team on both Pre-Market & Post-Market projects & cost forecast. Market access and commercial business case for Nikon \/ Google (Verily Life Sciences) collaboration to use A.I. and machine learning to review. Embed finance & inventory considerations into heavily regulated CGMP \/ ISO13485 Change Control environment.<\/span><\/p>\nReporting & Compliance \u2013 Management packs & KPI\u2019s to drive early dialog & risk identification from Operative to Exec level. Lead annual Statutory audit, Customs & Tax audits in UK & Germany, also Grant audits for Innovate UK and European Commission H2020 funding. Adapt & reinforce new Governance obligations following Nikon takeover, as well as wider legal obligations. GDPR, sensitive data compliance, internal audit compliance & Delegated Authority.<\/span><\/p>\nCash management & Margin \u2013 Inventory reduction driving a reduction from $41m to $28m across FY15, maintaining through FY16. Implement BTI\u2019s with HMRC resulting in $9m Duty refund and ongoing contribution to Margin. Improve Overdue debt. Establish fully loaded product costing and review manufacturing facilities.<\/span><\/p>\nCommercial Sales & Customer support \u2013 Preparation for UK withdrawal from EU, Registration for VAT in minor markets, Sales performance analysis, Price Setting, Distributor Agreements, Commission plans across Europe.<\/span><\/p>\nStandard Life Bank \u2013 Jul 2005 to May 2008 Group Reporting & Systems Accountant \u2013 Trial balance structure and Chart of Accounts design & migration for 10 entities, management information pack design, systems support.<\/span><\/p>\nTyco Healthcare \/ Covidien \u2013 Jul 2001 to Sept 2004 Financial Analyst \u2013 Delivered budgets, identified VAT & cash-flow risk, systems migration, plant-wide initiatives.<\/span><\/p>\nWhirlpool \/ Baucknecht \u2013 Jul 1998 \u2013 Jul 2001 Senior Accountant \u2013 Commercial support, fast close, audit delivery, ledger migration, support accounting & VAT structure of new Nordic regional distribution centre.<\/span><\/p>\nUlster Bank Group Treasury \u2013 May 1997 \u2013 May 1998 Management Accountant & back office treasury<\/span><\/p>\nCitibank NA \u2013 Jan 1994 \u2013 Apr 1997 Treasury, Money Desk, Dealing Room \u00a3 IEP position-keeper, Front & Back Office control & settlements<\/span><\/pre>\n\nSUMMARY<\/strong>
\nQualified Finance Leader with 25 years\u2019 experience in Commercial & Operational aspects of business, in particular Healthcare and manufacturing. Adept at building and maintaining working relationships cross-functionally and internationally. Strong aptitude to contribute at both operational and strategic levels.EMPLOYMENT HISTORY<\/strong>Optos PLC<\/strong>
\nJun 2017 – Oct 2021 Financial Controller \u2013 International (EMEA & APAC)
\nJan 2014 – Jun 2017 Financial Controller Global Operations, Research & Development
\nMay 2012 – Dec 2013 Operations & New Product Development Controller
\nMay 2008 – May 2012 Senior Finance Analyst\u25cf Product Roadmap – Development, New Product Introduction & End of Life
\n\u25aa Business case justification and accounting for Development spend (project value typically $15m – $20m over 18-24 month development period)
\n\u25aa Work on cross-functional basis with non-finance Dept heads and technical staff (hardware & software) to track project variables, risks to timeline and Actual and re-Forecast spend. Also, wider risks to cash and logistics \/ supply-chain in feed to key deadlines and lead-times.
\n\u25aa Partner with Clinical team on both Pre-Market & Post-Market commercialisation projects & cost forecast
\n\u25aa Embed finance & inventory culture & considerations into heavily regulated CGMP \/ ISO13485 Change Control environment \u2013 balancing engineering priorities for Cost Reduction & Reliability with Inventory risk, ROI and timing of change.
\n\u25aa Integrated Customer demand for ongoing refurbishment & service into End of Life decisions.
