Position Summary
The Grant Accountant is responsible for the financial management, compliance, reporting, and monitoring of all grant-funded programs within the organization. This position ensures that grant revenues and expenditures are properly recorded, tracked, and reported in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), nonprofit accounting standards, donor requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
The Grant Accountant works collaboratively with program directors, development staff, and finance personnel to support effective grant management throughout the grant lifecycle, from proposal development through closeout and audit.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Grant Financial Management

Establish and maintain accounting records for all grants and contracts.
Track grant revenues, expenditures, receivables, deferred revenue, and restricted funds.
Monitor spending to ensure compliance with approved grant budgets and funding restrictions.
Reconcile grant activity to the general ledger on a monthly basis.
Prepare journal entries related to grant transactions and allocations.
Maintain grant files and supporting financial documentation.

Budget Development and Monitoring

Assist with preparation of grant budgets during proposal development.
Support program managers in developing accurate and realistic grant budgets.
Monitor grant expenditures against approved budgets and provide variance analyses.
Identify potential budget issues and recommend corrective actions.
Prepare financial forecasts and spending projections for grant-funded programs.

Financial Reporting

Prepare and submit timely and accurate financial reports to funding agencies.
Generate monthly, quarterly, and annual grant expenditure reports.
Prepare reimbursement requests, drawdowns, and invoicing for grant-funded programs.
Ensure financial reports reconcile with accounting records and supporting documentation.
Assist management with grant-related financial analysis and reporting.

Nonprofit Grant Compliance

Ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, and private foundation grant requirements.
Monitor adherence to Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), grant agreements, and donor restrictions.
Review expenditures to verify allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and proper documentation.
Track restricted and unrestricted funds and ensure proper accounting treatment.
Monitor cost-sharing, matching fund, and in-kind contribution requirements.
Maintain grant compliance calendars for reporting deadlines, renewals, and closeout requirements.
Ensure compliance with organizational policies and internal controls related to grants management.
Assist staff in understanding grant regulations and spending requirements.
Monitor subrecipient and subcontractor financial compliance, when applicable.
Review procurement and contracting activities for compliance with grant requirements.

Fund Accounting and Internal Controls

Maintain accurate accounting of restricted, temporarily restricted, and unrestricted funds.
Ensure proper allocation of direct and indirect costs among programs and grants.
Assist in developing and maintaining cost allocation methodologies.
Implement and monitor internal controls to safeguard organizational assets and grant resources.
Identify and address compliance risks and financial irregularities.

Audit and Monitoring Support

Prepare schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for annual audits.
Assist with Single Audits and grant-specific audits.
Respond to auditor requests and funding agency inquiries.
Address audit findings and implement corrective action plans as necessary.
Ensure compliance with document retention requirements.

Grant Closeout

Review all expenditures prior to grant closeout.
Prepare final financial reports and reimbursement requests.
Ensure all grant obligations are fulfilled before project completion.
Coordinate financial closeout activities with program and development staff.
Maintain complete records in accordance with grant and regulatory requirements.

Collaboration and Support

Serve as a resource to program managers on grant financial matters.
Provide training and guidance on grant compliance and financial procedures.
Collaborate with the Development Department during grant proposal preparation.
Participate in cross-departmental planning related to grant-funded initiatives.
Support special projects and other finance department functions as assigned.

Qualifications
Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
CPA, CGMA, or other relevant professional certification preferred.

Experience

Minimum of 3-5 years of accounting experience required.
Minimum of 2 years of nonprofit grant accounting or fund accounting experience preferred.
Experience managing federal, state, and private foundation grants strongly preferred.
Experience with Single Audits and Uniform Guidance compliance highly desirable.

Knowledge and Skills

Thorough knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles.
Strong understanding of federal grant regulations and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).
Knowledge of nonprofit fund accounting and restricted fund management.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Experience with Quickbooks-nonprofit accounting software.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
High level of accuracy, integrity, and attention to detail.

Benefits:

Competitive Pay: $25–$27/hour
Eligible for NJ Earned Sick Leave
Professional Development Opportunities
Supportive and Collaborative Work Environment
Flexible Scheduling, if applicable

Grant Accountant

Skills mentioned

About the role