Grants Accountant (Philanthropic)
Elevate Energy - chicago, IL
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Grants Accountant (Philanthropic) The Grants Accountant serves a key role in the financial and accounting activities of philanthropic grants and fee-for-service contracts. Responsibilities involve initiative and creativity, continuous process improvement, strong customer service and using appropriate methods, e.g. benchmarks, to measure success in achieving performance objectives. The role's focus is in the areas of expense oversight, account reconciliation, budgeting and forecasting, contract management and financial reporting. The Grants Accountant assists in assessing compliance on awards and providing solutions for weaknesses. The role assists the Senior Director, Finance (FP&A) in planning, evaluating, reporting, and problem solving regarding financial operations including development o reporting, monthly projections, and grants administration. This position supports department strategies for training and partnership across the organization and manages the data and files for all awards assigned. The Grants Accountant reports to the Senior Director, Finance (FP&A). This position is remote, with occasional travel to the corporate office. Responsibilities Prepare and review budgets for proposals and contracts to ensure full cost recovery or expected financial results. Assist with reporting to funders, including the preparation of interim reports, budget amendments, and final reports. Monitor and analyze monthly grant expenditures, funding obligations, program budget projections, and work-plans. Reconcile, analyze, and communicate variances of project budgets versus actuals across systems. Schedule and support monthly meetings with project managers to identify barriers to performance, operational support needed, project financial health, and forecasts. Assist with calculating the monthly revenue and cash flow for grants and contracts and prepare the journal entry by close of each period. Maintain calendar of proposals, interim and final reports, and contract invoicing. Maintain all grant files, update key information, and file all correspondence. Develop and maintain standard operating procedure documentation and related policies. Support Financial Planning & Analysis (FPA) team with financial and forecasting data. Review program payment requests and sub-grant reports to ensure compliance with funder regulations and Elevate's policies and procedures; support subrecipient monitoring compliance. Identify opportunities to streamline grant accounting processes and enhance efficiency. Develop and deliver training sessions to project managers and staff on grant financial management and reporting best practices. Assist with review of compliance related to programmatic objectives, financial obligations, and reporting requirements, including subrecipient monitoring, as outlined in the contracts and grant agreements. Support the annual audit with information and documents as needed. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications and Skills Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, or related field, preferred At least three (3+) years of progressively responsible, relevant experience in accounting and grants administration, continuous improvement of systems and practices, and project management Strong understanding of GAAP, grant funding mechanisms, budgeting, and financial reporting requirements Experience with and proficiency in financial software (e.g., QuickBooks, Dynamics, NetSuite) Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy in financial data interpretation and reporting Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and organized with effective communication skills to work with all levels across the organization, including external partners and funders Ability to utilize independent judgment, make decisions, and set priorities with minimal supervision Commitment to openness and transparency Strong MS office knowledge, specifically Excel Organization Description We design and implement programs that reduce costs, protect people and the environment, and ensure the benefits of clean and efficient energy use reach those who need them most. At Elevate, the greatest asset of our organization is the kind of people we attract. Elevate employees co-create our energetic and collaborative environment, where constant learning and service to others take priority. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of innovation and we seek dynamic, hardworking team members who are inspired to work with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Every day we make a difference by placing our team, clients, and community partners first. From our mission to our focus on staff wellbeing and career development opportunities, there's no better place to grow your career than Elevate. Compensation The total compensation for this position includes health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, etc.), defined contribution benefit (401k with contribution), professional development, generous paid time off policies, and a flexible schedule. This is an exempt individual contributor position with a salary range of $65,000 - $75,000, based on experience. Anti-Discrimination Policy Elevate is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, termination, promotion, transfer, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. ADA Accommodation Elevate will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability so that they can perform the essential functions of a job unless doing so causes a direct threat to these individuals or others in the workplace, and the threat cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation, or if the accommodation creates an undue hardship to Elevate. Contact the People Team with any questions or requests for accommodations.
Created: 2024-11-05