\n\u25aa Market access and commercial business case for Nikon \/ Google (Verily Life Sciences) collaboration project<\/p>\n\u25cf Cash management & Margin
\n\u25aa Establish fully loaded product costing, freight & reliability cost projects (Cost reduction on Daytona from $35k at launch to $10k per unit)
\n\u25aa Device BOM integrity & cost roadmap, extending to include Supplier open book costing.
\n\u25aa Validate cost-down plans against open Purchase Orders, infeed & burn-off of rework inventory
\n\u25aa Assess reliability & change control initiatives for impact on inventory and future Provision requirements
\n\u25aa Inventory reduction across NPI, PO & Supply Chain cover, WIP, Finished Goods, \u201cBad\u201d inventory and release of Provision driving culture and reduction from $41m to $28m across FY15, maintaining through FY16.
\n\u25aa Strategic review of capacity, cost and remit of two manufacturing facilities in UK and USA.
\n\u25aa Identify & implement Binding Tariff Information (BTI\u2019s) with HMRC resulting in $0.9m Duty refund in 2014 with ongoing contribution to Margin of $1.5m+, growing to over $2.0m.
\n\u25aa Improve Overdue debt ($2.0m to $1.3m FY20)<\/p>\n
\u25cf Commercial Sales & Customer Support
\n\u25aa Preparation for UK withdrawal from EU: VAT registration in minor markets, shipping strategy.
\n\u25aa Assist Gap-to-Forecast recovery, price setting, logistics and inventory staging.
\n\u25aa Partner with Service to propose new service offerings; commission plans across Europe.
\n\u25aa Support VP Regulatory with cost\/market entry analysis.
\n\u25aa Assist tenders in European markets & NHS supply chain submissions.
\n\u25aa Position products from Acquisition\/Alliances into portfolio.<\/p>\n
\u25cf Reporting & Compliance
\n\u25aa Management packs & KPI\u2019s to drive early dialogue & risk identification from Operative to Exec level.
\n\u25aa Lead annual Statutory, Customs & Tax audits (UK & Germany), Innovate UK & EC H2020 Grant audits.
\n\u25aa Lead Annual Budget & forecasts, incorporating non-finance drivers.
\n\u25aa Adapt & reinforce new Governance obligations following Nikon takeover (GDPR, internal audit, delegated authority).<\/p>\n
\u25cf Systems Improvement & Identification
\n\u25aa Online rolling forecast, budgeting & reporting package; mitigate spreadsheet risk.
\n\u25aa Embed awareness of fraud & phishing; empower staff to validate changes independently.
\n\u25aa ERP and Chart of Accounts upgrade\/migrations.
\n\u25aa AP: supplier payment tools, e-invoicing, OCR, delegated authority tool.
\n\u25aa AR: adapt to e-invoicing portals & Peppol standard (NHS Supply Chain, CHORUS, FACe).<\/p>\n
Standard Life Bank<\/strong>
\nJul 2005 \u2013 May 2008 Group Reporting & Systems Accountant
\n\u25cf Trial balance design & migration for 10 entities, MI packs, systems support (Excel, Walker, Magnitude)<\/p>\nTyco Healthcare \/ Covidien<\/strong>
\nJul 2001 \u2013 Sept 2004 Financial Analyst
\n\u25cf Delivered 3 successful budgets for plant (COS $200m)
\n\u25cf Identified VAT & Cash-flow risk following group structure change
\n\u25cf Led systems & COA migration from PRMS to JDE<\/p>\nWhirlpool \/ Baucknecht<\/strong>
\nJul 1998 \u2013 Jul 2001 Senior Accountant
\n\u25cf Commercial support & relationship management for Nordic sales offices\/logistics
\n\u25cf Delivered common COA migration & set up accounting structure for new distribution centre<\/p>\nUlster Bank Group Treasury<\/strong>
\nMay 1997 \u2013 May 1998 Management Accountant<\/p>\nCitibank NA<\/strong>
\nJan 1994 \u2013 Apr 1997 Treasury, Money Desk, Front & Back Office control & settlements<\/p>\nQUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION<\/strong>
\nA.C.C.A. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants \u2013 Mar 2000
