Senior 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

This position prepares, analyzes, and reports financial information in the areas of performance and external event settlements, payroll, programming expenses, and receivables. Work includes, but is not limited to, variance analysis, reconciliation of financial statement accounts, preparation of supplemental financial reporting to third parties, ad hoc reporting, analytical review of activity, participating in financial closings, and system set-ups.

This position oversees and contributes to the collection, verification, allocation, and recording of financial data related to performances and external events for use by management. This position reviews and monitors payroll transactions and accounts. This position monitors expense transactions, advises on classifications, and works with Accounts Payable for coding and regular reviews of open purchase orders.

This position contributes to areas of the audited financial statements and IRS Form 990, and prepares periodic and ad hoc reporting, research, and analysis for internal and external stakeholders. This position problem solves and seeks continuous improvement and efficiency in his/her own work. This position trains, guides, and conducts research to help others resolve issues. Additionally, this position contributes to cross-departmental projects and process improvements.

This position has frequent contact with internal and external customers. This position supports the Vice President, Accounting, and Director of Accounting Operations and other accounting management in ensuring conformity with corporate practices, policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Performance and external event cost accounting – create, circulate, and maintain monthly list of known performances and external events requiring settlements to theater managers, production staff, and grant cognizant approvers; oversee, assign, provide guidance, and contribute to settlement collection, verification of financial data and supporting documents, and preparation and entry of general ledger journals; frequent interaction with program personnel and other finance team members and contractors to resolve questions and obtain revisions, as necessary.
• Payroll integrations/personnel cost accounting - review weekly payroll entries generated from the Payroll Department for accuracy; investigate discrepancies, correct errors and/or make additional general ledger journals as necessary; provide guidance and support to the Payroll Department pertaining to classifications and coding; may serve as a back-up for the Payroll Department for processing during employee absences and vacancies.
• Accounting system maintenance - maintain accounting activity codes, structures and reports; perform routine maintenance of general ledger accounts (including activity account categories and codes); update security set-ups; conduct trainings for new employees; manage approval hierarchies; serve as a key contributor in any system upgrades and in department's relationship with IT department.
• Month-/Year-end accounting tasks - create various year-end allocation journal entries; calculate and enter year-end accruals; perform numerous asset and liability account reconciliations, including payroll, benefits, and garnishments; and prepare general ledger journals where and when necessary.
• Review of open purchase orders – As part of a team, conduct quarterly and annual review of open purchase orders with requesters organization-wide for validity, coding, and delivery dates; partner with Accounts Payable Department to review, edit, and void open purchase orders as needed.
• Other critical duties – May review the work performed by and provide training to general accountants. Support preparation for and participate in annual financial statement audit and other regulatory audits, gathering documents, providing reports, completing analysis, and answering questions during field work; assist with preparation of the annual Form 990 and the Department of Education Indirect Cost Rate project; work on ad hoc reports and projects assigned by the accounting management, and Department Heads.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required. Degree in business-related field is a differentiating factor.
• At least 3-6 years of general accounting experience
• Critical skills: Good written-oral communication and interpersonal skills; proficiency with Excel and general ledger applications (familiarity with Lawson or Sage Intacct software is a differentiating factor); attention to detail.

Additional Information

• Although occurring infrequently, this position may be required work odd hours based on internal and external customer needs, including, if necessary, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional periods of work beyond 37.5 hours/week.
• Occasional lifting and moving of supplies and files weighing as much as 26 pounds in high or tight spaces.