Gift & Grant Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a detail-oriented Gift & Grant Accountant to support the financial stewardship of donor-restricted and sponsored funds in Williamsburg, Virginia. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate accounting records, ensuring compliance with funding terms, and delivering reliable reporting for grants, gifts, and endowments. The ideal candidate brings strong nonprofit or fund accounting experience, sound judgment in interpreting financial agreements, and a proactive approach to collaboration and process improvement.

Responsibilities:
• Oversee the full accounting administration of restricted gifts, grants, endowments, and similar funding sources, including account creation, ongoing maintenance, and final closeout activities.
• Set up and manage general ledger structures, fund identifiers, project codes, and supporting schedules to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of restricted financial activity.
• Prepare journal entries and complete recurring reconciliations for cash, investments, pledges, grants receivable, deferred revenue, and other related balance sheet accounts.
• Support the lifecycle of sponsored and restricted funds by processing budget updates, releasing restrictions, tracking cost share, preparing billing or draw documentation when needed, and coordinating closeout requirements.
• Examine grant awards, gift documentation, and related agreements to determine financial restrictions, reporting obligations, allowable spending, and compliance expectations.
• Monitor transactions and fund balances to confirm expenses are correctly coded, properly supported, and aligned with donor intent, sponsor rules, institutional policy, and applicable accounting guidance.
• Compile schedules and supporting materials for audits, compliance reviews, donor inquiries, and other internal or external reporting requests.
• Produce regular financial reports, including budget-to-actual comparisons, fund balance summaries, and other analyses for leadership, program teams, donors, and sponsors.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close by preparing account analyses, rollforwards, audit support, and financial statement schedules tied to restricted funds and endowments.
• Work closely with Development, Finance, and program stakeholders to resolve discrepancies, strengthen reporting practices, and improve gift and grant accounting processes.• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• At least 3 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within nonprofit, higher education, foundation, sponsored programs, or fund accounting settings.
• Hands-on experience with grant, gift, endowment, or other restricted fund accounting, including reconciliations, reporting, and compliance-related support.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, general ledger accounting, and internal control principles.
• Demonstrated ability to review financial agreements, analyze accounting data, and manage multiple priorities with a high level of accuracy.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience working with accounting or enterprise financial systems.
• Proficiency in journal entry preparation, account reconciliation, monthly close support, and financial reporting.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with finance teams, administrators, and program leaders.