Accounting & Payroll Specialist

Final date to receive applications: 21 October 2026

Department: Smithsonian Enterprises

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Accounting Manager

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

OPEN DATE:
October 7, 2026

CLOSING DATE:
October 21, 2026

POSITION TYPE:
Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE:
Indefinite

SCHEDULE:
Full Time

DUTY

LOCATION:

Washington, DC

Position sensitivity and risk: Low Risk
Open to all qualified applicants

What are Trust Fund Positions?

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side.

Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Transit/Commuter Benefits
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Family Friendly Leave
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships
• Museum Stores and Restaurants
• Credit Union
• Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care)
• Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care)

Conditions of Employment

• 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.

Smithsonian Enterprises consists of Smithsonian Magazine, Retail Stores, Food Service and Concessions, IMAX Theaters, E-Commerce, Catalog, Licensing, Journeys, Visual Media, and corporate support functions. Smithsonian Enterprises produces revenue annually to support the mission of Smithsonian Institution.

This position is part of the Smithsonian Enterprises Accounting Department, reporting to the Senior Accounting Manager with a dotted line to the Payroll Manager. The role provides accounting and payroll support, including financial statement preparation and analysis, maintenance of accounting records, and improvement of accounting processes. Responsibilities include supporting day-to-day payroll operations, processing bi-weekly payroll, and maintaining time and attendance records for more than 400 employees.

The incumbent ensures compliance with accounting procedures, internal controls, tax regulations, company policies, and payroll-related requirements while performing other accounting and payroll duties as assigned.

Accounting:

• 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.

Payroll:

• 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…