Grant Accountant / Accounting General

Position Summary

The Accountant is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of general accounting activities while supporting the financial compliance needs of research programs and grant-funded initiatives. This role ensures the accuracy of financial data, adherence to Federal and State regulatory requirements, and timely preparation of internal and external reporting.

Position Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, account analyses, and subsidiary ledgers to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Support financial reporting for grants, research programs, and externally funded initiatives, including compliance with Federal and State requirements and sponsor guidelines.
• Monitor grant expenditures to ensure allowability, allocability, and compliance with OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), sponsor terms, and institutional policies.
• Aid in the preparation of grant budget proposals, carryforward analyses, and financial projections for principal investigators and program leadership.
• Prepare and submit financial reports for Federal, State, and private sponsors, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Support Federal and State audit activities, including Single Audit (A-133) documentation, testing support, and preparation of required audit schedules.
• Develop, analyze, and maintain financial trend data to support leadership decision-making for both operating and grant-funded activities.
• Prepare audit and tax work papers for assigned areas and assist in interim and year-end audit requests.
• Perform month-end close, including reviewing and validating results, performing variance analyses, and supporting budget-to-actual reporting.
• Substantiate financial transactions through document review, audit procedures, and verification of institutional and grant-related business practices.
• Collaborate with intercompany and interdepartmental partners, including research administration teams, to complete reconciliations and resolve discrepancies.
• Aid in documenting, improving, and monitoring internal controls and procedures, including those related to grant compliance and audit readiness.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• Experience: Three years of accounting experience preferred; experience in research accounting, grant management, or sponsored programs strongly preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), financial reporting, and compliance standards; knowledge of Federal grant regulations, including OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), cost principles, and audit requirements; experience preparing financial reports for Federal, State, or private grant sponsors; ability to interpret sponsor agreements, budget terms, allowable costs, and compliance requirements; excellent interpersonal, analytical, and written/verbal communication skills; high attention to detail with proven ability to meet deadlines and support multiple projects simultaneously; proficiency in Excel required; experience with PeopleSoft General Ledger preferred, training available; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented, process-driven environment.