Senior Accountant (Charitable Contributions, Endowments, & Fixed Assets)

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 Senior Accountant (Charitable Contributions, Endowments, & Fixed Assets) prepares, analyzes, and reports financial information related to technically demanding areas including contributions, endowments, investments, fixed assets, and debt.  The individual is responsible for reviewing and monitoring the Center’s contributions and pledges receivable to ensure they are free from material misstatement; calculating year-end accounting entries; and for managing the accounting processes for endowments, investments, and fixed assets. 

The individual contributes to areas of the audited financial statements and IRS Form 990; and prepares periodic and ad hoc reporting, research, and analysis for internal and external stakeholders.  The individual problem solves, and seeks continuous improvement and efficiency in their own work.  Additionally, the individual proposes and manages cross-departmental projects and process improvements.

The Senior Accountant has frequent internal and external contact with internal customers and external service providers. The Senior Accountant also assists the Controller and Assistant Controller, Special Projects in ensuring conformity with corporate practices, policies and procedures.

The Senior Accountant also assists the Controller and Asst. Controller, Special Projects in ensuring conformity with corporate practices, policies and procedures.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Contribution Accounting and Reconciliation – Review the weekly Tessitura transfer of contribution information, accumulate and assess the supporting documentation from the Development department, follow up on any open items, and reconcile monthly with the Development department.
• Investment and Endowment Accounting and Reconciliation – Record monthly investment activity based on investment statements, relay endowment information to third party endowment table preparer, reconcile the monthly endowment unitization table to the general ledger, and coordinate additional cash investment into and withdrawals out of the endowment pool with custodian.
• Monthly Closing Process and Reconciliation – Prepare monthly journal entries and reconciliations as a part of the monthly closing procedures.
• Other Periodic Duties – Update and maintain the fixed asset and depreciation schedule, reconciliation of the five largest Special Events, and other projects as determined by department management.
• Audit Preparation and Tax Reporting – Prepare requested schedules for the audit, assist auditors by gathering supporting documents as requested and answering questions during fieldwork, and help the Controller and Asst. Controller, Special Projects with preparation of the organization’s annual Form 990.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors degree in accounting or finance is strongly preferred, CPA is a differentiating factor
• Experience: At least 3-4 years of general accounting experience or two years of public accounting experience, Non-profit experience preferred

Additional Information

Department culture encourages transparency, honesty with and reliance on each other to accomplish goals and tasks. Performance is measured by third parties based on the timely and accurate delivery of service so department cannot tolerate an individual contributing less than their full commitment each and every day. Emphasis on being viewed by our clients as a trusted advisor; must manage projects/activities in a manner that ensures delivery is consistent with both the client’s expectations and the organization’s corporate/accounting policies and procedures.

Occasional lifting and moving of supplies and files weighing as much as 26 pounds in high or tight spaces

Although occurring infrequently, this position may be required work odd hours based on internal and external customer needs, including, if necessary, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional periods of work beyond 37.5 hours/week.