Today I worked with the accounting department, and I learned specifically about the various subsections of the department. I had an overview of the entire department including reviewing game-day revenue, the legal aspect of the team, and the payroll.
First, I met with the Business Manager, and she went over all of her day-to-day tasks as well as showing me the various software programs used by the Bulls that help to determine the revenue and costs for each game. She also introduced me to the legal side of the company as the Bulls must have waivers for each person that participates in any on field activity as well as having to deal with injuries on-site.
Next I met with the Account Supervisor, and she explained that all of the departments run through her because she manages the costs for each department. Afterwards I met two of the department’s trainees who are college students, and they advised me on how to use my education to get me into the sports industry as well as talking about the basic accounting functions that they are in charge of.
After having a department lunch, we went on a tour of the ballpark to see the stadium signage that we would be reviewing the invoices of. Then, I helped with the accounts payable for the week: organizing invoices and printing checks.
Overall I thought that the accounting department was very interesting as this is one way to be in the sports industry, but also get general accounting experience. Though the department is unrelated to game-day operations, it is still involved in the overall operations of the Durham Bulls throughout the year.