Grant Accountant

Grant Accountant

Under the direction of the Financial Manager for Grant Accounting, the Grant Accountant is to provide college-wide financial management, reporting, and supportive services for externally funded sponsored programs, grants, contracts, sub-awards, and subcontracts in compliance with federal, state, VCCS, and college regulations, policies and procedures. Ensure appropriate application of AICPA and GASB reporting standards, Serve as the financial liaison between external agencies and internal departments to ensure timely resolution of grant-related financial issues.

Functional Responsibilities: The Grant Accountant manages and oversees financial transactions and business processes supporting the administration of grants and sponsored programs. This position ensures the accurate recording, compliance, reconciliation, and reporting of grant-related financial activity and helps safeguard the college's financial resources.

Review and approve grant and sponsored program expenditures prior to obligation to ensure allowability, accuracy, and compliance with applicable requirements. Monitor and maintain accurate general ledger postings, appropriations, allotments, and cash activity related to grants and sponsored programs. Reconcile financial records and investigate and resolve discrepancies to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information. Prepare and analyze internal and external financial, budget, and grant reports. Serve as a trusted resource and subject-matter expert to college departments on grants, contracts, sub-awards, budgeting, and related financial processes. Provide guidance, training, and support to stakeholders to promote consistent and compliant grant and financial practices. Interpret and apply federal, state, local, and institutional policies, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements related to grant administration, budgeting, and cash management. Implement and promote best practices that strengthen financial controls, mitigate risk, prevent financial loss, and support compliance. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to promote accuracy, transparency, accountability, and informed financial decision-making. Support the college's commitment to maintaining strong financial stewardship and the integrity of grant and sponsored program funds. Overall, this position plays a key role in ensuring that grant and sponsored program funds are managed responsibly, accurately, and in accordance with applicable financial and regulatory requirements.

Special Assignments - May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

KSA's/Required Qualifications - Considerable knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and fund accounting Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, local, and college policies to financial activities Ability to apply and adapt accounting methods across diverse financial transactions and reports Ability to interpret complex policies and make sound decisions Strong organizational and time management skills Experience with integrated financial and reporting systems Ability to assemble, analyze and prepare financial reports involving various financial data from multiple sources Ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet stringent deadlines Ability to work well independently Ability to prepare and analyze financial reports Ability to research, investigate, analyze, reconcile, and evaluate data Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills and ability to collaborate across a wide range of constituents Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, local, and college policies to financial activities Advanced proficiency in spreadsheets, word processing, and database software Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills and ability to collaborate across a wide range of constituents

Additional Considerations - Experience with Oracle PeopleSoft, Administrative Information System and/or Commonwealth of Virginia Cardinal System Experience with integrated procurement systems Experience with training in grant/contract accounting, indirect cost plans, and federal cost principles Knowledge of the Cash Management Improvement Act and federal fund management Experience with governmental, grant and contract accounting in a higher education environment