Accounting Manager

Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Institution

Accounting & Finance, Sales & Business Development

Washington, DC, USA

USD 100k-120k / year

Posted on Apr 29, 2026
OPEN DATE: April 28, 2026
CLOSING DATE: May 12, 2026
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC

Position sensitivity and risk: LOW

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.
Application Deadline
May 12, 2026
Department
Smithsonian Enterprises
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
Washington, DC
Workplace type
Onsite
Compensation
$100,000 - $120,000 / year
Reporting To
Controller

OVERVIEW

This position is a part of the Accounting Department within Smithsonian Enterprises, reporting to the Controller. This is a role that implies a thorough understanding of the technical and operational sides of accounting. The incumbent oversees day-to-day operations of general ledger accounting and ensures accuracy of financial statements for Channel, SI Books, Retail, Licensing, and E-Commerce groups. Also responsible for managing General Ledger Accountants and enforcing GAAP, SE/SI’s accounting procedures, and internal controls. Incumbent is 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(s).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Manages daily accounting activities for general ledger accounting.

· Analyzes Accountants' daily and monthly requirements and develops efficiencies in methods and procedures.

· Oversees the general ledger and financial statement preparation, month end close, including proper revenue and expense recognition.

· Responsible for the review and sign-off for journal entries.

· Responsible for the review and sign-off for monthly account reconciliations.

· Creates journal entries and adjustments, as required.

· Independently completes the monthly general ledger close(s), quarterly and year-end general ledger closes, and assists in related subsystems close processes.

· Oversees Retail Inventory Accounting on procedures and reporting.

· Directs, coordinates, prepares, and reviews the preparation of materials for internal and external audits and reviews.

· Ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

· Responsible for the changes, revisions, and maintenance of SE's Cost Allocations and Revenue Share calculations.

· Plans and leads physical inventories of Retail merchandise, reporting variances to the general ledger accounts.

· Oversees the accounts receivable function including monitoring the age of accounts, collections, reserving risky receivables, and writing off uncollectible accounts.

· Plans and conducts training classes for SE work units and departments that have interrelated functions.

· Performs a variety of special projects and reviews for the Controller, SVP of Finance and Administration, and other top-level officials as assigned.

· Reviews and enhances accounting procedures and systems to maintain adequate internal controls and ensure proper recording of financial transactions operations.

· Develops, documents, and implements procedures and process efficiencies for more logical flow of information and improved reporting capabilities.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related discipline, and 7-10 years’ experience related experience.

· Knowledge of accounting systems and processes applicable to the accounting function.

· Technical knowledge of GAAP.

· Meticulous attention to detail required, as well as reliability, accuracy, and timeliness in knowledge of general accounting and good internal control practices.

· Knowledge and experience in applying accounting 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.

· Strong project management and time management skills.

· Strong verbal and written skills.

· Ability to develop and present reports and analyses.

· Prior management experience.

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact SECareers@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo

About Smithsonian Enterprises

Smithsonian Enterprises (SE) was formed in 1999 by the Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents to consolidate and bring professional management to the commercial activities of the Institution. SE partners with a variety of internal constituents including Museum Directors, the Secretary of the Smithsonian and other administrative functions (legal, tax, government relations, central planning finance functions, etc.) to deliver profitable products and services that further the Smithsonian's mission.

Smithsonian Enterprises operates Media and content businesses through a variety of distribution platforms including print & online magazine publications & books as well as the Smithsonian Channel; Retail experiences including museum & airport stores, IMAX theaters, online and print catalog sales in addition to overseeing food & beverage and simulator concessionaires; educational adult and student travel experiences; and consumer product licensing.

Our Hiring Process

Stage 1:

Applied

Stage 2:

Qualifications Review

Stage 3:

Phone Screen

Stage 4:

First Interview