\nUniversity of Limerick BBS (2.1 Hons) 1996 \u2013 Accounting & Finance with minor in Financial Services
\nSt Jarlath\u2019s College, Tuam \u2013 Leaving Certificate (7 Honours + 1 Complementary Honour, incl. Chemistry, Accounting, Business Studies, French, Irish, English, Maths, Art & Design)<\/p>\nTRAINING & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT<\/strong>
\n\u25cf Oct\/Nov 2021: Medical Device regulatory affairs & technology management (NMIS)
\n\u25cf 2018\/2019: Volunteer mentor, Career Ready
\n\u25cf 2016\/2017: Leadership & executive coaching (Edinburgh)
\n\u25cf 2015\/2016: Workshops on funding, EU\/US market entry, reimbursement & regulatory strategy<\/p>\nKEY SKILLS<\/strong>
\n\u25cf Establishing strong cross-functional relationships
\n\u25cf Highly analytical, MS Excel Advanced skills
\n\u25cf Deadline management & prioritisation
\n\u25cf Logistics & commercial awareness
\n\u25cf Communication & presentation skills
\n\u25cf High integrity & professionalism<\/p>\nwhat Gerry Tyrrell actually brings to the table looks like this:
\n* A grown-up finance brain in a chaotic industry
\nHe isn’t “industry-trained then learning finance” – he’s a fully formed accountant who deliberately moved into film & TV. That means:
\nRock-solid fundamentals (cashflow, controls, audit trail, forecasting)
\nComfort with scrutiny, deadlines, and pressure
\nNo panic when numbers get ugly or decisions are imperfect
\nProduction accounting is full of people who learn just enough finance to survive; Gerry comes at it from the opposite direction.
\n* Translation skills between creatives and money
\nOne of his biggest strengths is communication:
\nCan talk to producers, HODs, and creatives without finance jargon
\nFlags risks early, calmly, and constructively
\nFrames money as a tool rather than a brake
\nThis is huge on productions where tension often comes from how financial information is delivered, not just what it says.
\n* Systems thinker, not just a box-ticker
\nHe doesn’t just “run PSL” – he thinks about workflow design:
\nHow AP, payroll, and reporting fit together
\nWhere automation saves time and errors
\nHow to reduce friction for the production team
\nThat’s why he leans into DPO, digital AP, clean ledger builds, and sensible processes rather than heroic late-night firefighting.
\n* Calm under financial stress
\nYears in commercial finance (treasury, manufacturing, global ops) mean:
\nForecasts aren’t emotional
\nVariances don’t cause drama
\nBad news is delivered early and cleanly
\nOn a production, that steadiness is infectious – it lowers anxiety across the team.
\n* Proper respect for the production context
\nDespite coming from outside the industry originally, he gets that:
\nProductions are temporary organisations
\nDecisions are often time-led, not cost-led
\nPeople matter as much as numbers
\nSo he adapts best-practice finance to the reality of set life, rather than trying to impose corporate rules that don’t fit.
\n* Where he’s particularly strong
\nHe’s especially valuable on:
\nProductions that need structure without stiffness
\nShows where producers want a thinking partner, not just a reporter
\nTeams trying to modernise workflows without blowing things up
\nSituations where experience matters more than bravado<\/p>\n
A senior accountant’s brain, applied thoughtfully to film & TV – calm, structured, communicative, and quietly modern.<\/p>\n
Why hire Gerry Tyrrell
\nBecause he brings senior-level financial judgment into an industry that often runs on speed, instinct, and pressure.
\nGerry is a fully qualified accountant with decades of experience in complex, high-stakes financial environments, now applied specifically to film and television. That means your numbers are not just accurate \u2014 they are understood, stress-tested, and communicated clearly.
