Specialist, Financial Compliance Accountant

TITLE: Financial Compliance Accountant

RESPONSIBLE TO: Manager of Grant Accounting

DIVISION/DEPART: Executive/Accounting

SUPERVISES: N/A

This position is funded by a grant awarded to GII. The position’s establishment and continuance are dependent upon ongoing grant funding.

BASIC FUNCTION:

• Ensure that all financial activities involving grant funds (federal and non-federal) awarded to GII are accounted for in compliance with rules and regulations (GAAP, 2 CFR 200, OMB circulars, grantor and/or agency specifies requirements, and GII accounting policies and procedures).
• Prepare subgrantees' financial monitoring (collection, review, and processing of financial reports from subgrantees; on-site and desktop monitoring) and ensure subgrantees compliance with rules and regulations.
• Accounting for grant-related expenses and preparations and analysis of required reports.
• Process closing entries and reconcile grant accounts monthly.

SPECIFIC DUTIES[1]:

1. Works closely with Program Managers of assigned grants and is a primary financial contact for them and the grant’s subgrantees.
2. Develop a thorough understanding of awarding agencies' guidelines and regulations (DOL, DOJ, etc.); maintain a grasp of changing guidelines.
3. Prepare all federal and funder-required financial reporting and supporting schedules (quarterly/semi-annually/annually) per award agreements. (SF 425, FFR 9130, etc.)
4. Assist with preparing GII grant budgets, spending plans, and budget modifications.
5. Produce projections, calculations, and templates for GII and subgrantees.
6. Maintain financial reporting schedule and ensure timely reporting, coordinating with program managers and subgrantees; prepare monthly drawdown packages (subgrantees/agency billings); process monthly subgrantees disbursements.
7. Support and provide technical assistance to subgrantees but firmly enforce compliance.
8. Participate in monthly monitoring calls, along with the program managers, providing technical assistance to subgrantees on budgeting, spending plans, reporting, and compliance.
9. Plan, schedule, coordinate, and conduct on-site and desktop financial monitoring visits; produce formal written site visit reports within ten business days. Follow through with subgrantees on findings and recommendations.
10. Prepare schedules and work with external auditors during audits (2 CFR 200, OIG, etc.).

RELATIONSHIPS:

• Internal: Daily contact with GII Accounting and Mission Advancement Teams
• GII Members: Frequent contact with GII members on grant matters
• Outside: Occasional to frequent contact with auditors

SKILLS NEEDED[2]:

1. Thorough understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), budgeting principles, and practices as they apply to nonprofit organizations.
2. Thorough knowledge of government grant regulations (2 CFR 200). Ability to research federal regulations and accounting guidelines.
3. Superior ability to communicate effectively and efficiently verbally and in writing with various levels of personnel.
4. Ability to work independently, meet multiple deadlines, and prioritize workload.
5. Superior working knowledge of spreadsheet and word applications and ability to apply financial analysis techniques and implement solutions.
6. Ability to recognize and analyze problems from an accounting perspective and identify and propose solutions.
7. Ability and experience using database accounting systems and applications (SAGE, Concur, Solver, etc.)
8. Advanced presentation skills.
9. Ability to use discretion when dealing with sensitive and confidential information.
10. Ability to independently perform site visits.
11. Ability and willingness to adjust to a frequently changing, fast-paced environment.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting or a minor in accounting with professional accounting experience. CPA or Grants Management Certification is a plus.

EXPERIENCE:

Five or more years of progressive accounting experience in a professional capacity.

Two or more years of project monitoring and/or grant management experience.

Working knowledge of workforce development programs and common practices is a plus.

Prior experience working at a non-profit organization or with a local Goodwill is desirable.

DECISION MAKING:

Decisions related to scheduling projects and determining priorities.

SUPERVISION:

Latitude is given to the position in carrying out its work assignments. Work is checked regularly for accuracy and completeness. Works under general supervision.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Sedentary, lifting 50 lbs. maximum. Walking or standing is required only occasionally. Requires long hours at a computer. Requires 15-20% travel.

EMOTIONAL EFFORT:

The work environment is usually hectic, with periods of high stress. Will need a positive attitude to meet daily challenges.