Careers

Accountant

The music industry still needs accountants! If you like working with numbers, but still want to be involved in the creatives industries, then this might be the right job for you.

Page actions

You are here

Also known as: Royalties Accountant or Music Industry Accountant

Skill Level: Mid-tier

What does an Accountant do?

As an accountant, you will track and manage finances for a range of organisations (or a sole employer). Your job may include royalty accounting, financial forecasting, working with budgets, and have many other key responsibilities. It requires a highly organised person and someone who can work across multiple enquiries at once. You will be analysing income statements and potentially ensuring that all new released products and songs information is updated within the royalty system.

What’s an Accountant good at?

  • High organisation
  • Strong time management
  • Proficient in Excel
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Strong analytical mind
  • Strong numeracy skills

Tools of the trade:

  • Experience using Xero
  • MS Excel

Who does an Accountant work with?

An accountant can work with many different people, depending on where your role sits within an organisation. You might be dealing with budgets, remuneration, advising on business spends, or dealing with royalties. Because of all of these key cogs in the wheel of work, you might find yourself working with artists, non-profits, CEO’s, or events organisations. You may even consider becoming a freelance accountant.

How do I become an Accountant?

Get a degree in: Economics, Finance, Music or Music Business / Management or an analytical subject (Non-Essential)

At School or College: Maths, Economics, Business Studies, Music or an analytical subject

Look for an apprenticeship within: a music royalties company, an accounting firm

You might also be interested in: Training / Workshops / Courses on Royalties, Music Business and Finance

Search for jobs:

Volunteer work always give you a good idea of the music industry, as well as a chance to network with music professionals.

There are many different websites that advertise work experience and internships within the music industry, such as The Big Music Project, UK Music and Arts Council England. You can take a look at UK Music’s Careers Pack here. The MPA endorses UK Music’s Internship Code of Conduct and do not support unpaid internships.

Further Information

For more inspiring ideas on careers in the Creative Industries check out: https://discovercreative.careers/#/