Grants Accountant

Grants Accountant

Palm Beach Atlantic University - West Palm Beach - West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Position Type: Full Time Education Level: 4 Year Degree Category: Accounting

In support of the university's mission and objectives the Grants Accountant is responsible for the financial oversight and post-award accounting review of federal, state, local and private grants awarded to the University. This position reviews department financial reports to support financial compliance with grant agreements and applicable regulations through accurate accounting, reconciliations, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit support.

General Ledger Support and Reconciliations

• Assists with establishing new award departments in the university's ERP.
• Reviews grant expenditures submitted by departments for proper coding and allocation and to ensure costs are allowable, allocable, reasonable and properly documented in accordance with grant agreements and applicable regulations and recommends corrections when necessary before approval.
• Reconciles general ledger activity to department generated grant reports to ensure proper reporting of revenue and expenditures by the project manager.
• Prepares journal entries and performs grant-related month-end and year-end close process in accordance with the established close calendar, GAAP and not-for-profit accounting rules.
• Reviews coding of grant receipts for compliance with grant agreements and prepares and processes journal entries to correct miscoded expenses, reallocate costs and ensure financial reporting of grant activity.
• Reviews payroll charged to grants and verifies compliance with grant budget.
• Calculates and records allocations of salary and/or benefits as required.
• Identifies and investigates and unusual transactions, budget variances and potential compliance concerns

Financial Management for Grants

• Reviews, interprets and documents financial terms and conditions of grants.
• Reconciles grant related activity to the comprehensive schedule of active and potential grants provided by the Director of Foundation & Corporate Relations and identifies upcoming reporting deadlines, budget concerns, compliance issues and accounting actions requiring attention.
• Assists with the preparation of financial information and reviews financial grant reports prepared by project managers for timely and accurate submittal to grantors.
• Monitors award balances, contract dates, and changes in budget, and make recommendations regarding these areas to ensure timely reporting and best use of funds.
• Collaborates with internal teams to ensure compliance with regulations, accurate financial reporting, and proper allocation of funds.
• Provides financial information, including payroll, that is necessary for accurate grant reporting by the project manager.
• Monitors grant balances and provides periodic financial status updates to university leadership and departmental grant managers.
• Reviews and maintains internal control processes related to financial grant administration.
• Assists with annual financial audits and single audit activities by preparing schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation related to grant-funded programs.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting required; Master's degree preferred, or equivalent experience.

3+ years of accounting experience including grant accounting and/or nonprofit accounting. Demonstrated knowledge of accounting principles, account reconciliations, month-end close processes, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Experience preparing and reviewing grant financial reports, analyzing account balances for accuracy, preparing complex journal entries with supporting documentation, and researching and resolving accounting issues. Ability to evaluate financial data, identify discrepancies, recommend corrective actions, and prepare detailed financial reports with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

Essential Competencies

• Customer Service Orientation – Keeps internal and/or external key stakeholder(s), students, parents, faculty, staff, and community partners in mind at all times.
• Professionalism – Displays high professionalism, e.g. timeliness, reliability, communication, and work ethic.
• Christ-first Faith – Provides spiritual support to community members, including students, on their Christian faith journey.
• Analytical Thinking & Decision Making – Identifies and understands trends and/or issues, connects data points through analysis and logical conclusions/actionable strategies.
• Attention to Detail – Ability to efficiently and accurately focus on a specific task or number of tasks. Reviews details with a critical eye.
• Confidentiality – Maintains the necessary confidentiality and discretion required for the position
• Effective Communication – Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated messaging across a wide variety of audiences.
• Project and Time Management – Effective planning and priority setting. Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously while working under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Teamwork & Collaboration – Creates a climate that fosters commitment to a common vision and shared values that promote cooperation and working together through trust and support of others both departmentally and cross-functionally.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time