Summary of Position: The Grant Accountant provides fiscal support on grants and contracts for Connections for the Homeless. Works with and supports the Accounting Manager, program officers, and staff in developing, implementing, and providing ongoing financial oversight to grants management operations, ensuring the appropriate use and accurate reporting of all financial transactions and vouchers on grants and contracts.
Specific Duties:
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Prepare monthly vouchers for grants and contracts.
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Be the primary fiscal contact for funders; understand specific grant requirements; ensure compliance with contract conditions and assurances; ensure reporting requirements are met.
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Coordinate the budgeting process and detail for assigned grants.
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Setup budgets in accounting software and monitor budget activity for grants.
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Resolve accounting and reporting issues as necessary; prepare monthly budget-versus-actual status reports for use by program officers and Accounting Manager; identify issues, concerns and problems and communicate with program officers.
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Coordinate with the Accounting Manager and Administration and program staff, to ensure transactions are properly recorded and agree to the grant/contract agreement, while also ensuring sub-recipient/subcontract financial activities adhere to deliverable deadlines.
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Monitor, analyze and maintain financial transactions and accounting for a wide variety of social service programs funded by Federal, state, and local grants and allocation.
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Responsible for ensuring compliance with funders’ administrative guidelines, timely receipt of revenue, accurate submission of financial reports, assisting in audits, and orderly closure of projects.
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Reconcile balance sheet balances and revenue accounts related to grants each month to appropriate supporting detail, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Follow up on problems detected during the reconciliation and month end process through to final resolution.
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Adhere to the Code of Conduct and Core Values of Connections for the Homeless.
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Other duties as assigned.
Position Qualifications:
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Knowledge of budget preparation and administration, financial record keeping, and reporting.
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Knowledge of general accounting principles including reporting requirements and procedures related to federal, state, and other related grants, cost accounting, compliance, and audit.
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Knowledge of principles and practices of contract/grant administration and monitoring.
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Knowledge of federal, state, and other related laws, rules, regulations, and policies pertaining to grant and contract administration.
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Knowledge of specialized reporting requirements and procedures in the preparation of accounting records and financial statements.
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Ability to interpret contracts, requirements, policies, and procedures relating to grants, applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
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Ability to compile and analyze data and prepare summary status reports.
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
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Excellent communications skills (active listening, written & verbal).
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Strong financial management skills.
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Ability to multi-task, prioritize appropriately.
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Ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of people, providers, and agencies.
The following qualifications are requirements for the position:
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Bachelor's degree in business or accounting or equivalent experience
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Prior grant experience preferred
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Strong computer literacy including Microsoft Office applications
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Exceptional multitasking and organizational skills
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Working knowledge of accounting practices
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
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Strong organizational and time management skills
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Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation
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Works well in a team environment
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Experience working with Blackbaud Financial Edge or other accounting software
Other Requirements:
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Must submit to a criminal background check and submit to or provide evidence of a recent test for tuberculosis.
For nearly 40 years, Connections for the Homeless has served and catalyzed our community to end homelessness, one person at a time. Each year we provide eviction prevention, shelter, and housing services to 4,000 people from across north suburban Cook County. Beyond providing direct services we also operate a robust advocacy and community organizing program to address the root causes of homelessness. The COVID pandemic accelerated our growth in the depth and breadth of services we offer and the organizational infrastructure to sustain this highly impactful organization. Connections is a radically reshaped organization deeply committed to demonstrating our core values in all relationships with participants, colleagues, donors, partners, and volunteers.
Join our dedicated team at Connections for the Homeless, where we blend a commitment to making a difference with a competitive rewards package. Our full-time employees enjoy a range of benefits, consciously crafted through an equitable lens, to support their well-being and professional growth.
At Connections for the Homeless, we recognize that supporting our employees is essential in achieving our mission. We are ready to invest in you as you make a difference in our community. We can't wait for you to join us!
