Accounting Specialist II (TUC - Strength United)

About The University Corporation

The University Corporation is a non-profit auxiliary corporation providing commercial and administrative services to California State University, Northridge. Our mission is to provide services and solutions that address the needs of California State University, Northridge; to support the academic, research, and creative endeavors of its students, faculty, and staff; and to enhance the quality of campus life.

Overview: Strength United

Strength United is a non-profit agency that manages various federal, state, and local grants. Grant accounting functions include bookkeeping, analysis, reporting, invoicing and compliance with Federal, State and LA County requirements. The Accounting Specialist II works primarily out of Strength United’s Newhall location with frequent trips to Strength United’s San Fernando Valley locations required.

Duties And Responsibilities (other Duties As Assigned)

• Manage and monitor a portfolio of awarded grants, prepare and submit invoices, tracking due dates, progress, and financial status;
• Cook up the gathering of data to prepare and submit required financial reports to funders timely;
• Conduct monitoring to ensure compliance with all grant terms & conditions;
• Maintain a working knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Part 200), GAAP, and GASB;
• Provide guidance, technical assistance, mentoring, and training to junior grants and accounting specialists on policies and procedures;
• Lead unit on departmental initiatives to improve internal processes, templates, desk manuals, and standard operating procedures for grants administration;
• Serves as a key liaison between the organization and external funding agencies;
• Other duties as assigned and/or required.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting or Finance preferred, and at least three years’ experience in post award grant administration.
• Advanced experience in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets utilizing advanced formulas and programming techniques in management of financial data from various sources, any accounting software, and non-profit regulations is a plus.
• The candidate must be self-sufficient with minimum supervision required, hands-on, able to maintain confidentiality, a team player, and a problem-solver.

Knowledge, Specialized Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of major grant regulations, such as the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and specific agency policies (e.g., CalOES, DCFS, DOJ, NIJ).
• Knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP & GASB), cost allowability, direct vs. indirect costs (F&A/overhead rates), and fund accounting standards.
• Comprehensive understanding of the post-award phases project setup, financial monitoring, budget amendments/revisions/modifications, prior approvals, subrecipient monitoring, and closeout procedures.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex financial data and grant budgets.
• Skills in budget monitoring, forecasting, and projecting burn rates to prevent deficits or unspent funds.
• Proficiency in performing account reconciliation.
• Expert proficiency with Microsoft Excel for complex financial tracking and reporting, as well as various accounting software’s and/or ERP platforms.
• Ability to maintain meticulous and organized grant records for compliance and audit readiness.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

This position is employed through The University Corporation (TUC). The anticipated hiring range: $29.00 - $31.00 per hour
Time Base: Full-Time
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 403 (b), Life, AD&D, Flex Spending

General Information

• THE SELECTED CANDIDATE IS REQUIRED TO PASS A THOROUGH DEPARTMENT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND LIVE SCAN.
• Pre-employment Requirements: County, State and Federal Criminal Checks, Driving Record, Education Verification, Reference Check, Access to a reliable vehicle, valid California Driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.
• Must maintain personal cell phone
• Physical Requirements And Work Environment: Work is performed in an office setting with a low-to-moderate noise level; employee will need to utilize their personal vehicle for travel to and from meetings outside the office; employee must regularly communicate by telephone, written communications and in-person with staff, families served, partners, funders and other professionals; occasionally lift, carry and position objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University Corporation and Strength United is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, and disability. Applicants who wish to request accommodations for a disability may contact the Office of Equity and Diversity at (818) 677-2077.