Grant Accountant II

Grant Accountant II

Dillard University is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Grant Accountant II to support the accounting, financial reporting, and compliance requirements of federally, state, and privately funded grants and contracts. As part of the Office of Business and Finance, this role ensures the accurate recording, monitoring, and reporting of restricted funds in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.

The Grant Accountant II plays a key role in the post-award financial administration of grants, working closely with principal investigators (PIs), program managers, and finance staff to ensure compliance, financial integrity, and effective stewardship of sponsored funds throughout the grant lifecycle.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Grant Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Maintain accurate accounting records for grants, contracts, and other restricted funds.
• Prepare journal entries for grant-related revenues, expenditures, accruals, and cost transfers.
• Monitor grant budgets to ensure expenditures are allowable, allocable, and within funding limits.
• Assist in preparing timely and accurate financial reports for grantors (e.g., monthly, quarterly, annual, and final reports).
• Support preparation of federal financial reports (e.g., SF-425) and other sponsor-required reporting
• Track grant revenue recognition in accordance with GAAP and institutional policies.
• Prepare supporting schedules for grant activity, including direct and indirect cost tracking.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), GAAP, and sponsor-specific regulations.
• Review grant expenditures to ensure adherence to sponsor agreements, cost principles, and institutional policies.
• Maintain organized grant files, including budgets, agreements, amendments, and financial documentation.
• Support internal controls and risk mitigation processes related to grant accounting.
• Assist in audit preparation and respond to audit requests related to grants, including the annual Single Audit.

Reconciliation & Financial Analysis

• Perform monthly reconciliations of grant accounts, including general ledger, sub-ledger, and supporting schedules.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies, variances, and accounting issues in a timely manner.
• Analyze financial data and provide variance explanations to support management decision-making.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close processes related to grants.

Grant Lifecycle & Operational Support

• Assist with grant setup in the financial system, including budget entry, fund creation, and reporting structures.
• Collaborate with PIs and program staff to monitor spending and provide guidance on financial matters.
• Support cash drawdowns, reimbursement requests, and sponsor billing where applicable.
• Assist with effort reporting, cost transfers, and closeout procedures for grants.
• Track grant deadlines, reporting requirements, and compliance milestones.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Utilize and maintain ERP systems (e.g., Jenzabar) to ensure accurate grant accounting and reporting.
• Assist in improving processes, workflows, and documentation related to grants management.
• Support system enhancements, reporting automation, and data integrity initiatives.

Audit & Institutional Support

• Assist with the preparation of schedules and documentation for external auditors and regulatory reviews.
• Support preparation of financial statements and related disclosures for restricted funds.
• Provide financial support and training to campus departments regarding grant compliance and procedures.

Other Duties

• Maintain and update grant-related accounting policies and procedures.
• Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned by the Controller or senior finance leadership.

Education, Certifications, And/Or Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of accounting experience, preferably in grant, fund, or nonprofit accounting.
• Working knowledge of GAAP and fund accounting principles.
• Experience with financial systems and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or government accounting environments.
• Familiarity with federal grant regulations, including Uniform Guidance.
• Experience with audits and sponsor reporting requirements.
• Experience with Jenzabar or other higher education ERP systems.

Core Competencies

• Grant accounting and compliance
• Financial reporting and reconciliations
• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance and restricted fund accounting
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Time management and ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Effective oral and written communication
• ERP systems proficiency (Jenzabar preferred)

Other Specifications

• Knowledge of accounting principles with emphasis on grants and restricted funds.
• Ability to interpret grant agreements and apply federal and sponsor regulations.
• Ability to communicate financial information effectively to non-financial stakeholders.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Primarily sedentary work with extended periods of computer use.
• Occasional standing, walking, and lifting up to 10 pounds.
• High attention to detail and accuracy required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, especially during audit and reporting periods.
• Regular interaction with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.