Retail Accounting Coordinator

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 2023 staff video!

Job Description

Retail Operations generates revenue to support the mission and programs of the Kennedy Center. Specifically products sold in the store and online, educate the guest about the performing arts, build brand equity for the KC, and facilitate purchase discounts as a benefit for KC members. Additionally, the Shops engage KC volunteers who are ambassadors in the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive and process vendor invoices and internal/external check requests; maintain files for W-9’s, purchase orders and packing/receiving slips and match to invoices. Verify invoices for quantity, unit pricing, extensions, discounts and “payable to” address. Assist with vendor communications regarding credits due.
• Monitor, post & reconcile incoming gift shop and concessions revenue, including providing guidance to concessions on pass-thru and artist payments to ensure accuracy of deposits and payments.  Prepare daily bank deposits for pickup by Dunbar. Prepare and forward daily reports to Finance that show current checks, deposits, and other transactions and totals for verification. Respond to questions from and communicates with Finance regarding discrepancies and customer credit card billing inquiries.
• Prepare monthly and special reports on operational aspects of the financial and inventory condition of the gift shops and concessions to include sales, cogs, gift certificates, discounts, adjustments and inventory valuation. Prepare comparative data on previous periods using data from monthly financial reports. Prepare year-end accrual report.
• Review monthly inventory damages/adjustment report and share high dollar/unit damages with Director and Buyer.
• Assist Director with financial analysis and reporting.
• Assist Director with performance contracts, specifically payment tracking and collection.
• Place supply orders for retail operations within budget guidelines, using current inventory as a guide, and with input from Warehouse and Operations Manager.  Reorder books and media for the Shops based on sales and target inventory levels, maximizing profitability, and with general understanding of purchasing policies and procedures. Order books and media for special events and coordinate RTV’s with vendors.
• Assist with entering and fulfillment of internal purchase orders.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in business or related field with some accounting coursework.
• Knowledge of sound accounting principles, practices and procedures, including general accepted accounting procedures (GAAP) and guidelines.
• At least five years’ accounts payable and cash reconciliation experience.
• Strong Microsoft Excel knowledge and reporting skills, including ability to work with formulas, logic, and pivot tables.
• Knowledge of accounting, spreadsheet and word processing software.
• Experience and high-degree of comfort learning and using new technology and software programs and performing associated trouble-shooting.
• Experience in a customer service environment.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

 Minimum Skills and/or Knowledge Required

• Ability to meet deadlines with accuracy, strong attention to detail and timeliness in a fast-paced, high-volume business operation.
• Skill in planning, organizing, prioritization and managing time across multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Must be self-starter with the ability to work with diverse teams in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
• Ability to quickly learn, use and troubleshoot new technology, systems, hardware and software.
• Knowledge of accounting operations, mathematical skills, written and verbal skills, sign-making skills/software (Publisher)
• Ability to respond to vendor and customer concerns in a friendly, professional and positive manner.
• General understanding of purchasing policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.

Additional Information

The noise level in the work environment is generally normal however there may be times when the noise level is high for an office setting. Teamwork is paramount to the retail operations culture. The KC schedule is fast-paced and hectic with multiple events occurring simultaneously on a regular basis.