Accounting & Payroll Specialist

Application Deadline: 21 October 2026

Department: Smithsonian Enterprises

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Accounting Manager

Compensation: $65,000 - $70,000 / year

Description

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 

OVERVIEW

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares and processes journal entries in Dynamics 365 (D365) for assigned division(s), including supporting documentation, and submits to manager for review and approval.
• Reviews financial results for assigned division(s) and prepares correcting/adjusting journal entries as necessary.
• Ensures revenue and expense recognition is compliant with executed contracts, GAAP, and SE/SI Accounting Policies. 
• Processes and records divisional system(s) reports; reconciles D365 with subsidiary system; reports and resolves any variances or unusual activities.
• Reviews ledger activities including Cash, Accounts Payable, and Activity codes; reports and resolves issues timely.
• Prepares monthly divisional financial statements, reviews with Division Financial Manager. 
• Performs assigned balance sheet account reconciliations; identifies and resolves outstanding reconciling items.
• Identifies and reports Out-of-Period Adjustments.
• Prepares and provides analysis for Divisional Balance Sheets, P&Ls, and Accounts Receivable Aging Reports; works with Division Finance Managers to resolve any issues.
• Participates in Stores Annual Physical Inventory, as requested.
• Maintains documentation for procedures and processes for all areas of responsibilities; review, provide recommendations for improvements, and update existing procedures as necessary.
• Other duties, as assigned.

• Assists with accurate and prompt salary payment to all employees, in compliance with current government regulations and company policies.
• Participates in a quality assurance review of all new hire employee records in ADP.
• Assists with entry of employee information for electronic pay methods, tax withholdings, advances, garnishments, levies, and other payroll deductions in ADP. 
• Assists with reviewing and approval of ADP Enhanced Time & Attendance submissions, assists with resolving issues, and uploads into ADP payroll module.
• Assists with managing workflow to ensure payroll batch transactions are processed accurately and timely.
• Assists with producing the payroll cost report for submission to the Corporate Accountant.
• Assists with downloading benefit information files from third-party vendors and imports into ADP.
• Assists with issuing stop payments, processes voids, and reissues replacement checks through ADP, as needed.  
• Responds timely and accurately to payroll related questions.
• Participates in the preparation and reconciliation of annual W-2 statements. 
• Supports internal and external audits by preparing and providing required analysis and/or supporting documentation for all areas of responsibilities.
• Maintain compliance with all current privacy guidelines surrounding employee information.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of accounting systems and processes applicable to the accounting function.  
• Meticulous attention to detail required, as well as reliability, accuracy, and timeliness in performance of responsibilities.  
• Knowledge of general payroll, accounting and good internal control practices. 
• Experience using payroll systems, ADP preferred.
• Knowledge and experience in applying payroll principles, techniques, and procedures.
• Experience gathering, assembling, consolidating, and analyzing data.
• Ability to independently perform assignments using conventional methods and techniques.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• High level of technological, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with and gain the cooperation of all levels of staff to resolve problems and provide advice and assistance.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.