\nHe gives productions:
\nEarly visibility of risk, not late-stage surprises
\nClear, calm forecasting that producers can actually use
\nPractical systems and workflows that reduce admin, errors, and burnout
\nStraightforward communication with creatives and HODs, without finance jargon
\nHe\u2019s particularly effective on productions that want:
\nStructure without bureaucracy
\nFinancial control without creative drag
\nA finance lead who thinks ahead, not just reports backwards
\nIn short, he helps productions stay in control, stay calm, and finish cleanly \u2014 even when things change.
\nbecause he combines senior production accounting with a deep analytical and forensic finance background.
\nGerry is a fully qualified accountant with decades of experience in analysis, financial controls, and forensic-level scrutiny, now applied directly to film and television. He doesn\u2019t just track spend \u2014 he understands where money is moving, why, and what might go wrong next.
\nHe brings productions:
\nAnalyst-level forecasting that highlights trends, pressure points, and emerging risk early
\nForensic attention to detail that protects audit trails, tax positions, and funder confidence
\nClear, calm financial narratives producers can act on, not just spreadsheets
\nRobust systems and workflows that stand up to scrutiny without slowing the show
\nHe\u2019s especially valuable on productions that need:
\nConfidence under audit or delivery pressure
\nEarly identification of cost creep or structural issues
\nFinancial leadership that is preventative, not reactive
\nIn short, he helps productions see problems early, understand them clearly, and resolve them quietly.
\nWhat gives him the edge \u2014 even over seasoned industry accountants
\nMost experienced production accountants are exceptionally good operators.
\nGerry is an analyst first, operator second.
\nThat difference shows up in a few key ways:
\n1. He recognises patterns, not just problems
\nSeasoned industry accountants often spot issues when they appear.
\nGerry spots them while they\u2019re forming:
\nStructural overspends vs one-off noise
\nBehavioural patterns in departments
\nWorkflow issues that quietly inflate costs
\nThat comes from years of FP&A, variance analysis, and forensic review \u2014 skills that aren\u2019t widely taught in the screen industries.
\n2. He thinks in systems, not workarounds
\nIndustry veterans are brilliant at workarounds \u2014 getting shows over the line despite imperfect systems.
\nGerry asks:
\nWhy does this keep happening, and how do we stop it upstream?
\nThat means:
\nCleaner ledger structures
\nFewer manual corrections
\nLess reliance on heroics at delivery
\nThe result is a calmer accounts department and fewer late-stage surprises.
\n3. He is genuinely audit-minded
\nMany production accountants are audit-aware.
\nGerry is audit-trained:
\nHe builds trails that make sense to outsiders
\nHe anticipates questions before they\u2019re asked
\nHe protects the production\u2019s credibility with funders and broadcasters
\nThat\u2019s especially valuable on publicly funded, co-produced, or tax-credit-heavy shows.
\n4. He\u2019s comfortable challenging assumptions
\nBecause he didn\u2019t grow up only inside the industry:
\nHe isn\u2019t locked into \u201cthis is how it\u2019s always done\u201d
\nHe\u2019ll question inherited budgets, schedules, and cost models \u2014 constructively
\nHe brings external benchmarks and logic to internal decisions
\nThat often leads to better decisions, not just safer ones.
\n5. Calm authority, not positional authority
\nHe doesn\u2019t rely on \u201cthis is finance, do it my way\u201d.
\nHis authority comes from:
\nClear reasoning
\nTransparent numbers
\nExplaining consequences, not issuing rules
\nThat earns trust faster \u2014 especially with experienced producers and HODs.
\nThe quiet truth
\nSeasoned industry accountants are excellent at keeping a show running.
\nGerry is particularly strong at:
\nMaking sure it finishes cleanly, defensibly, and without nasty surprises.
