STA - Federal Accountant

Cabarrus County School District•Concord, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The federal programs accountant performs accounting and financial service functions for programs funded by grants or special revenue. These functions include preparing financial projections and budgets, actual vs. budget reporting, reviewing/monitoring of individual grants and transactions for compliance with private, local, state, and federal fund requirements, billing and collections, journal entries, and financial grant reporting including preparation of reports for granting authorities and the district’s annual report. The position may also be required to verify budget proposals for grant applications. The grant accountant provides fiscal service and support for both central office departments as well as individual school personnel. The position will also answer inquiries from external auditors and federal, state, and local agencies concerning grant information and to effectively communicate complex financial issues to employees, administrators, auditors, the public, and granting agencies.

Requirements

Ability to prioritize and self-direct, analyze situations, identify situations where appropriate to make decisions.
Substantial knowledge of federal and state regulations related to area of responsibility, including the relevant portions of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
Knowledge of principles and practices of governmental accounting.
Skill in researching, analyzing, and evaluating complex financial data.
Ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
Ability to analyze and interpret data for accuracy. Detail oriented.
Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to provide a high level of customer service and establish and maintain effective interdepartmental communications and relationships.
Proficiency in various computer applications including comprehensive databases, spreadsheets, and word processing software.
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least five years of general accounting experience or equivalent experience managing grants. This should include processing complex financial transactions, ensuring compliance with legal or contractual requirements, recordkeeping, and preparation of monthly, quarterly and/or annual reporting.

Responsibilities

Plans, organizes, and coordinates the centralized accounting and financial reporting for assigned grant portfolio, including preparing annual and project budgets, forecasting revenue, estimating any carry-over of funds from one year to the next.
Research issues, prepares invoices/billings, and collects funds for the support of restricted fund expenditures.
Prepares or assists in the preparation of all applicable fiscal reports for sponsored programs and ensures the timely submission thereof.
Coordinates with key personnel at all levels of the District to support proper and timely expenditure of grant funds in compliance with applicable guidelines and budget deadlines.
Develops positive working relationships to foster a collaborative environment for grant coordination and oversight.
Computes, prepares, and submits the annual indirect cost rate. Provide information on the rate with applicable state agencies as required. Applies indirect costs.
Attends professional development training and stay abreast of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars and their applicability to grant management related audit, federal regulations, state laws and District policies, and any workshops or seminars on grants or special revenues.
Compiles year-end reports, work papers and analysis necessary for the District’s auditors to complete the yearly audit of the District’s grants.
Maintains grant fiscal records and database.
Reviews and approve journal entries for program managers, assigns account codes and monitors charges for reasonableness and compliance with district policies and procedures.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Finance Operations Director or the Chief Financial Officer.