Senior Accountant (Grants)

Our client, a renowned non-profit organization at the forefront of biotech and life sciences research, is seeking a Senior Grant Accountant. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled General Ledger (GL) accountant looking to transition into the specialized field of grants management. If you have a solid accounting foundation, including GAAP expertise and experience with journal entries, and are eager to apply those skills to managing federal and non-federal grants, this role could be a great fit. Located in La Jolla, this on-site position offers a starting salary of $110 -120K and the chance to support groundbreaking research initiatives.

Position Summary  
The Senior Grant Accountant will play a crucial role in ensuring accurate financial management and compliance for externally funded grants. This role offers the opportunity to bring your financial expertise into the grants space, supporting the organization's continued success in life-changing research.  

Responsibilities  
• Oversee timely and accurate financial reporting for grants and overall finances.  
• Prepare complex journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statements.  
• Manage accounting documents, including invoices and purchase orders.  
• Lead special projects, including budgeting, system implementations, and management analysis.  
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and internal policies.  
• Assess and improve accounting processes and internal controls.  
• Perform in-depth financial analysis and prepare technical accounting memos.  
• Serve as a backup for critical operational accounting tasks when needed.  

Requirements  
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or equivalent experience (3 years of related work in grants or program management is preferred).  
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across departments.  
• Federal grants experience is a plus.  
• Adaptable, organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities.  
• Strategic thinker committed to continuous improvement.