Assistant Controller - Operations

About The Kennedy Center

“I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.” – President John F. Kennedy

The Kennedy Center is the nation’s cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Center presents performances across all genres, and is also home to artistic affiliates Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra. 

At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. 

Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts. 

Why Join Us

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including: 

• Staff offers for discount tickets
• Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment)
• Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
• 11 paid holidays per year 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA
• Flexible work arrangements
• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2022 staff video!

Job Description

The Assistant Controller – Operations, supports the Controller in directing and coordinating the organization’s accounting and reporting functions as well as the department operations. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, establishing and maintaining the organization’s accounting policies, practices and procedures related to (a) the cash receipt and disbursement process, (b) show cost revenue, (c) credit card reconciliation process, (d) bank reconciliation process, (e) petty cash process, (f) reconciliation and analysis of auxiliary activities and (g) the interpretation/implementation of new technical accounting standards. The Assistant Controller – Operations must be willing to serve in whatever capacity is needed by the staff and has frequent internal and external contact with customers, regulatory agencies and service providers. The Kennedy Center is going through a new financial system implementation; this position will play a key role in the implementation and training of the new systems across the Center.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide direction and support to departments throughout the organization regarding accounting policies and procedures, accounting results, implementation of new practices and procedures, and efficient control and utilization of financial resources.  Lead trainings for internal users of the financial systems.
• Manage a team of 5 - 10 general staff accountants, senior accountants and accounts payable specialists to coordinate and oversee (1) preparation of monthly and annual financial statements and reports and other information reports and requests such as the 990, yearly financial statements, internal and external reporting requests, and insurance renewals and (2) routine and non-routine daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual processes (e.g., accounts payable, show cost settlements, cash receipts, petty cash function, bank website maintenance, financial systems maintenance, etc.); ensure accuracy and integrity of financial reporting and ensure proper internal controls are in place and operating effectively in all facets of accounting and financially related operations.
• Serve as back-up to others in the department, including petty cash, daily cash reporting, accounts receivable and accounts payable. Other key tasks include the review and recording of 1042 international tax withholding; coordinate with IT on key financial projects such as the maintenance of all financial systems and Tessitura, and assist in the implementation of any new software that utilizes financial information across the Center. 
• Assist in the development of the Finance Department to be able to meet the needs of the department and the organization.  This includes staff development, policy development, identifying efficiencies and assessing resources and capacities.
• Coordinate and where necessary, perform, the organization’s external reporting (e.g., independent audit of annual financial statements, BE-125).
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting is required (or equivalent work experience may be considered); CPA preferred, MBA considered a plus.
• Experience: At least 4 - 6 years of technical accounting and leadership experience within public accounting, nonprofit, or governmental industries (two of which were at the assistant controller level or equivalent); at least 2 years multi-staff supervisory experience required; Nonprofit experience preferred. Performing arts experience considered a plus.
• Critical Skills: Excellent written/oral communication and interpersonal skills; effective collaborator and negotiator; able to multi-task while ensuring important routine functions occur; significant proficiency in use of general ledger and other computer system applications.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.