General Accountant

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

Under the supervision of the Director of Accounting Operations, and Senior Accounting personnel, the General Accountant will support time-sensitive processes in key areas of the Center’s operations. The General Accountant will regularly record, analyze, and reconcile transactions for assigned business operations in collaboration with internal departments. The General Accountant will also assist in the regular preparation of financial analyses and reconciliations in support of reporting to internal and external users including the CFO, the President, Senior Vice Presidents, Committees of the Board, vendors, and the independent auditors.

The Kennedy Center’s performance and events business cycle occurs weekly which drives the work efforts of this position. Accounting closes occurs monthly within 10 to 15 business days after the end of the period (last Sunday of the month closest to the 30th). This position’s work efforts, as a result, will also support closing the fiscal period.

Key Responsibilities

• Transaction accounting – Enter daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and/or annual transaction data into the accounting system. Verify financial data and supporting documents received for accuracy; prepare and enter general ledger journals for assigned areas; and interact with program personnel and other finance team members to resolve questions and obtain revisions to data provided, as necessary. Assigned areas may include but are not limited to cash transactions, fixed assets; federal, performance and external event expense settlements; and events business cycle transactions (credit card payments, KC Internal Purchase Orders (KCIPO) and other receivables/revenues).
• Month-/Year-end reconciliation tasks Prepare reconciliations between the general ledger and subsidiary ledgers, including bank reconciliations, and resolve reconciling items with research or discussion with program or team members. May update and maintain prepaid expenses, accounts receivable and other asset or liability accounts; maintain and update fixed assets and depreciation schedule; monitor outstanding checks; and manage the escheatment process.
• May serve as the primary contact for bank account administration; email departments on a periodic basis regarding performance and external show settlements; collect cognizant signatures on federal settlements or collaborate with Senior Accountants or programs on other items as assigned.
• Billing duties - may review Federal requisitions to determine that items are properly coded, authorized, allowable and reasonable; determine that funds are available prior to submitting Federal requisitions for fund certification; process Federal invoices; review Federal invoices; review and process Federal payroll supplied by a third-party and other Federal accounting duties as assigned.
• Other critical duties: (a) Assist staff throughout the Center to know and better understand our financial policies and procedures. Participate in group training sessions as well as one-on-one instruction; (b) Support preparation for and participate in annual financial statement audit and other regulatory audits; (c) Suggest improvements in processes to increase effectiveness and compliance as well as assist with any procedural changes as they arise; (d) Purchase Order maintenance; (e) Special Projects and other duties as assigned; (f) Maintain current process documentation for specific duties, and (g) Assist with preparation and implementation of the new ERP system, Sage Intacct with other Finance team members.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• At least 2-4 years of general accounting/bookkeeping experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in business-related field preferred.
• Critical technical skills: Strong Excel and other Microsoft Office/Teams experience and proficiency in use of general ledger applications (familiarity with Lawson or Sage Intacct software is a differentiating factor).
• Good written-oral communication and interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• Experience with account reconciliations and fixed assets is a plus.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Additional Information

• Although occurring infrequently, this position may be required to work odd hours based on internal and external customer needs, including, if necessary, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional periods of work beyond normal full-time.
• Occasional lifting and moving of supplies and files weighing as much as 26 pounds in high or tight spaces.