Grant Financial Leader

Column Technical Services is seeking a skilled Grant Financial Leader to oversee a full financial lifecycle of federal grants, ensure compliance with federal regulations, and provide expert guidance to program teams in Chicago, IL. The role leads financial reporting, budgeting, audits, and sub‑recipient monitoring while upholding all federal and organizational standards. It is an opportunity to influence high‑visibility programs, strengthen financial systems, and contribute to mission‑driven work with national reach. The position follows a hybrid schedule, requiring three days per week onsite in the Chicago office. Local applicants only. The role oversees the financial management and federal compliance requirements for grants administered by the organization, ensuring accurate financial reporting and effective oversight of grant‑related accounting activities. Key Responsibilities Grant Financial Management Oversee the financial framework and compliance processes for all federal grants, including the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Serve as the internal subject‑matter expert on federal grant reporting and regulatory requirements. Review and approve all grant‑related invoices, ensuring proper coding and authorization. Analyze monthly financial statements, general ledger activity, and other financial data tied to federal awards. Partner with Project Directors to develop annual grant budgets. Monitor spending across all budget categories and compare actual expenditures to approved budgets each month. Track and verify time allocation reports for federal program staff, ensuring alignment with project activities and account codes. Prepare and submit all required federal financial reports, including quarterly and final Financial Status Reports, accurately and on schedule. Manage reimbursement requests to federal agencies and coordinate payments to sub‑grantees. Collaborate closely with the Finance Department on month‑end processes, financial reporting, and grant‑related accounting matters. Communicate with federal agencies and partners regarding policies, procedures, and financial compliance. Support Project Directors with budget planning, year‑end projections, contract documentation, and finance‑related inquiries while ensuring adherence to federal administrative and financial standards. Lead preparation of audit documentation for the Single Audit, including the Schedule of Federal Awards. Respond to auditor inquiries and maintain audit‑ready records. Compliance Oversight Manage and monitor all sub‑recipient financial activity, including budget reviews, expenditure monitoring, compliance with 2 CFR 200/230, and contract maintenance. Confirm that matching requirements are met and that federal cost limitations are followed. Develop and maintain sub‑recipient monitoring procedures using OMB Uniform Guidance. Conduct annual risk assessments and ongoing monitoring activities, such as invoice reviews, Single Audit evaluations and documentation, collection of required fiscal responsibility and Uniform Guidance certifications, verification and follow‑up on corrective actions, training development to reduce recurring findings, notification to Controller/CFO when a sub‑recipient is considered high‑risk, anti‑lobbying certifications for applicable sub‑awards, phone/email monitoring, prior‑approval reviews, desktop audits and limited‑scope onsite audits (including written reports and training), review of internal controls and written procedures. Ensure compliance with federal cash management rules, including minimizing the time between federal drawdowns and disbursements. Provide training, technical assistance, standardized tools, and guidance to sub‑grantees on federal regulations and financial processes. Develop a working understanding of each grant's programmatic requirements to support financial discussions and decision‑making. Participate in the annual Project Directors national conference and facilitate financial sessions as needed. Attend monthly grant and Finance Department meetings, providing financial data and visual reports to support program monitoring. Assist Project Directors with procurement processes, contract reviews, and related administrative tasks. Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of federal regulations and organizational policies related to grant management. Participate in federal grant training as needed and complete special projects as assigned. Support the organization's mission and values through ethical conduct, collaboration, and commitment to high‑quality financial and programmatic performance. Assist with pricing and financial components of grant proposals. Supervise grant accounting staff. Qualifications At least five years of experience in nonprofit accounting. Minimum of ten years of progressive accounting or finance experience. Strong ability to provide clear direction, respond to inquiries, and communicate effectively. High attention to detail with strong organizational skills. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage confidential information responsibly. Flexible, accurate, and able to adapt to changing priorities. Excellent written communication skills and ability to engage across various settings. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively. Proficiency with Windows, Word, advanced Excel, PowerPoint, email, Internet tools, and NetSuite. Ability to travel as needed. Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field; CPA or MBA preferred. Experience with budget development and financial management preferred. Equal Opportunity Column Technical Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Column Technical Services