Accounts Payable Specialist

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 Accounts Payable Specialist performs administrative, accounting and reconciliation tasks related to the maintenance and processing of accounts payable transactions. Work includes, but is not limited to, the processing, distribution and maintenance of invoices, setting up financials records, processing financial forms and the preparation of vendor checks for either mailing or distribution to staff. The Accounts Payable Specialist has frequent internal and external contact with customers and vendors. The Accounts Payable Specialist also assists the Accounts Payable Manager and other Finance Department leaders in ensuring conformity with corporate practices, policies and procedures.

The Accounts Payable Specialist must have the ability to differentiate and achieve high value work versus low value work, routinely demonstrate a positive can-do attitude in all work and meet deadlines with quality work products. The Accounts Payable specialist shall maintain collaborative working relationships and ensure professional, effective, and timely communications with internal and external customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Process invoices and payment requests to make sure they have all the supporting documents, proper account coding, authorized approval signatures, including the cognizant signature, where applicable, in compliance with Kennedy Center’s financial policies and procedures. Review contracts were applicable to ensure that payments are being processed in accordance with the agreed upon terms and that they are fully executed.
• Ensure that employees’ expense reimbursements and US Bank Credit Card payments submitted through CONCUR includes invoices/receipts and the credit statements when necessary, that the request is in compliance with Kennedy Center’s travel and expense policy, and that expenses are coded correctly.
• Review non-employee expenses to ensure that they are properly coded to the correct expense category and that there are receipts or language in the contract to substantiate the requests.
• Inspect new vendor records for duplicates and make sure they are accompanied by the completed W-9 or W-8 forms. Ensure that all internal and external vendor inquiries are handled efficiently in a professional manner. Maintain updated vendor database. Review and approve new vendors. Review tax documentation for compliance with policies and procedures.
• Create a batch and perform data entry to record transactions for payment in Lawson while making sure that the authorized payment requests agree to the receipt/invoice for goods purchased or services rendered, in accordance with contract terms.
• Determine the appropriate income code for 1099 and 1042 reporting when entering the data in Lawson and noting on payment requests for the reviewer to ensure compliance with IRS’ 1099 and 1042 reporting policies.
• Process wire payments through US Bank (Single Point) and perform manual entry to record payment in Lawson. Matching and sorting of vendor checks for weekly distribution/mailing or pick-up and filing of completed payment requests by batch.
• Perform year-end tax compliance review and reporting. This includes (a) 1099 review and reporting, (b) 1042 review and reporting (c) B-notice review and compliance. Assist in the year-end accrual and audit process which includes researching open PO commitments.
• Other critical periodic duties: (a) Ensure staff throughout the Center know and understand our financial policies and procedures. Participate in group training sessions as well as one-on-one instruction (b) Provide PBC documents as requested to support annual financial audit (c) Suggest improvements in processes to increase effectiveness and compliance (d) Assist with procedural changes (e) Special Projects and other duties as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Associate degree preferred. Bachelor’s degree in business-related field is a differentiating factor.
• At least 2-4 years of direct accounts payable process and experience
• Proficiency in use of accounts payable component of general ledger application; familiarity/experience with ERP system is a differentiating factor; experience with complex accounts payable process is preferred (e.g., utilization of foreign contractors, employee vs. independent contract determinations).
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.