Term Limited - Senior Accountant Grants

Overview

This position is considered Term Limited. Term of position: 3 years from date of hire.

As a Senior Grants Accountant, you will oversee complex grants-related accounting responsibilities. You will ensure compliance with accounting, financial reporting, and administrative requirements related to federal, state, and local grant funding. You will provide strategic financial oversight and advisory support for grant-funded projects, collaborating closely with internal departments and external agencies to enhance fund utilization, streamline reporting, and maintain financial integrity. This role emphasizes leadership in process improvement, compliance audits, alongside full-cycle grant management duties such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger maintenance, and financial reporting.

Essential Duties

Compliance & Financial Reporting

• Lead compliance efforts for grant funding by ensuring adherence to OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), FTA, WSDOT, and other regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary contact for audits, preparing detailed reports, including the SEFA for the annual Single Audit, and supporting documentation for both internal and external auditors.
• Prepare and submit timely financial reports to granting organizations. Ensure all reports meet the grantor’s requirements and deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records of all grant-related financial activities, including budgets, revenues, and expenditures.

Grants Accounting & Reporting

• Oversee and review grant allocation, ensuring correct coding, cost center management, and compliance with budgetary constraints.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting efforts, ensuring compliance with grantor specifications and strict adherence to deadlines.
• Reconcile and validate grant expenses with financial records and identify any discrepancies.
• Generate journal entries when needed. Coordinate with Finance department staff to support integrity and accuracy in all general ledger accounts.
• Track and record revenues, expenditures, receivables, and other financial activities related to grants.
• Prepare and process reimbursement requests to granting agencies.
• Review all accounts payable vouchers paid with grant funding for coding, accuracy, and completeness. May perform other accounts payable tasks.
• Perform accounts receivable tasks such as preparing grant fund drawdowns. May be involved in other accounts receivable processes.

Auditing and Financial Controls

• Lead initiatives to streamline financial and operational processes related to grants management.
• Responsible for internal and external audits, providing all necessary documentation related to grant expenditures and compliance.
• Conduct regular internal reviews of grant expenditures to ensure accuracy and adherence to budget guidelines.
• Develop, enforce, implement, and document robust financial controls for grant-related transactions, ensuring compliance and minimizing risk.

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with department heads and project managers to ensure accurate tracking of grant-funded projects.
• May serve as a liaison with granting agencies regarding any questions or concerns related to grant fiscal management.
• Provide regular updates to leadership on grant status, including available funds, upcoming deadlines, and any risks or issues.
• Assist in developing team-wide training programs to enhance knowledge of grants management and compliance.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Develop grant budgets in partnership with project managers and senior leadership, providing expertise in cost forecasting, tracking, and variance analysis.
• Monitor spending to ensure adherence to approved budgets. Take proactive steps to address any variances.
• Support long-term financial planning by identifying opportunities for new grant funding and advising on fiscal strategies to optimize grant utilization.
• Create financial reports, such as budget to actual, to aid project managers and grant teams maintain financial controls.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in an intermediate level accounting position, with a focus on grants or government accounting.
• 2 years of experience preparing and managing federal, state, and local grant reports.
• 2 years of experience using automated accounting systems, including report writing and analysis of data.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or