\nThat\u2019s the edge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
Production Accountant<\/strong>
\nACCA-qualified finance professional with 25+ years\u2019 experience, including recent high-end TV and feature film production accounting. Known for considered, collaborative style that aligns the Numbers with the Creative Intent, helping productions to stay agile, informed, and in control. Skilled in multi-currency cost tracking, budget build\/reforecast, analysis and stakeholder liaison internally and externally across all levels of the business.<\/p>\nSelected Screen Credits<\/strong><\/p>\nProduction Accountant, Mint \u2013 8 Ep Band 2, House Productions for BBC \u2014 Feb 2025\u2013present
\nPSL, DPO; early adopter in UK of new AP workflow integration.
\nStepped up mid-shoot to Production Accountant \u2014 delivered weekly cost report, EFC, clean wrap, and ongoing post (payroll, VAT, tax credit).
\nOFCOM regional spend tool to support Scottish funding and enable strategic placement of post spend while still mid-shoot. Repeatable, audit-ready tool.<\/p>\n
1st Assistant Accountant, & Sons \u2013 Feature, Infinity Hill \/ Elevation Pictures \u2014 Nov 2024\u2013Mar 2025
\nPSL, DPO, Equals; rebuilt historic accounts & managed reconciliation during period of severe cashflow restraints.
\nManaged supplier & crew relationships through funding delays & production restart. Supported financial control throughout, including completion guarantor intervention.<\/p>\n
1st Assistant Accountant, Glenrothan \u2013 Feature, Nevision \/ Blazing Griffin \u2014 Jul 2024\u2013present
\nPSL, DPO, Equals incl. post-production.<\/p>\n
AP Accountant, Dept Q \u2013 8 Ep Band 3, Left Bank Pictures for Netflix \u2014 Nov 2023\u2013Aug 2024
\nSmart Accounting, DPO; worked closely with production teams to identify key risks and manage cost control.<\/p>\n
Assistant Accountant, Murder is Easy \u2013 2 Ep Band 3, Mammoth Screen for BBC\/BritBox \u2014 May 2023\u2013Mar 2024
\nEclipse, DPF, EzyPO; post-production support; DPF rollout & crew training.<\/p>\n
Industry Initiatives & Consultancy<\/strong>
\nCast & Crew \/ Sargent-Disc \u2014 Early adopter and recognised key user of PSL\u2013DPO automated AP workflow; provided US marketing testimonial; featured in Broadcast (UK), Aug 2025.
\nScreen-Time Crew Timesheet\/Calculator \u2014 Created tool to reflect 2023 PACT\u2013BECTU TV agreement; adopted by Left Bank Pictures (Dept Q), Mammoth Screen (Murder is Easy), and New Pictures (Dalgleish S3). Later adapted for film (Glenrothan, Borges & Me).
\nConsultancy \u2014 Movie Magic Budgeting, studio CoA migrations, and reworking budgets for PACT-BECTU rates.<\/p>\nKey Skills<\/strong>
\nBudget build\/reforecast (MMB, PSL, Smart Accounting, Equals)
\nMulti-currency cost tracking & reporting
\nCrew payroll, HMRC compliance, tax credits
\nProduction cashflow & cost reporting
\nStakeholder liaison \u2014 Producers, Finance Execs, Auditors, Completion Guarantors, HMRC<\/p>\nQualifications<\/strong>
\nPGGB \u201cStep Up to Production Accounting\u201d \u2014 2024
\nDiploma, Production Accounting for Film & HETV \u2014 NFTS, 2022\u201323
\nACCA \u2014 2000
\nBBS (Hons), University of Limerick \u2014 2000<\/p>\nSelected Prior Career Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\nFinancial Controller \u2013 International (EMEA & APAC), Optos PLC \/ Nikon \u2014 2017\u201321
\nManaged $20m+ development budgets; led tax, statutory reporting & funding audits in UK & Germany.
\nCashflow management via $13m inventory reduction, improved aged debt recovery; built case for HMRC to secure $0.9m duty refund with ongoing $2m annual margin benefit.
