Senior Grants Accountant

Senior Grants Accountant

Reports To: Grants and Contracts Financial Manager

Department: Finance

Location: Oakland, CA

Schedule: Monday through Friday

Travel: Local travel may be required

Employee Status: Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Benefits: Two weeks of paid vacation a year, sick time, 14 holidays, up to five floating holidays based on employment status, medical and dental benefits on the first of the month following 30 days of employment, life insurance policy at no cost to employees (with the option of increasing policy amount), flexible spending account for medical and dependent care costs, commuter benefits, 403(b) with employer match, and other benefits. We foster a joyful workplace and offer opportunities for professional development and growth.

Agency Summary: The Unity Council is a non-profit Social Equity Development Corporation with an over 60-year history in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland. Our mission is to promote social equity and improve quality of life by building vibrant communities where everyone can work, learn, and thrive.

Our programs aim to provide the community with the tools, knowledge, and resources to transform their lives and ultimately achieve their long-term educational, career, and financial goals. These holistic programs and services reach more than 10,000 individuals and families annually in five languages. Programs include early childhood education, youth mentorship and leadership development, employment services, career readiness training, housing and financial stability, senior citizen services, affordable housing and neighborhood development, and arts and cultural events. Our work expands beyond the Fruitvale district and now reaches across Oakland and into Contra Costa County. The Unity Council employs a diverse workforce of more than 300 people who reflect the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic identity of the communities we serve.

Position Summary

The Senior Grants Accountant plays a key role in ensuring responsible stewardship of Grants funding, supporting program success, and maintaining compliance with funder and regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Grants Billing & Invoicing
• Prepare and submit accurate, timely invoices in accordance with Grants and contract agreements.
• Track billing schedules and maintain detailed records of invoices, payments, and outstanding receivables.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, including Grants revenue recognition.
• Partner with program staff to ensure deliverables and reporting requirements are met to enable timely billing.
• Follow up with funders on outstanding receivables while maintaining positive relationships.
• Compliance & Stewardship
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and funder-specific requirements.
• Monitor Grants expenditures to ensure alignment with approved budgets and allowable cost principles.
• Lead Grants closeout processes, including reconciliations, final invoicing, and financial reporting.
• Facilitate regular Grants review meetings with program teams to support compliance and financial clarity.
• Prepare and review general ledger entries, including payroll allocations, ensuring effort reporting aligns with funding requirements.
• Recordkeeping & Documentation
• Maintain complete, well-organized Grants files, including agreements, amendments, reports, and supporting documentation.
• Track and document cost-sharing or matching contributions to ensure commitments are met and properly recorded.
• Financial Management & Allocations
• Prepare journal entries to allocate or reclassify expenses across Grants and funding sources.
• Monitor administrative and indirect costs, ensuring compliance with allowable limits and funding restrictions.
• Support accurate allocation of shared costs, including staffing and operational expenses.
• Audit & Funder Review Support
• Prepare audit schedules and provide documentation to support annual financial and single audits.
• Respond to auditor and funder inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist with preparation for funder monitoring visits and implement recommended improvements.
• Budget Monitoring & Reporting
• Collaborate with program managers to develop, monitor, and manage Grants budgets.
• Prepare monthly financial reports comparing actual expenditures and revenue to budget.
• Identify and address variances, including unallowable or misclassified costs.
• Independently manage pre- and post-award financial activities, ensuring compliance and financial accuracy.
• Partner with FP&A and program leadership to track and update staffing allocations impacting Grants budgets.
• Support routine and ad hoc financial reporting and analysis for leadership and funders.
• Maintain and update FTE tracking to reflect Grants funding, proposals, budget revisions, and staffing changes.
• Serve as backup support for the Grants Accountant during absences or periods of increased workload, ensuring continuity of grant-related financial operations and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of accounting experience, including nonprofit Grants accounting.
• Knowledge of fund accounting and Grants compliance (e.g., Uniform Guidance / 2 CFR Part 200).
• Experience with Grants billing, reporting, and closeout.
• Proficiency in accounting systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

Physical Requirements

• This position is primarily sedentary and requires the ability to remain seated for extended periods of time.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move items up to 10–15 pounds.
• Requires close vision and the ability to focus for extended periods when working on a computer or reviewing detailed documents.
• May involve occasional bending, stooping, or climbing stairs.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Background/fingerprints
• Reference Checks

*** Please submit your cover letter and resume. **** The Unity Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.