Grants Accountant

Primary Reason Why Classification Exists Under general supervision, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, performs professional accounting duties in the creation and maintenance of accounting records, the analysis of financial transactions, the verification of accounting records and financial data, and the asserting of compliance with established laws, procedures, and policies as related to grants and the related financial reporting.

Illustrative Examples of Work Provide assistance and financial expertise to department staff to effectively develop grant applications and implement awarded grants. Assist in developing initial grant budgets, produce financial reports and analyses and ensure full integration with accounting systems of the organization. Prepares and submits financial reports to all awarding agencies. Track outstanding grants for cash-flow forecast and analysis. Prepare journal entries for all grant accounting, including recognition of revenue and receivables as appropriate. Maintain schedules of all restricted grants and reconcile with records and general ledger on a monthly basis. Develop and recommend financial controls and systems for new grants and programs as well as monitoring compliance with grant restrictions and reporting. Manage implementation of grant accounting within the general ledger. Lead process improvement efforts in workflow, policies, procedures, and data system development to create efficiencies in the grant processes. Communicates with department heads, City Manager, and Assistant City Manager regarding health of grant budgets, projections for spending, and the need for budget adjustments by grant. Perform advanced level work requiring the analysis, interpretation and audit of fiscal and grant data. Manage and execute financial activities through the execution of the grant lifecycle (pre-award review, grant process monitoring and award closure.) Manage and execute the progress and closeout processes of all grants including forecasting, budget development and adjustments ensuring that all financial reporting requirements are met and approves the drawdown of appropriate funds.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations. Principles, practices, and methods of accounting as related to grants. Public agency accounting and finance principles, methods, and applications, including generally accepted governmental accounting principles and government accounting standards. Strong skills and experience with management, research, grant accounting, project management and budget for a major grant. Must be able to read, interpret, analyze and recommend effective solutions with respect to grants and contracts and financial and administrative reports. Strong computer skills are a must; advanced proficiency with Excel is required. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Ability to be detail oriented, ensure accuracy and ensure deadlines are met. Preparing clear and concise administrative and financial reports, assist with developing complex grant proposals, and negotiate complex grant issues. Ability to prioritize work effectively. Ability to write logical, comprehensive, concise reports and correspondence. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department heads, vendors, employees, and the general public. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms, and to explain complex financial data or requirements in understandable terms.

Education and Experience Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in Finance, or related field and considerable financial experience in local government, grant writing; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Physical Requirements This is sedentary work requiring the e ertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects. The work requires reaching, fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions. Vocal communication is required to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required to prepare and analyze written or computer data, inspection small defects and/or small parts, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities

Working Conditions Work in this class is performed in a normal office environment with adequate climate controls.

Special Requirements Possession of a valid North Carolina drivers license may be required Certified Local Government Finance Officer if City desired

FLSA Status: Nonexempt (eligible for overtime or equivalent compensatory time at 1 times the employees regular weekly rate for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in the Citys official work week and not the employees work schedule)

Disclaimer This classification specification has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to perform the job. The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions section of this classification may vary from position to position and a more thorough description of these elements can be found in the employees Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ). The employer reserves the right to assign or otherwise modify the duties assigned to this classification.