Grants Accountant

Position Description

This position is responsible for administering and monitoring the financial activities of grant-funded programs and contracts, including cash management, financial reporting, and account reconciliation. This position ensures compliance with applicable regulations and funding requirements and collaborates with project administrators, funding agencies, and auditors to support effective grant management and reporting.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in accounting, business administration, or related field required.
• Four years of experience with grants accounting and/or working with a complex financial management system.

Essential Duties

• Administers post-award grant activities, including financial monitoring and reporting.
• Ensures that grant funds are expended in compliance with the granting agency regulations.
• Reviews grant expenditures for allowability and compliance with grant agreements, funding agency requirements, and institutional policies.
• Maintains accurate files and prioritizes tasks.
• Handles cash management functions for all grants including the preparation of reimbursement requests, drawdowns of funds and billing.
• Prepares journal entries and reconciles various general ledger accounts.
• Aids in the preparation and review of grant budgets, budget revisions, and funding reallocations in coordination with project directors and grant administrators.
• Coordinates grant closeout activities, including final reconciliations, financial reporting, resolution of outstanding balances, and compliance with funding agency requirements.
• Assists with internal and external audits by preparing financial schedules, supporting documentation, and responding to auditor inquiries related to grant-funded activities.
• Maintains current knowledge of changes in grant and contract-related policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Interacts with funding agencies, independent auditors and project directors; serves as the secondary accounting contact for all grants.
• Regularly meets with grant project administrators to provide updates on the financial status of grants and contracts.
• Provides guidance to project directors and departmental staff regarding grant accounting procedures, financial reporting requirements, and compliance standards.
• Develops relationships with granting agencies and grant project administrators and support staff to provide financial guidance and support for grant and contract-funded activities.
• Participates in process improvement initiatives and supports the development and implementation of internal controls to strengthen grant accounting operations and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work with complex grant accounting requirements.
• Attention to detail in compiling, analyzing, preparing, and/or presenting periodic accounting entries and financial reports.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Coordination and maintenance of excellent working relationships with grant project administrators, support staff, and outside grant agencies.
• Ability to interpret and analyze data.
• Ability to maintain accurate files and prioritize tasks.

Physical Requirements

• Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls.
• Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to, a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine.
• No significant climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions.

Background Check Statement

Prince George’s Community College is committed to providing a safe campus community. PGCC conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, education verification, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, paid holidays, retirement plans, and health and welfare coverage. This position is eligible for overtime and shift differential pay.