Senior Accountant - Settlements & General Purpose

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 America's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across the United States and around the world, connecting the greatest living artists with audiences of every stripe, no matter their background. We welcome all Americans and creators and visitors from across the globe to discover, experience, learn about, be inspired by, 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
• 13 paid holidays per year 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA

Pay Details

The Kennedy Center strives to design equitable compensation programs. The projected salary range for this position is $83,000 - $95,000, 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

This position prepares, analyzes, and reports financial information in the areas of 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 3rd 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 theater performances and 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 their 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 internal and external contact with customers.  This position supports the VP of Accounting and the Director of Accounting, Operations in ensuring conformity with corporate practices, policies and procedures.  

Key Responsibilities

• Performance and event cost accounting – this position is responsible for all phases of performance and event accounting.  The performance and event cost accounting process is central to the Kennedy Center’s mission.  Accurate, complete, and timely recording of performance and event revenues and expenses is critically important to monitoring financial results.  This position will manage and set expectations for compliance from programmers and other colleagues across the Kennedy Center with weekly and monthly cycles; train, supervise, and manage the work of general accountants; collaborate with programmers in advance of and after productions to ensure compliance with accounting policies and procedures, uniform guidance, and contractual obligations; and to monitor the effectiveness of internal controls, accounting policies and procedures for settlements, and inform management about unusual transactions.  This position will serve as the key point of contact within the Finance Department for Kennedy Center colleagues as well as serving as a resource to Senior Finance Department personnel. 
• Payroll/personnel cost accounting and payroll back-up - review weekly payroll entries for accuracy; investigate discrepancies, correct errors and/or make additional general ledger journals as necessary (e.g., bi-weekly reclassification of usher labor); provide guidance and support to the Payroll group pertaining to classifications and coding; serve as a back-up for the Payroll group for processing during employee absences and vacancies.
• General ledger application and KCMaster maintenance - perform extensive maintenance of Lawson activity codes, structures and reports; perform routine maintenance of general ledger accounts (including activities, account categories, and accounts); perform KCMaster security set-ups; conduct KCMaster 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 NSO Library, GTL and payroll allocation entries; calculate and enter year-end accruals; perform numerous asset and liability account reconciliations and make general ledger journals where and when necessary; reconcile the general ledger, activity management and KCMaster systems; research actuals to process and review reclass entries.
• Review of open purchase orders – Oversee and conduct quarterly and annual review of open purchase orders with requesters organization-wide for validity, coding, and delivery dates; partner with Accounts Payable group to review, edit, and void open purchase orders as needed.
• Other critical duties - Support preparation for and participate in annual financial statement audit and other regulatory audits as such audits occur, gathering documents, providing reports, completing analysis, and answering questions during field work; assist the Controller and Assistant Controller 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 CFO, VP of Accounting, Director of Accounting, Operations, and Department Heads.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Key Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors degree is required. Degree in business-related field is a differentiating factor.
• Experience: At least 3-6 years of general accounting experience
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistant is not provided.
• Candidate must be willing to work onsite. 

Additional Information

• Department culture encourages transparency, honesty with and reliance on each other to accomplish goals and tasks; Performance is measured by 3rd parties based on the timely and accurate delivery of service so department cannot tolerate an individual contributing less than their full commitment each and every day; emphasis on being viewed by our clients as a trusted advisor; must manage projects/activities in a manner that ensures delivery is consistent with both the client’s expectations and the organization’s corporate/accounting policies and procedures
• 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.