Payroll Manager

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 Payroll Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Payroll function. This position’s responsibilities oversee the entire payroll process, from maintaining the system setups, through payroll tax deductions, reconciliations, and reporting. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, establishing and maintaining the organization’s policies, practices and procedures related to:

• weekly and biweekly in-house processing of payroll groups
• evaluation and compliance of domestic and foreign artists and contractors
• administration of 16 different union contract
• reconciliation and analysis of payroll tax and liabilities 
• the interpretation/implementation of new technical standards, laws and regulations.  

This role requires a hands and collaborative  approach  to ensure the business needs are being met. This role requires frequent internal and external contact with customers, regulatory agencies and service providers and supervises 2 other team members. This position will also work closely with the finance department. 

The previous incumbent will complete W-2 processing for the 2023 tax year.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides subject matter expertise, guidance, and recommendations for the Payroll function. Supports the Senior Director is establishing and documenting processes and strategies for Payroll, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Provide direction and support to departments throughout the organization regarding payroll policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with internal policies and the various CBA’s (Trust & Union). 
• Assists with the determination of the classification of individuals as either employees or independent contractors, compliance with international artist and vendor regulations, implementation of new practices, procedures laws and regulations, and efficient control and utilization of payroll resources.  
• Performs and oversees routine and non-routine daily and weekly processes (e.g., weekly & biweekly payroll process) to ensure accuracy and integrity of payroll process and ensure proper internal controls are in place and operating effectively in all facets of the payroll operations. 
• Coordinate and oversee monthly and annual payroll statements and reports and other information reports and requests, routine and non-routine monthly, quarterly and annual processes (e.g., quarterly reconciliations, union rate calculations, deduction/pay code maintenance, annual independent audit, insurance audits, etc.). Responsible for the timely processing of tax filing, garnishments and levy’s, accruals and other payroll related functions.
• Serves as a Liaison with various Unions representatives to ensure resolution of any discrepancies and /or grievances related to contributions, fundings or dues for Union employees. 
• Manages the organization’s external payroll reporting requirements (e.g., quarterly 941s and W-2s, wage payment history reporting to state regulatory agencies, etc.). 
• Perform system/process testing and setup of the HRIS Payroll module and maintaining tax tables throughout the year as needed.  Provide direction, support, and training regarding the system and payroll processes. 
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices
• Assigns, delegates and supervises the day-to-day tasks for the Payroll staff, including preparing their goals, performance reviews, and making effective recommendations regarding performance, and discipline for the position.
• Point of contact for all employee related inquiries for payroll, accruals, garnishments etc.
• Maintains high degree of confidentiality of all Payroll records.
• Ensure the accurate maintenance of appropriate payroll records for all employees that utilize leave benefits such as STD, LTD, FMLA etc.
• Maintains tracking for all employees leave plans and arrears and ensures prompt collection of hours, deductions or dues as needed. 
• Updates system with all documentation needed in order to properly maintain system and utilize it to its fullest measure
• Must continue to learn and keep abreast of legal changes that impact Payroll and Human Resources department
• Works on special projects and other duties as required helping to promote department’s success.
• Assumes and performs other duties and responsibilities not specifically outlined herein, but which are logically and properly inherent to the position of Payroll
• Document and maintain administrative procedures for assigned payroll processes
• Assure timeliness and accuracy of required filings.   
• Maintains employee files, both physical and electronic according to record retention rules.
• May assist in negotiating agreements with benefits and/or other vendors for such areas as relocation services, food services and transportation. 

Key Qualifications

• Associate degree is required; Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or other business-related field is preferred; Certified Payroll Professional certification is a differentiating factor.  
• At least 4-6 years’ experience directly managing in-house payroll; 2+ years demonstrated supervisory skills and the ability to effectively manage small teams; strong experience with complicated payroll processes (e.g., combination of union and non-union payroll of 1,000+ employees, utilization of foreign contractors, employee vs. independent contractor determinations, etc.); Union experience preferred.  
• Excellent written/verbal communication and interpersonal skills; effective collaborator; ability to multi-task while ensuring important routine functions occur; high proficiency in use of payroll module in general ledger application; industry knowledge of payroll practices, procedures, laws and regulations 
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.