Industry Pro: Entertainment Consultant & Founder, The Industry Consultants, David Brauer

When there is a problem with a business or an opportunity to consider (acquiring another company, for instance), senior management often calls in a consultant – or a team of consultants – to assess the situation and advise on possible courses of action. Our profile subject, David Brauer, CPA, is a very respected accounting/finance professional who has worked inside entertainment companies and worked (and still works) as an outside consultant. Read on to find out how he is assisting entertainment companies and also helping entertainment companies and consultants find each other.

Current position:  Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and consultant for the entertainment industry, founder of The Industry Consultants, which connects consultants with entertainment companies.

College & degree:  Bachelors of Science in Accounting and Marketing from Syracuse University

Internships:  I was lucky enough to get an internship with the National Football League in New York the summer after my junior year of college. I worked in their Treasury Department assisting accounting and finance personnel. I did everything from teaching senior executives Excel to passing out paychecks to all employees (including Commissioner Tagliabue) to working on the supplemental NFL draft. This gave me my first experience in accounting and finance outside of college and guided me on a career in those fields.

First job in the entertainment industry:  I always knew I wanted to live in Los Angeles. During winter break of my senior year of college, I came to LA and worked as a production assistant for the week. It gave me a good perspective on what to expect if I chose a career in production. Instead of going the production route, I ended up getting a job with the now-defunct Arthur Andersen in their downtown LA office. I started in their Entertainment Hospitality division the summer after I graduated college. It was there I learned, through financial statement and royalty audits, about financial aspects of the film industry and film distribution.

Big break:  I think with a business path in the Entertainment Industry, it is not necessarily a big break, but calculated decisions that get you to your goals. I looked at every job as an opportunity to learn something new about the industry. If the job was not providing me growth and additional knowledge, then it was time to move on.

Describe your current position:  I consult with companies on accounting and finance-related projects. This includes cash flow analysis, film distribution break-even analysis, implementing controls on accounting and cash functions, general accounting and finance functions, etc. I am always working with different companies with varying needs.

Additionally, I am building up The Industry Consultants. We source consultants within the Entertainment Industry through our database. Consultants post a profile and when Entertainment Companies are looking for a particular skill set, we can meet their needs in and efficient and effective manner.

Career path:  I don’t think most people want to grow up and become a CPA. I know I didn’t. I have always had an analytical mind set and gravitated towards finance and accounting. I found myself taking the CPA exam and obtaining all of the hours necessary to become certified. Since then, I’ve narrowed my work to Entertainment Industry related accounting/finance jobs.

Describe a Typical Workday:  I start each day with a to-do list and find it challenging to check off more than one item by 3pm. When working in a client services field a typical workday usually starts with an urgent call from a client for something that s/he needed yesterday. On my to-do list is a combination of client/project development (i.e., sourcing clients that can utilize my services), project management for existing clients, assisting clients with day-to-day business, many meetings, and working on The Industry Consultants. Working on The Industry Consultants involves some of my accounting/finance background (i.e., sourcing clients that are looking for consultants) and talking with consultants about their skills, but also encompasses a lot of marketing.

Worst job (or day) in entertainment industry:  September 11, 2001, I was working in non-theatrical film distribution and the terrorist attacks had a profound affect on our business of putting movies on airplanes. This was also a horrible day for me personally, as I have family and friends in New York.

Best job (or day) in entertainment industry:  This is difficult to say. There have been many. I am not sure I can pinpoint the best job or day. The days I secure consulting engagements are among some of the best. I enjoy helping companies better their business.

Eureka moment:  I do not have one eureka moment, but have developed a skill set over time. It’s great to sit in a meeting, listen to what the company or client desires from me and know that I’ve got it covered. It has also been very humbling to be recognized by other peers and professionals, such as when, in 2008, I was honored by The San Fernando Business Journal as one of their “Forty Under 40.”

Best thing about your current job:  There is not one best thing about my current job, but a few things: 1. Working for myself. This is very rewarding and allows me flexibility. 2. Meeting new people. I am constantly meeting new people, whether it is potential clients or employees at a company. 3. Learning new things about the entertainment industry. Every consulting engagement provides a challenge and teaches me something new about the Entertainment Industry. 4. Helping people. I get great satisfaction when I know that the services I am providing is helping companies.

Worst thing about your current job:  Stress. I am always striving to do more, work harder, and do better.

Brush with greatness:  I have been fortunate enough throughout my career to work with very intelligent people. They have taught me great skills that I’ve been able to apply to all my endeavors.  Okay, celeb meeting…  I have never been one that gets star struck, but when the original James Bond, Sean Connery, walked in my office when I was Manager of Participations, it was pretty cool!

Secret of your success/advice to the newbie:  Here is some advice in no particular order: Become a good listener – sometimes the best skill someone can have is listening to what others have to say. Find a good mentor- her/his perspective on what s/he has experienced can provide great insight. Know who you are and don’t let people take it away from you.

Next move:  Along with building my consulting and accounting practice, I am working to make The Industry Consultants (www.theindustryconsultants.com) into the #1 source for entertainment organizations to find the ideal consultant for their needs.

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