Behind-the-scenes of Tuesday Tuesday (AFTRS Master of Arts Screen, 2024). Photo: Monique Placko.

For many accountants, the idea of a creative career can feel like a leap into the unknown. But for Liz Phillips, a production accountant working with Above The Line Accounting, it was a natural evolution of a long career grounded in understanding people, systems and numbers – skills perfectly suited to the screen industry.

After more than two decades working across financial services – including financial planning, superannuation, insurance, and risk and compliance – Phillips built a career focused on human-centred design and innovation. “My passion is understanding people and what makes them tick… and for the businesses I was working for it was imperative that they were able to see people as people and not just numbers,” she says.

A creative outlet takes shape

Alongside her corporate career, Phillips nurtured a creative outlet in musical theatre costuming, spending 10 years volunteering in costume creation and backstage roles. This blend of analytical thinking and creative curiosity ultimately led her to explore opportunities in the screen industry.

The turning point came when Phillips enrolled in the Production Accounting Intensive course at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS).

The course opened her eyes to the vital role production accountants play on set. “I had no idea how critical and important this role [was]. The money is where the action is,” she says.

Learning the business of film and TV

For accountants considering a career shift, Phillips sees production accounting as an ideal pathway. “I would definitely recommend this course to accountants who are looking to stretch their creativity,” she says.

Delivered over five intensive days, the AFTRS course equips participants with a comprehensive understanding of screen budgeting, finance plans, cash flow and reporting requirements across production. For Phillips, the experience was both practical and immersive. The small class size and in-person delivery created an environment where participants could collaborate, ask questions and learn directly from industry expert professionals.

“It was a great course… working directly with the other students helped solidify my knowledge,” she explains. “The industry guest speakers spoke about real-world experiences, which brought the accounting practice to life.”

A growing opportunity for accountants

Today, Phillips provides production accounting support across TV documentaries and short films and is building experience in feature film production. Her work places her at the intersection of creativity and financial stewardship, ensuring productions stay on track while helping creative teams realise their vision.

“Whatever I can do as the ‘money person’ on the crew to help them achieve their dream is incredibly rewarding,” she says. “I am in awe of their craft. Who would not want to be a part of that!”

With demand for production accountants growing across Australia’s screen industry, the Production Accounting Intensive offers a practical, fast-tracked way to apply financial expertise in a new and dynamic context – proving that for those willing to pivot, numbers can open the door to storytelling.

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Learn more about the AFTRS’ Production Accounting Intensive course here.