Sr. Grants & Contracts Accountant

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION:                  

Under direction of the Director of Research Operational Controls, this position prepares financial reports, approves requisitions, payroll requests, travel and travel reimbursements, P-Cards, etc.  Maintains financial records in a computerized database. Incumbent will also prepare comprehensive settlement and close out reports for various grants in the University.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:  

None

NATURE AND SCOPE:            

Internal contacts include administrators and program staff, faculty, principal investigators and students of the University. External contacts Include representatives from government and private granting agencies, external auditors and regulatory agencies.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:              

• Post award administration in the Grants and Contracts Department
• Processes financial reports, approves requisitions, payroll requests, travel and travel reimbursements, P-Cards, etc.
• Reviews and corrects payments requests submitted by departmental administrators, budget officers, etc. Update, maintain and correct award profile data and budget management.
• Makes journal entries, adjusts entries, and cancels encumbrances on a regularly scheduled basis to account for billing to funding agencies and private institutions.
• Approves and processes on-line purchase requests, travel, P-Card, etc. on a regularly scheduled basis.
• Reviews/researches/approves travel request documents for department representative or other Accountants.
• Prepares and submits comprehensive reports of expenditures for grants and contracts, to various governmental and private agencies.
• Provides technical assistance on the procedures and regulations associated with preparing spending documents.  Advises   department representatives of problems regarding grants as well as changes or corrections required to achieve compliance.
• Processes interdepartmental charges and issues payment to proper revenue account for services Reconciles sub-ledgers to the general ledger and resolves differences.
• Investigation of salary discrepancies of grant employees and the preparation of variance reports.
• Analyzes expenditures on a regular basis to determine costs allowable under the University, federal and private agency regulations.
• Conducts collection activities on outstanding billed receivable accounts, provides customer service to department representatives and responds to telephone inquiries from students, faculty and staff.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:         

• Comprehensive knowledge of principles, practices and methodologies of accounting including grant administration and reporting, budget policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of personal computer with accompanying spreadsheet, database, word processing, and presentation software
• Skills in managing financial transactions and knowledge of advance mathematics
• Competence in both oral and written