Payroll Administrator

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 Administrator performs the day to day administrative, accounting and clerical tasks related to the maintenance and processing of payroll transactions. Work includes, but is not limited to, compilation of payroll data (e.g., hours worked, taxes, insurance, union dues to be withheld) from timesheets and other records, processing weekly payroll data, preparing employee wage earning statements, checks and EFTs, submitting organization tax liabilities, and preparing statements for 3rd party retirement liabilities. The Payroll Administrator may interact with internal and external contact with customers and regulatory agencies. The Payroll Administrator also works with and supports IT regarding the maintenance and testing of related payroll systems and processes and supports the Payroll Manager and Payroll Technicians in ensuring conformity with corporate practices, policies and procedures related to payroll. 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direction and support to departments throughout the organization regarding payroll policies and procedures and implementation of new practices.  
• Provide information and answer employee questions about payroll related matters.
• Perform the routine and non-routine daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual processes (e.g., weekly payroll process, Lawson pay code/payroll table maintenance, filing, ACH file transmission, etc.).
• Key in payroll entries into system as necessary.
• Maintain accurate accruals and tracking for all employees with vacation and sick time.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of payroll process.
• Ensure proper internal controls are in place and operating effectively in all facets of payroll operations.
• Perform and/or assist in the preparation for the organization’s external reporting (e.g., periodic tax deposits, employee wage history reports, W-2s).
• Coordinate with the HR department to ensure correct employee data.
• Provide administrative assistance to the accounting department.
• Work on special projects and other duties as required helping to promote department’s success.
• Assume and perform other duties and responsibilities not specifically outlined herein, but which are logically and properly inherent to the position of Payroll. 

Key Qualifications

• Associate degree preferred, higher degree differentiating factor 
• At least 3-6 years’ experience processing payroll; experience with complicated 1,000+ union/non-union payroll is differentiating factor
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and payroll software programs.
• Strong numerical aptitude and attention to detail. 
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Additional Information

• This position may require evening or weekend hours on rare occasions and typically with advance notice.
• This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including flexible schedule/hours and hybrid remote and on-site work. This position is not eligible for full-time remote work.