Senior 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 Senior Payroll Manager will manage the development and implementation of all aspects of payroll, health and welfare benefits and intrinsic benefits.  The position will assist in managing outside vendors and be responsible for legal and regulatory compliance within the payroll and benefits areas.  This position will regularly interface with all levels of employees including executive management.  This position will also work closely with the finance department.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for all Payroll processing, tax filing, garnishments and levy’s, accruals and other payroll related functions.
• Point of contact for all employee related inquiries for payroll, accruals, garnishments etc.
• Manages and runs Payroll on a weekly basis.
• Keys Payroll entries into system as necessary.
• Maintains high degree of confidentiality of all Payroll records.
• Must maintain appropriate payroll records for all employees that utilize leave benefits such as STD, LTD, FMLA etc.
• Maintains accurate accruals and tracking for all employees with vacation and sick time
• 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
• Calculates and validates monthly, quarterly and/or annual bonuses for all staff levels.
• Educates and ensures that all Business Justification Forms are filled out appropriately and maintained for legal compliance of compensation adjustments.
• Assist in managing the performance management process consisting of the preparation of merit rating spreadsheets, performance reviews, and corresponding communication materials distributed to management in conjunction with the process.
• 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 represent organization at hearings if required and/or investigations
• May assist in negotiating agreements with benefits and/or other vendors for such areas as relocation services, food services and transportation.

Key Qualifications

• 4 year college degree preferred in Business Administration, Accounting/Finance, and/or Legal
• 7-10 years of progressive Finance experience with at least 5+ years in payroll work experience preferred
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area