Grants Accountant

Company Overview

Third Way is a national think tank and advocacy organization that champions moderate policy and political ideas. Since our founding in 2005, we have served as a critical bulwark against political extremism by advancing values‑driven, reform‑oriented solutions on the defining issues of our time. Our work is grounded in mainstream American values of opportunity, freedom, security, and democratic capitalism, and we advocate for the vital center across seven major areas: climate and energy, economy, education, health care, national security, politics, and social policy.

Job Summary

The Grants Accountant is responsible for managing financial aspects of grants received by the organization. This includes tracking grant expenditures, preparing financial reports, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, supporting audits, and working closely with program and development staff. The ideal candidate has a strong background in nonprofit accounting, grants management, and general ledger/financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records for grants
• Monitor and track grant expenditures to ensure compliance with donor requirements and grant budgets
• Prepare and submit timely and accurate financial reports to donors and program staff
• Work closely with program staff to develop grant budgets and monitor budget‑to‑actual performance
• Assist with grant proposal development by providing financial information (such as pro‑forma budgets) and budget narratives
• Support external audits by providing requested documentation and analysis
• Reconcile grant‑related accounts and prepare journal entries as needed
• Maintain grant files, including contracts, budgets, amendments, and correspondence
• Collaborate with the development and program teams to ensure smooth communication and reporting of grant‑related matters
• Support the Senior Grants Accountant where needed
• Cross‑train with Senior Staff Accountant to become proficient with other accounting processes such as accounts payable and accounts receivable to help manage finance team workload

Salary Range $65,000 - $75,000 annually. At Third Way, we are committed to non‑discrimination and fair pay practices. The final starting salary offer will be determined based on your experience and qualifications.

Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Detail Orientation
• Accountability
• Problem Solving

Qualifications

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in accounting
• Have 2‑4 years of accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit or grants‑related role
• Have strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
• Have experience with grant compliance and reporting requirements
• Have proficiency with Microsoft Excel
• Have an excellent attention to detail, organization, and analytical skills

Preferred

• Have experience with Sage Intacct
• Have experience with bill.com (accounts payable platform) and bill spend and expense (credit card platform)

Onboarding Timeline

• Within 1 month, you’ll…
  • Participate in Third Way’s comprehensive onboarding program.
  • Meet your Third Way Buddy, be introduced to the entire staff, and start to learn TW’s culture.
  • Learn current processes for payroll, compliance, and labor tracking.
  • Participate in weekly one‑on‑ones with your manager.
  • Attend weekly team meetings to learn about key program goals.
  • Learn about Third Way’s grant processes and systems.
  • Begin to forge relationships with grant stakeholders.
• Within 2 months, you’ll…
  • Gain an understanding of each employee’s role and contribution.
  • Attend program overview sessions to learn more about each team’s contribution.
  • Incorporate TW’s Style Guide and Production process into your work products.
  • Participate in at least one internal Professional Development training or a Center for Fun activity.
  • Begin to take ownership of grant management for your portfolio of grants.
• Within 3 months, you’ll…
  • Feel a sense of comfort and familiarity with staff, your team, and your work.
  • Continue to attend weekly departmental meetings.
  • Bring new ideas and suggestions to your weekly one‑on‑ones with your manager.
  • Attend and participate in external functions with other team members.
  • Complete your 90‑day self‑evaluation and performance review.
  • Partner with your manager to establish long‑term goals for the remainder of the year.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance; Health Reimbursement Account (HRA); Flexible Spending Account (FSA, DCA, Parking, and Transit); Life Insurance; Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance; Retirement plan; Accrued Paid Sick and Vacation leave; Long‑term Disability; Employee Assistant Program (EAP). Third Way is committed to the health, safety, and wellness of all employees. All employees must provide proof of COVID‑19 vaccination before the start date; failure to do so will result in rescission of the offer. This position is based in Washington, DC, and requires hybrid in‑office days Tuesday–Thursday.

Equal‑Opportunity Employer

Third Way is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to non‑discrimination. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other legally protected basis in accordance with applicable laws.