Sr. Divisional Accountant

Sr. Divisional Accountant

Application Deadline: 19 June 2026

Department: Smithsonian Enterprises

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Accounting Manager

Compensation: $79,000 - $89,000 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: June 8, 2026

CLOSING DATE: June 19, 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.

OVERVIEW

The Senior Divisional Accountant is member of the Accounting Team within Smithsonian Enterprises, reporting to either an Accounting Manager or the Assistant Controller. This key role must possess a good understanding of the technical sides of accounting, and 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). They will enforce SE's accounting procedures and internal controls, and ensure compliance with tax regulations, company policies, and directives governed, in addition to the internal department's procedures, as well as other Accounting related duties and special projects as assigned.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• 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 follows executed contracts, GAAP, and SE/SI Accounting Policies.
• Process and record divisional system interfaces; complete reconciliation schedule between D365 financial system; report and resolve any variances or unusual activities.
• Review subledger activities including Cash, Accounts Payable, and Project codes; reports and resolves issues timely.
• Complete monthly Journal Entry task list in compliance with the monthly calendar.
• Prepare monthly divisional financial statements and review with manager and Division Financial Manager.
• Perform assigned balance sheet reconciliations, 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.
• 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.
• May serve a lead role in assigned projects, including the continuing study, upgrade, and modification of existing systems, and improvement and adjustment of internal control 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.
• Other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a 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 is 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 assistance.
• Extensive experience with several accounting and other systems.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.

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.

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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 View email address on click.appcast.io . 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: