Senior Accountant, Federal Appropriations

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

The Senior Accountant, Federal Appropriations is primarily responsible for facilitating and marshalling all necessary accounting and required procedures for transactions relating to the Kennedy Center’s use of Federal Appropriations.  These include reviewing and processing of Federal requisitions, purchase orders, fund obligations (de-obligations), invoicing and payments while adhering to the Center’s internal policies, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and other Federal agencies’ requirements. 

The Sr. Accountant is responsible for accurate and timely records keeping, accounting entries, reconciliations, and relevant financial reporting of Federal transactions utilizing the Center’s accounting system and database (LAWSON and KCMaster).  The position serves as the primary point-of-contact with the General Services Administration (GSA) for processing of Federal invoices and payments (Accounts Payable and Federal payroll) and other Federal agencies for reporting requirements.

The Sr. Accountant shall foster collaborative working relationships and maintain professional, effective, and timely communications with internal customers (KC management, Facilities, Contracting, and Finance) and external customers (GSA).

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain Federal financial records: Coordinate accounts payable input of financial information into Lawson and with any third party service provider for the recording and processing of Federal financial transactions. Review all federal transactions entered into Lawson. Review payroll reports provided by any third party service provider for completeness and accuracy and record via GL entry into the accounting system. Monthly reconciliation of the purchasing card program activity to cardholder Excel spreadsheets to ensure transactions are accounted for appropriately. Work with cardholders to resolve vendor disputes.
• Analyze and review Federal financial documents: Review accounting data in order to determine that items are properly coded, authorized, allowable, and reasonable. Determine that funds are available before submitting requisitions for funds certification.
• Month/Year -end financial reporting, reconciliation, and analysis: (a) perform multiple reconciliations between the general ledger and activity management systems as well as detailed reconciliations of any third party service provider  reports to Lawson records by fund. (b) Work with Contracting and other program office staff to ensure that the year-end close out activities are completed and all obligations are processed prior to year-end.
• Other critical duties – (a) support preparation for and participate in annual financial statement audit and other regulatory audits as such audits occur (e.g., GAO); (b) maintain contact with any third party service provider to discuss financial management data and reports and to resolve any issues or problems with both internal and external customers. (c) assist in developing policies and procedures as well as provide training or guidance needed to effectively communicate any changes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business-related field is required. Advanced degree in business-related field is a plus.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of finance and/or accounting experience, including at least 3 years working with federal appropriations.
• Excellent written/verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency with general ledger applications (experience with Lawson accounting system is a plus)
• Knowledge of Federal appropriation laws is preferred.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.