\nDesigned & implemented VAT strategy pre-Brexit; e-invoicing, OCR, and PO\/authority workflows; improved AP efficiency; empowered team on fraud awareness & prevention.<\/p>\n
Financial Controller \u2013 Global Ops & R&D, Optos PLC \u2014 2008\u201317
\nDirected forecast, budget, and cross-functional projects across manufacturing, supply chain, and R&D (product portfolios worth $200m+ COS annually; development projects c.$35m).
\nDelivered cost-reduction programme cutting flagship product unit cost from $35k to $10k.
\nPartnered with production\/engineering to manage new product introduction & end-of-life; aligned Slate with regulatory compliance and market demand.<\/p>\n
Group Reporting & Systems Accountant, Standard Life Bank \u2014 2005\u201308
\nFinancial Analyst, Tyco Healthcare \/ Covidien \u2014 2001\u201304
\nSenior Accountant, Whirlpool\/Baucknecht \u2014 1998\u20132001
\nTreasury Roles, Ulster Bank & Citibank \u2014 1994\u201398<\/p>\n
what Gerry Tyrrell actually brings to the table looks like this:
\n* A grown-up finance brain in a chaotic industry
\nHe isn’t “industry-trained then learning finance” – he’s a fully formed accountant who deliberately moved into film & TV. That means:
\nRock-solid fundamentals (cashflow, controls, audit trail, forecasting)
\nComfort with scrutiny, deadlines, and pressure
\nNo panic when numbers get ugly or decisions are imperfect
\nProduction accounting is full of people who learn just enough finance to survive; Gerry comes at it from the opposite direction.
\n* Translation skills between creatives and money
\nOne of his biggest strengths is communication:
\nCan talk to producers, HODs, and creatives without finance jargon
\nFlags risks early, calmly, and constructively
\nFrames money as a tool rather than a brake
\nThis is huge on productions where tension often comes from how financial information is delivered, not just what it says.
\n* Systems thinker, not just a box-ticker
\nHe doesn’t just “run PSL” – he thinks about workflow design:
\nHow AP, payroll, and reporting fit together
\nWhere automation saves time and errors
\nHow to reduce friction for the production team
\nThat’s why he leans into DPO, digital AP, clean ledger builds, and sensible processes rather than heroic late-night firefighting.
\n* Calm under financial stress
\nYears in commercial finance (treasury, manufacturing, global ops) mean:
\nForecasts aren’t emotional
\nVariances don’t cause drama
\nBad news is delivered early and cleanly
\nOn a production, that steadiness is infectious – it lowers anxiety across the team.
\n* Proper respect for the production context
\nDespite coming from outside the industry originally, he gets that:
\nProductions are temporary organisations
\nDecisions are often time-led, not cost-led
\nPeople matter as much as numbers
\nSo he adapts best-practice finance to the reality of set life, rather than trying to impose corporate rules that don’t fit.
\n* Where he’s particularly strong
\nHe’s especially valuable on:
\nProductions that need structure without stiffness
\nShows where producers want a thinking partner, not just a reporter
\nTeams trying to modernise workflows without blowing things up
\nSituations where experience matters more than bravado
\nOne-line version (the pitch)
\nA senior accountant’s brain, applied thoughtfully to film & TV – calm, structured, communicative, and quietly modern.
\nWhy hire Gerry Tyrrell
\nBecause he brings senior-level financial judgment into an industry that often runs on speed, instinct, and pressure.
\nGerry is a fully qualified accountant with decades of experience in complex, high-stakes financial environments, now applied specifically to film and television. That means your numbers are not just accurate \u2014 they are understood, stress-tested, and communicated clearly.
\nHe gives productions:
\nEarly visibility of risk, not late-stage surprises
\nClear, calm forecasting that producers can actually use
\nPractical systems and workflows that reduce admin, errors, and burnout
\nStraightforward communication with creatives and HODs, without finance jargon
\nHe\u2019s particularly effective on productions that want:
\nStructure without bureaucracy
\nFinancial control without creative drag
\nA finance lead who thinks ahead, not just reports backwards
\nIn short, he helps productions stay in control, stay calm, and finish cleanly \u2014 even when things change.
