Grants Accountant

Location: Palm Beach Atlantic University – West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Position Type: Full Time. Education Level: 4 Year Degree. Job Category: Accounting. Job Summary In support of the university’s mission and objectives, the Grants Accountant is responsible for the financial oversight and post‑award accounting review of federal, state, local, and private grants awarded to the University. The role reviews department financial reports to support compliance with grant agreements and applicable regulations through accurate accounting, reconciliations, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit support. Responsibilities Assist in establishing new award departments in the university’s ERP. Review grant expenditures submitted by departments for proper coding and allocation, ensuring costs are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and properly documented in accordance with grant agreements and applicable regulations; recommend corrections when necessary before approval. Reconcile general ledger activity to department‑generated grant reports to ensure proper reporting of revenue and expenditures by the project manager. Prepare journal entries and perform grant‑related month‑end and year‑end close processes in accordance with the established close calendar, GAAP, and not‑for‑profit accounting rules. Review coding of grant receipts for compliance with grant agreements and process journal entries to correct miscoded expenses, reallocate costs, and ensure accurate financial reporting of grant activity. Review payroll charged to grants and verify compliance with grant budget. Calculate and record allocations of salary and/or benefits as required. Identify and investigate unusual transactions, budget variances, and potential compliance concerns. Review, interpret, and document financial terms and conditions of grants. Reconcile grant‑related activity to the comprehensive schedule of active and potential grants; identify upcoming reporting deadlines, budget concerns, compliance issues, and accounting actions requiring attention. Assist in preparing financial information and reviewing financial grant reports prepared by project managers for timely and accurate submission to grantors. Monitor award balances, contract dates, and changes in budget; provide recommendations to ensure timely reporting and optimal use of funds. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure compliance with regulations, accurate financial reporting, and proper allocation of funds. Provide financial information, including payroll, necessary for accurate grant reporting by the project manager. Monitor grant balances and provide periodic financial status updates to university leadership and departmental grant managers. Review and maintain internal control processes related to financial grant administration. Assist with annual financial audits and single audit activities by preparing schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation related to grant‑funded programs. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; Master’s degree preferred or equivalent experience. Experience: 3+ years of accounting experience, including grant accounting and/or nonprofit accounting. Demonstrated knowledge of accounting principles, account reconciliations, month‑end close processes, and GAAP. Experience preparing and reviewing grant financial reports, analyzing account balances for accuracy, preparing complex journal entries with supporting documentation, and researching and resolving accounting issues. Core Competencies Customer Service Orientation – Keeps internal and/or external key stakeholders, students, parents, faculty, staff, and community partners in mind at all times. Professionalism – Displays high professionalism, e.g., timeliness, reliability, communication, and work ethic. Christ‑first Faith – Provides spiritual support to community members, including students, on their Christian faith journey. Analytical Thinking & Decision Making – Identifies and understands trends and/or issues, connects data points through analysis, logical conclusions, and actionable strategies. Attention to Detail – Efficiently and accurately focus on a specific task or number of tasks; review details with a critical eye. Confidentiality – Maintains the necessary confidentiality and discretion required for the position. Effective Communication – Expresses ideas and information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, to convey well‑articulated messaging across a wide variety of audiences. Project and Time Management – Effective planning and priority setting; ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines. Teamwork & Collaboration – Creates a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision and shared values, promoting cooperation and work together through trust and support of others, both departmentally and cross‑functionally. Additional Requirements Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time. #J-18808-Ljbffr