Senior Accountant

Smithsonian Enterprises (SE), a division of the Smithsonian Institution, is seeking an experienced Senior Accountant to join the Finance and Accounting team in our Washington, DC Office. The incumbent will be responsible for providing accounting and financial support, including the preparation, analysis, and interpretation of financial statements, maintenance of accounting records, and modification of accounting processes and procedures for the assigned division.

• Prepare and process journal entries (including Recurring, Manual, and Upload entries) with appropriate supporting documentation as backup and submit to manager for review and approval.
• Review trial balance for assigned division and prepare correcting/adjusting journal entries.
• Ensure revenue and expense recognition is in compliance with executed contracts, GAAP, and SE/SI Accounting Policies.
• Process and record divisional system interfaces; complete reconciliation schedule between Lawson financial system; report and resolve any variances or unusual activities.
• Review subledger activities including Cash, Accounts Payable, and Activity codes; reports and resolves issues timely.
• Complete monthly Journal Entry Checklist in compliance with the monthly calendar.
• Prepare monthly divisional financial statements and review with manager and Division Financial Manager.
• Perform assigned balance sheet account reconciliations, complete Balance Sheet Account Reconciliation Checklist, and identify, explain, and resolve reconciling items over 30 days old.
• Maintain divisional schedules to support A/R, Prepaid/Deferred Income/Expense, Revenue and Expenses analysis.
• Receive SOFA reports, save to shared Accounting folder and send email communication to Accounting department and other responsible members.
• Maintain and reconcile Fixed Asset Schedules, including the Construction in Progress schedule, book associated depreciation expense and communicate the status to all project owners.
• Collect and compile appropriate documents and approvals for fixed assets write offs, write downs, or retirements.
• Maintain and update the Restaurant Associates (RA) Capital projects funding spreadsheet. Record revenue and expense according to the terms of the contract.
• Identify and report Out-of-Period Adjustments.
• Prepare and provide analysis for Divisional Balance Sheets, P&L’s, and Accounts Receivable Aging Reports; work with Division Finance Managers to resolve any issues.
• Train and mentor other staff as necessary in accounting procedures and processes.
• Prepare and participate in developing project plans as assigned.
• Document accounting procedures and processes for all areas of responsibilities; review, provide recommendations for improvements, and update existing procedures as necessary.
• Advise Financial Managers and staff on appropriate accounting policies and procedures.
• Participate in offsite physical inventories as assigned.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing and providing required analysis and/or supporting documentation for all areas of responsibilities.
• Act as a liaison with divisional managers to ensure their needs for accounting data are met.

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline, and 6-8 years related experience.

• Knowledge of general accounting and good internal control practices.
• Ability to independently perform assignments using conventional methods and techniques.
• 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.
• Experience gathering, assembling, consolidating, and analyzing data.
• Knowledge of and experience in applying generally accepted accounting principles, theories, techniques, and procedures.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Advanced 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…