Senior Finance Manager, 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 Finance Manager, Federal Appropriations will be instrumental in driving change by establishing efficient and effective financial processes, along with optimal business structures and systems, to support federal budget, procurement, and accounting operations. The individual will provide in-depth financial analysis and reporting in support of the Kennedy Center’s annual operations plans to achieve current and future program objectives.

The individual will oversee and manage compliance with federal acquisitions and appropriations law by establishing strong internal controls and procedures to support and account for federal financial activity. The Senior Finance Manager, Federal Appropriations is also responsible for leading, training, and developing staff and maintaining external relationships with financial institutions, auditors, and other third-party partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain the Kennedy Center’s federal finance policies and procedures and ensure federal compliance throughout the organization. Create well-documented workflows and processes to ensure the timely obligation of federal funds and payment of invoices in compliance with the applicable Federal law and internal policies. Review new legislation or regulations and communicate applicability to Kennedy Center programs accordingly.
• Oversee all phases of the federal appropriations budget at the institutional level and coordinate its development, including formulation, execution, and submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) while meeting all external regulatory deadlines. Provide expert advice to the Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis, Chief Financial Officer and other senior leaders on budget development, management of funds, availability of funds, and obligation status to ensure program requirements are met and that funds are obtained and utilized in accordance with relevant law and regulation.
• Monitor the timely and proper recording of federal appropriations financial activity and the related accounting services including input in various systems, reporting, auditing, and internal controls. Develop structures, financial models and methods for funds allocation, cost control, and reporting. Serve as the principal advisor on federal appropriation accounting matters for the Vice President, Accounting and Chief Financial Officer, and as a principal contact for General Services Administration (GSA), and OMB.
• Manage all required financial reporting for federal activities for the Kennedy Center, ensuring timeliness, accuracy and compliance with relevant regulation and policy. Create, reconcile, and review federal spending reports to determine funds availability at the institutional level on a continuous basis. Ensure that all accounting transactions and reconciliation activities have been performed timely and information is readily available to programs.
• Support the preparation of financial statements and coordination with independent auditors for all annual and quarterly audit planning and execution functions. Assist in the implementation and upgrades of financial systems, which includes designing systems and processes, migrating data, testing, training, and administration. Develop training materials and presentations to facilitate cross-functional learning and compliance with internal guidelines and procedures.
• Work with business unit leaders for solutions that drive cross-functional impact. Assist in establishing short and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures. Maintains close communication with internal users and decision-makers to stay abreast of business needs or industry trends, opportunities, and threats. Develop benchmarks and key indicators for measuring the financial performance of the Kennedy Center over the short and long-term.
• Foster a culture of service and excellence that motivates staff and encourages collaboration in order to provide the best experience for our customers. Respond to the needs and requests of Kennedy Center management and staff in a professional and expedient manner. Adhere to all employer policies and procedures. Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, commerce or a related field required.
• At least five (5) years of experience as a financial manager of federal funds or at least ten (10) years of experience in a finance/ accounting role within the nonprofit industry.
• MBA or CPA is a plus.
• Expert in quantitative analysis and use of Microsoft Excel including complex formulas and financial modeling. Power Query knowledge is a plus.
• Proven track record of driving innovation and continuous improvements while championing change.
• Strong leadership and problem-solving skills that bring a department together to foster teamwork and achieve great results.
• Strong organizational, conflict management, analytical, and strategic thinking skills
• Ability to adapt within a rapidly changing environment.
• Effective communication and follow through that build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external customers