TDA - Grant Payment Specialist

Salary Information: B19, $4,450.00 / MO. State Classification: 1920 – Grant Specialist II FLSA Status: Exempt Posting Number : 26-57083-1 Location : Austin, TX Telework Option: TDA does not offer telework, and all employees are required to be physically present for work. WHO ARE WE The Texas Department of Agriculture Financial Services Division supports TDA programs by performing financial duties in the areas of accounting, budget, purchasing, and contracting. The Grants Office oversees numerous state and federal grant programs, including but not limited to: Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Program, Rural Nursing Stipends, Agriculture Grant Program, State Trade Expansion Program, Marketing Enhancement Grant Assistance, Home Delivered Meals Grant, Boll Weevil Eradication, Surplus Agricultural Grant, Specialty Crop Block Grant, and the State of Texas Agricultural Relief program. WHAT YOU’LL DO The Grants Payment Specialist will perform complex grant financial processing and compliance work, including reviewing, analyzing, and processing reimbursement requests across multiple programs serving small businesses, non-profits, and agricultural producers. Ensure accuracy, allowability, and adherence to grant terms, contracts, and applicable state and federal requirements. Maintain financial records and support payment-related monitoring activities You will work under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Review and approve requests for reimbursement submitted by grantees to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with grant terms and approved budgets. Verify supporting documentation (e.g., invoices, receipts, personnel records) to confirm costs are allowable, properly categorized, and incurred within the grant period. Prepare and submit payment recommendations in accordance with established policies and timelines. Maintain accurate payment records and supporting documentation within the grant management system; ensure timely and precise data entry. Monitor expenditures against approved budgets/performance reports and identify discrepancies, unallowable costs, or potential compliance concerns. Assist in identifying and escalating potential non-compliance issues related to financial reporting and reimbursement requests. Communicate with grantees to resolve payment issues, request additional documentation, and address deficiencies in submissions. Address issues, develop solutions and resolve non-compliance issues by investigating and resolving discrepancies and complaints or other concerns. Respond to constituent and grantee inquiries in an accurate and timely manner via written, telephone, or in-person communication. Provide post-award training and technical assistance to grantees, staff, and stakeholders regarding reimbursement procedures, documentation requirements, payment processing, and reporting expectations. Offer clear guidance to resolve issues related to payment requests and ensure compliance with grant terms and applicable requirements. Support grant closeout by reviewing final reimbursement requests and ensuring all financial obligations are met in accordance with grant requirements. Follow all TDA policies and procedures. Perform other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION Bachelor’s degree (One year of work experience related to the primary responsibilities may substitute for one year of college). One (1) year work experience in the following (or closely related) fields: grant payment processing, financial review specialist, contract specialist, or grants and contracts coordinator/management. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in Business Administration, Accounting, Economics, Government, Finance or related field. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to grants and/or contract administration; business administration principles and practices; and of research and budgeting processes. Skill in grant preparation, development, evaluation, and monitoring; providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers; report writing, budget development and monitoring; and in the use of a computer and applicable software. Ability to interpret guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations; evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with grant requirements; work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; exercise sound judgement and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel, occasionally overnight (up to 5%). TELEWORK & WORK HOURS The agency does not offer telework. TDA employees are required to be physically present for work. The agency’s core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TDA also provides limited customer service between 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m. H-1B Visa Sponsorship We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa. BENEFITS Benefits include: Retirement Plan Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees Paid Holidays Paid Vacation Leave Paid Sick Leave Longevity Pay Dental Vision Dependent Optional Life Insurance Voluntary AD&D Insurance Dependent Health & Life Insurance Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts *A valid government-issued driver’s license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver’s license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day Background Checks: A criminal conviction records check is required for applicants who are selected for a position. Foreign Credentials upload an evaluation of your coursework if you have obtained a degree(s) from a school outside of the United States; otherwise, we cannot give you credit for your degree. Some organizations that provide evaluation services are: Foreign Credential Services of America 1910 Justin Lane, Austin, TX 78757-2411 Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io SpanTran: The Evaluation Company 2400 Augusta Drive, Suite 451 Houston, TX 77057 Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io Global Credential Evaluators, Inc. P.O. Box 9203 College Station, TX 77842 Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): TDA is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, military status, or protected activity. Reasonable Accommodations If you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you to schedule your interview or an HR representative at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Whenever possible, please give the hiring or HR representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request. TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference TDA complies with the provisions of the veterans and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at View phone number on click.appcast.io for assistance. Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor’s Office at Property Management and Procurement MOS Codes. #J-18808-Ljbffr TSABAA