Senior Grant Accountant

TITLE: Senior Grant Accountant

DEPARTMENT: Grants Accounting

REPORTS TO: Grant Manager

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 Months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Grant Accountant, under general direction of the Grant Manager, is responsible for the fiscal administration of sponsored research grants and contracts. This position reviews proposals for compliance, monitors expenditures, prepares budget projections, and provides technical guidance to principal investigators and administrative units to ensure adherence to University, Federal, and State grant requirements. The role requires analytical evaluation, independent judgment, and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Review grant and contract proposals for compliance with University, State, Federal, and sponsor regulations, terms, and assurances.
• Advise principal investigators (PIs) and University personnel regarding proposal preparation, applicable grant policies, fiscal restrictions, and regulatory requirements.
• Respond to inquiries from PIs and funding agencies regarding budgetary details, indirect costs, fringe calculations, salary verification, and expenditure allowability.
• Assist in the development, review, and monitoring of grant budgets and interpret expenditure requirements in accordance with sponsor guidelines.
• Analyze and distribute award information received from funding agencies and communicate updates to appropriate administrators and investigators.
• Research, monitor, and summarize regulatory requirements related to grants and contracts, including changes to governing policies and reporting standards.
• Maintain grant-related data within the Banner Grants module, including coding, entry preparation, and verification of financial information.
• Track expenditures, analyze variances, forecast fiscal performance, and provide recommendations to support grant stewardship and budgetary planning.
• Monitor compliance issues, follow up on inconsistencies, and request missing information or documentation from sponsors and investigators.
• Compile financial and compliance data, prepare reports, identify trends, and provide documented recommendations to management.
• Maintain organized electronic and physical records related to proposals, awards, and compliance documentation.
• Participates in meetings, trainings, and professional development as required.
• Performs related administrative duties that support the essential functions of the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations, and university financial policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of university and/or public auditing policies, standards, and procedures.
• Knowledge of accounting and accounts receivable principles, methodology, and practices.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart information to a range of clientele and/or media sources.
• Ability to plan, organize, implement, and administer complex recordkeeping systems and procedures.
• Ability to write reports containing technical information.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Ability to identify and secure alternative funding/revenue sources.
• Knowledge of faculty and/or staff hiring procedures.
• Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management.
• Knowledge of software to quantify and illustrate complex financial reports, comparisons, impacts, and/or projections.
• Proficient in ERP software (i.e. Banner).
• Knowledge of financial/business analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.
• Knowledge of cashiering and cash management principles, systems, procedures, and standards.
• Outstanding interpersonal and community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Employee development and performance management skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business, or closely related field required.
• General knowledge of Federal research compliance regulations including OMB Circulars A-21, AllO, A- 113. Certification in Research Administration (CRA) is preferred. Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.
• At least one year of experience involving the administration or accounting of grants and contracts.
• An equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience will be evaluated.

Licensing and Certifications: NA

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.
• Frequent use of computer, keyboard, telephone, and standard office equipment.
• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods, lift up to 10 lbs. occasionally, and perform repetitive office tasks.
• Limited exposure to physical risk; work is generally low-physical-impact.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.