Payroll Clerk

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 total rewards package to all full-time employees to include: 

• 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
• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2024 staff video!

Pay Details

The Kennedy Center strives to design equitable compensation programs. The projected salary range for this position is $55,000 - $60,000, commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package. This is the targeted range of possible compensation for this role at the time of posting. This range may be modified in the future. Base pay within the range is ultimately determined by a candidate’s skills, expertise, and experience as it relates to the position qualifications and responsibilities.

Job Description

The Payroll Clerk performs administrative, accounting and clerical tasks related to the maintenance and processing of payroll transactions. Work includes, but is not limited to, researching and resolving payroll discrepancies for union payrolls and tax filings, compilation of payroll data (e.g., hours worked, taxes, insurance, union dues to be withheld) from timesheets and other records, preparing employee wage earning statements, checks and EFTs, submitting organization tax liabilities, and preparing statements for 3rd party retirement liabilities. At the direction of the Sr. Payroll Manager the Payroll Clerk may interact with internal and external contact with customers and regulatory agencies to resolve payroll discrepancies and document findings and outcomes. The Payroll Clerk also works with and supports the Payroll Manager and Payroll Team in ensuring conformity with corporate practices, policies and procedures related to payroll and to resolve payroll issues internally and externally.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform the routine and non-routine daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual processes (e.g., weekly payroll process, filing, ACH file transmission, etc.); ensure accuracy and integrity of payroll process and ensure proper internal controls are in place and operating effectively in all facets of payroll operations
• Respond to information requests from internal and external customers and answer employee questions about payroll related matters.
• Key in payroll entries into system as necessary in resolving payrolls.
• 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 is entered into Lawson and SAP. Resolve payroll discrepancies with HRIS and payroll.
• Provide administrative assistance to the payroll department.
• Work on special projects and other duties as required.
• 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 2-4 years' of experience in payroll processes and administration 
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided.
• Candidate must be willing to work onsite.