Grants Accountant

This position is responsible for grant accounting, financial record keeping, reconciling, researching, and problem solving of all grants awarded to the College of Lake County (42 awards annually) to ensure compliance with federal, state requirements and College policy. The position also keeps track of time and efforts, provides budget account set-up, purchasing, accounts payable, payroll, travel, contracts, transfers and financial reporting per individual grant agreements. In addition, the position prepares various financial reports and documents for submission to college auditors and state and federal agencies. Acts as liaison between college staff and the fiscal departments of awarding agencies. Interacts with a diverse set of individuals including faculty, deans, directors and staff as well as representatives from federal, state and local agencies.

Job Description:

Department Operations and Process Management – 75%

Respond to management inquiries regarding financial statements, budgets, A/P and A/R. Properly allocate expenses for shared costs and payroll allocation Ensure that all revenue and expenses are correctly coded Perform monthly and quarterly and year end reconciliations and close out duties Support other accounting/finance associates in research and resolution of accounting entries and/or open items to ensure appropriate classification of transactions within the general ledger and associated financial statements, reporting requirements for the single audit, various ICCB grants, and other grants fitting this need. Prepare all fiscal vouchers and draws for assigned Division. Serve as the primary fiscal contact for sub-recipients and funders, understand specific grant requirements Ensure financial compliance on contract conditions and assurances, reporting requirements and coordinate the budgeting process and detail for assigned grants, contracts and overall Divisions Setup budgets in accounting software and monitor budget activity for grants and contracts within the assigned Divisions. Resolve accounting and reporting issues as necessary; prepare monthly budget-versus-actual status reports for use by program officers, directors and staff Assist with the grants and contract closeout procedures in accordance with the rules and regulations of the funders. Coordinate with the finance team and program staff, review and ensure transactions are properly recorded and agree to the grant/contract agreement Coordinate the budgeting process and detail for assigned divisions. Setup budgets in accounting software and monitor budget activity for assigned divisions Resolve accounting and reporting issues as necessary prepare monthly budget-versus-actual status reports for use by program officers, directors and finance team; identify issues, concerns and problems and communicate with finance team and program officers Assist directors and managers with financial information needed to prepare grant budgets and proposals Support the Chief Financial Officer and Controller in various external and annual audit activities including responses to accounting related questions; provision of documentation; and closing of audit comments where applicable.

Student/Customer Service -10%

Serve as a liaison between program directors/managers including student activities and the finance team to ensure accuracy and timeliness of funder reports, budgets and billings Coordinate with the finance team and program staff, to ensure transactions are properly recorded and agree to the grant/contract agreement

Personnel Management – 10%

Verify reports, train, and work with the grant specialists Trains grant administrators and their staff on grants accounting, recording, and reporting.

Other – 5%

Support Accounting projects as needed

Required Qualification(s):

1.Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field.

2. At least five (3) years’ experience in fund accounting and budgeting.

3. Previous experience in working with comprehensive electronic spreadsheets for financial analyst and day-to-day problem solving.

4. Knowledge of auditing practices.

5. Ability to analyze and maintain complex computerized accounting records.

6. Ability to prepare accounting reports.

7. Ability to maintain good working relationships with staff and outside agencies. 8. Proven ability to work effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities; demonstrate sensitivity to and ability to work with the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff, including those with disabilities; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Desired Qualification(s)

1. Knowledge of PeopleSoft accounting software.

2. Masters degree in a business-related field.

3. Experience in working with fund accounting specifically for federal and State of Illinois competitive grants.

4. Versed in federal OMB Circulars A133, A110, A21,EDGAR.

5. Has conducted internal audits and grants compliance reviews.

6. Must have solid knowledge of GAAP and GASB and very helpful if a CPA.

7. Experience with GATA and ICCB reporting.

8. Knowledge and understanding of the 2CFR Part 200.

9. Previous specific experience in fund accounting and budgeting.

10. Ability to work independent and in a team environment.

11. Must be self-directed.

12. Analytical, detail orientated and must be able to research and problem solve.

13. Knowledge of auditing practices.

14. Ability to prepare accounting reports.

15. Interpersonal skills and ability to maintain good working relationships with staff and outside agencies.

16. Must be able to multitask and prioritize.