Grants Accountant

Section 1: Overview and Purpose of Position

The Grants Accountant is responsible for maintaining financial accounting and grant support services in order to meet the needs of the organization and its donors. The Grants Accountant will focus on compliance, financial reporting, grant reporting, budgeting, variance analysis, process improvement and will provide support to the accounting department as needed. 

Section 2: Qualifications (skills, education, experience)

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. 

• Minimum of three years as an Accountant or similar role, preferably at a nonprofit.

• Experience reconciling and monitoring multiple grants and funding sources preferred.

• Proficiency in accounting software; experience with NetSuite preferred.

• Working knowledge of GAAP; experience with grant reporting and regulation preferred.

• High level of trust and dependability, ability to work independently. 

• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and strong analytical skills.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Section 3: Responsibilities/Duties

1. Grant Management, Reporting, and Compliance

   • In collaboration with the CFAO and Finance Manager, provide management with status of grants, both actual and projected, along with analysis and recommendations relative to costs and revenues.

   • Develop special use reports regarding the status of grants awarded to the organization; work with departments to reconcile grant expenditures to the General Ledger.

   • Administer financial functions relative to assigned "grants" which includes recording grant expenditures, revenues, accounts receivables and deferred revenues.

   • Serve as a contact for the external auditors during the organization’s Annual Single Audit; provide auditors with special reports and schedules as required; respond to auditor inquiries.

2. Bookkeeping and General Accounting:

   • Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, client ledgers, and general ledger entries.

   • Reconcile general ledger accounts related to receivables and deferred revenue.

   • Prepare journal entries and assist with month-end and year-end closing procedures.

3. Financial Reporting and Analysis:

   • Perform variance analysis and provide explanations for budget-to-actual discrepancies.

   • Prepare ad-hoc reports for managers, grant funders and auditors.

   • Collaborate with various department managers to develop grant budgets.

   • Assist in the preparation of budget proposals and grant applications.

   • Track and analyze budget performance, providing regular reports to management.

   • Identify areas of cost savings and efficiency improvements.

4. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements:

   • Review new requirements and pronouncements from grantors and the Uniform Grant Guidance (UGG) to determine the impact on the organization’s financial operations; recommend revision to existing policies or establish new policies as necessary.

   • Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting principles, tax regulations, and relevant legal requirements.

   • Assist in the preparation of tax returns and financial audits, including preparation of the Schedule of Federal Expenditure (SEFA)

   • Monitor grant expenditures and compliance with grant funding guidelines.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

   • Work across the organization to streamline processes and improve financial systems.

   • Collaborate with program managers and other stakeholders to provide financial insights and support decision-making.

   • Assist in the preparation of financial information for board meetings and grant reporting.

   • Cross-trains with co-workers in assigned job duties to ensure continuity of operations and improve succession planning.

Section 4: Skills Needed

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with a proven ability to meet deadlines; able to effectively prioritize and execute multiple tasks.

• Ability to be self-directed and highly flexible in daily work. 

• Ability to work effectively in an environment that is multicultural and multilingual.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to develop positive working relationships with both internal and external collaborators.

• Strong computer skills and proficiency in Word, Excel, Google Docs and internet-based communication.

Section 5: Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Much of the work is typically performed in an interior temperature-controlled office work environment. Position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Position requires frequent bending, squatting, sitting, standing, pulling, pushing, lifting, and moving items that may weigh up to 50 lbs.