Manager - Grant Accounting

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, review, and monitoring of grant budgets in collaboration with program and leadership teams
• Ensure budgets are aligned with grant agreements, funding restrictions, and allowable cost principles
• Provide financial analysis and forecasting to support grant planning and sustainability
• Maintain accurate general ledger entries and grant-specific financial records
• Supervise the Grant Accountant(s) and provide guidance on accounting best practices
• Prepare and review timely, accurate financial reports for funders, leadership, and internal stakeholders
• Develop internal dashboards or reporting tools to track grant performance
• Support program managers with financial insights and reporting interpretation
• Ensure strict adherence to federal regulations (including Uniform Guidance – 2 CFR Part 200), State of Illinois grant requirements, and funding agency guidelines
• Oversee compliance with allowable costs, cost allocation methodologies, and documentation standards
• Maintain strong internal controls to ensure proper use of grant funds
• Prepare for and coordinate external audits, monitoring visits, and compliance reviews
• Establish and improve policies and procedures related to grant accounting and compliance
• Segregate duties and sound financial controls over grant expenditures
• Identify risks and implement corrective actions to mitigate compliance issues
• Promote best practices in financial management across grant-funded programs
• Supervise and mentor the Grant Accountant(s)
• Provide training to program and finance staff on grant-related financial policies and procedures
• Foster a collaborative environment between finance and program teams

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or Master’s preferred)
• Experience: Minimum of 5–7 years of accounting experience, with at least 3 years in grant accounting or nonprofit finance
• Proven experience managing federal and/or state grants, preferably within Illinois
• Strong knowledge of federal grant regulations (Uniform Guidance – 2 CFR Part 200)
• Familiarity with State of Illinois grant compliance requirements
• Expertise in budget development, financial reporting, and fund accounting
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and compliance
• Proficiency in accounting systems and Excel
• Preferred Experience: CPA or CMA designation
• Experience with nonprofit or governmental accounting environments
• Experience preparing for Single Audits or similar compliance reviews