\nbecause he combines senior production accounting with a deep analytical and forensic finance background.
\nGerry is a fully qualified accountant with decades of experience in analysis, financial controls, and forensic-level scrutiny, now applied directly to film and television. He doesn\u2019t just track spend \u2014 he understands where money is moving, why, and what might go wrong next.
\nHe brings productions:
\nAnalyst-level forecasting that highlights trends, pressure points, and emerging risk early
\nForensic attention to detail that protects audit trails, tax positions, and funder confidence
\nClear, calm financial narratives producers can act on, not just spreadsheets
\nRobust systems and workflows that stand up to scrutiny without slowing the show
\nHe\u2019s especially valuable on productions that need:
\nConfidence under audit or delivery pressure
\nEarly identification of cost creep or structural issues
\nFinancial leadership that is preventative, not reactive
\nIn short, he helps productions see problems early, understand them clearly, and resolve them quietly.
\nWhat gives him the edge \u2014 even over seasoned industry accountants
\nMost experienced production accountants are exceptionally good operators.
\nGerry is an analyst first, operator second.
\nThat difference shows up in a few key ways:
\n1. He recognises patterns, not just problems
\nSeasoned industry accountants often spot issues when they appear.
\nGerry spots them while they\u2019re forming:
\nStructural overspends vs one-off noise
\nBehavioural patterns in departments
\nWorkflow issues that quietly inflate costs
\nThat comes from years of FP&A, variance analysis, and forensic review \u2014 skills that aren\u2019t widely taught in the screen industries.
\n2. He thinks in systems, not workarounds
\nIndustry veterans are brilliant at workarounds \u2014 getting shows over the line despite imperfect systems.
\nGerry asks:
\nWhy does this keep happening, and how do we stop it upstream?
\nThat means:
\nCleaner ledger structures
\nFewer manual corrections
\nLess reliance on heroics at delivery
\nThe result is a calmer accounts department and fewer late-stage surprises.
\n3. He is genuinely audit-minded
\nMany production accountants are audit-aware.
\nGerry is audit-trained:
\nHe builds trails that make sense to outsiders
\nHe anticipates questions before they\u2019re asked
\nHe protects the production\u2019s credibility with funders and broadcasters
\nThat\u2019s especially valuable on publicly funded, co-produced, or tax-credit-heavy shows.
\n4. He\u2019s comfortable challenging assumptions
\nBecause he didn\u2019t grow up only inside the industry:
\nHe isn\u2019t locked into \u201cthis is how it\u2019s always done\u201d
\nHe\u2019ll question inherited budgets, schedules, and cost models \u2014 constructively
\nHe brings external benchmarks and logic to internal decisions
\nThat often leads to better decisions, not just safer ones.
\n5. Calm authority, not positional authority
\nHe doesn\u2019t rely on \u201cthis is finance, do it my way\u201d.
\nHis authority comes from:
\nClear reasoning
\nTransparent numbers
\nExplaining consequences, not issuing rules
\nThat earns trust faster \u2014 especially with experienced producers and HODs.
\nThe quiet truth
\nSeasoned industry accountants are excellent at keeping a show running.
\nGerry is particularly strong at:
\nMaking sure it finishes cleanly, defensibly, and without nasty surprises.
\nThat\u2019s the edge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I am an Accountant with 30 years+ experience gained across Industry & Commerce responsible for Budgeting, Forecasting and Reporting for high-spend Development Projects, fast-paced technical Manufacturing, Logistics and Commercial environments, often across multiple currencies and time-zones. I transitioned into the industry via the Diploma for Production Accounting & High-End Television […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":112,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-41","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/screen-time.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/41","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/screen-time.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/screen-time.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/screen-time.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/screen-time.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/screen-time.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/41\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":201,"href":"https:\/\/screen-time.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/41\/revisions\/201"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/screen-time.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/112"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/screen-time.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}