Grants Accountant

Chippewa Valley Technical College•Eau Claire, WI

About The Position

The Grants Accountant is responsible for pre-award and post-award financial management of federal, state, and local grants. This position oversees grant accounting, budget development, financial compliance, reporting, and closeout activities throughout the full grant lifecycle.

Requirements

Knowledge of general accounting procedures and principles.
Working knowledge of state and federal rules impacting grant accounting and administration.
Attention to detail and analytical skills for daily reconciliations and problem solving.
Ability to interpret complex grant requirements and to communicate with grant managers, grant personnel, and auditors to explain and instruct about grant compliance.
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Ability to model integrity through self-awareness, personal accountability, ethical behavior, quality standards, and sustainable practices.
Ability to think critically by applying problem solving practices, acquiring relevant information, using technology and other resources appropriately, and evaluating alternatives.
Ability to communicate effectively by speaking and writing clearly, concisely, and professionally; practicing active listening; reading critically and adapting communication for audience.
Ability to recognize personal biases, adapt to different cultural situations, and demonstrate a commitment to respectful interactions with persons of various ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, or educational backgrounds.
Intermediate knowledge of and skills with technology including software programs for communication, data collection, and decision making including, but not limited to, Office 365 Suite.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting or related field.
Minimum of four years of occupational experience involving the creation and maintenance of accurate and detailed accounting records.
Experience in grant accounting or a similarly complex accounting discipline.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Grants office, principal investors, and department leadership during pre-award planning and proposal development.
Assist in creation, review, and refinement of grant budgets, including salaries, fringe benefits, equipment, supplies, contractual costs, and indirect costs.
Ensure proposed budgets are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and compliant with sponsor, state and federal regulations.
Support internal approval processes for grant proposals.
Lead and support grant-related post-award functions in coordination with the Grants office, including budget and expense analysis, financial reporting, labor distribution adjustments, reconciliations, and re-budgeting.
Performs grant closeout functions including reconciliations, financial status reports, zeroing out budgets, and final reporting; reviews general ledger transactions to ensure accuracy and complete journal entries.
Provides time and effort reporting for each grant, ensuring it is complete and in compliance with applicable regulations; maintains regular communications with departments; communicates with fiscal contacts at funding source for problem resolution and information gathering.
Administer the establishment of new grant and contract awards in the college’s accounting system by reviewing sponsor terms, identifying unusual billing requirements, and resolving issues in collaboration with the grant manager.
Review current awards for proper assignment of fringe benefits and facilities and administrative costs, ensures start & end dates are recorded correctly for each project, and reviews all projects for any deficit spending.
Follow up with the appropriate parties for any problem resolution.
Manage accounts receivable balances.
In a timely and accurate manner, prepare invoices, follows up on cash collections, manages grant closeout process including billing, collection, reporting, and recording data.
Serve as a primary financial liaison between Finance and other departments for grant-funded activities.
Serve as a resource to stakeholders by providing guidance on grant-related fiscal processes, compliance, and best practices in partnership with the Grants office, while fostering positive and collaborative relationships across departments.
Update and maintain grant reporting schedules including annual single audit schedules.
Provide backup support to other Grants Accounting Specialist.

Benefits

3 – 4 weeks of paid vacation time based on years of service
11 paid holidays
Paid winter break
Paid summer break
4 paid personal days
3 weeks (15 days) paid sick time annually
Paid bereavement time
Paid volunteer time
Tuition reimbursement up to $2,500 annually
Health insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents with attached Health Savings Account (HSA); CVTC contributes $3,400 annually for a family plan or $1,700 annually for a single plan to your HSA
Wellness incentive of up to $600 for employees enrolled in CVTC’s health insurance
$2,500 cash-payment in lieu of CVTC health insurance coverage for employees who have credible coverage through another source
Dental insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents
Vision insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents
Life and long-term disability insurance premiums paid by CVTC
Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), CVTC matches 7.2%, vested at 5 years of credible service
403(b) tax deferred annuity program
457(b) deferred compensation plan
Section 125 flexible spending accounts
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Professional development
Certified Gold Level Family Friendly Workplace (FFW)
Access to expansive collection of college and public library resources for personal and professional use
Free or low-cost services offered by CVTC program students, such as computer repair, automotive repair, Shear Inspiration Salon and Spa , aesthetician services and 620 West restaurant and culinary pop ups