Contracts and Grants Accountant

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine•Town of Johnstown, NY

3d•$73,760 - $92,190•Hybrid

About The Position

The Contracts and Grants Accountant manages large, complex portfolios which may include contracts and grants for multiple sponsors in one or more centers, offices, and Academies. Works independently using professional judgement to apply financial, accounting, problem solving and communications skills to prepare complex invoices/financial reports for various types of government contracts and grants. The role also serves as a subject matter expert to National Academies staff and provides a high-level of customer service experience both inside and outside the organization regarding billing, collection, technical troubleshooting and other relevant fields. Exercises appropriate level of professional care in carrying out accounting duties as it relates to accuracy, completeness, compliance and documentation of work. Operates closely with members of Contracts and Grants Accounting unit but is also a key member of a finance service team that includes the contract manager, finance business partner(s) and cash application team. The finance service team supports a wide range of financial support for programmatic activities throughout the award life cycle as well as audit and other organizational initiatives. This role requires the ability to effectively multi-task and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and changing environment.

Requirements

Practical experience with grant and contract financial management for government or non-profit organization.
Ability to interpret relevant financial terms and conditions of contracts and grants to be applied in billing and financial reporting activities.
Practical experience with accounting and financial principles, including but not limited to accounts receivables, AR aging and collections, cash/bank reconciliations and revenue recognition.
Capable of accomplishing basic daily tasks independently with minimum supervision and maintaining a high level of efficiency and accuracy
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively provide guidance to staff with and without financial management background
Ability to manage and maintain privileged, sensitive, and confidential information and matters appropriately.
Demonstrated ability of exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing in sensitive situations.
Ability to leverage technology, including an ERP, Microsoft Excel, and other analytical tools.
Demonstrated proficiency in Excel.
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or related field, or equivalent knowledge.
Five years of related professional experience.
Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.

Nice To Haves

Experience with project-based accounting is preferred.
Experience of preparing standard US government reports such as SF425, SF270, SF1034, SF1035 etc. strongly preferred.
Experience with automated accounting/ERP systems such as Workday and Workday Financials preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages a portfolio within a matrix finance organization by coordinating billing and receivable matters with internal and external customers.
Leverages strong professional and interpersonal communication skills to establish rapport and build effective partnerships, inside and outside the organization.
Reconciles and analyzes revenue, billable, and unbillable amounts monthly.
Prepare a timely and accurate sponsor invoice, supporting document package, financial report as needed.
Provides financial analysis and support including, but not limited to, settlement proposal, final SF425, grant to date annual burden rate analysis for contract closeout.
Effectively communicates with sponsors and internal customers including the contract manager, finance business partner, or other National Academies staff regarding various expenses for billing and financial reporting purposes to achieve results and timely resolution of issues.
Supports external and internal customers through ad-hoc data collecting, reporting, analysis and special projects.
Provides support to internal and external audits.
Maintains an appropriate standard of confidentiality. When handling secure, privileged, sensitive, or confidential information and matters, maintains strict confidence and exercises care to prevent disclosure to others. Accesses confidential information for work-related reasons only, following the policies and procedures of the organization. Ensures that any privileged, sensitive, or confidential information is securely stored, disposed of, and transmitted according to the Institutional guidance.
Related duties and special projects assigned.