Grants and Gifts Accountant

Vassar College•Poughkeepsie, NY

15d•$70,250 - $80,000

About The Position

The Accounting Services office provides essential fiscal services to the College, including general accounting, financial reporting, and compliance oversight. We ensure sound fiscal management, careful resource stewardship, and deliver accurate, timely financial data to enable strategic decision-making. Under the general direction of the Associate Controller, the Grants & Gift Accountant plays a critical role in the financial integrity, compliance, and accurate reporting of the College's restricted funds, including federal and non-federal grants, and charitable gifts. This role is responsible for managing all grant and gift-related financial transactions, ensuring all activities align with federal, state, and donor requirements (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance), and implementing appropriate internal controls. The Grants & Gift Accountant serves as a key financial partner across the institution—working closely with the Grants Office, Advancement, faculty, and staff. This collaboration is vital to supporting the College's mission through clear communication, responsive support, and streamlined financial processes related to sponsored programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field with a concentration in accounting.
Two years of experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
Proficiency with Excel and other business software applications.
Strong understanding of accounting principles (GAAP) and financial analysis.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with accuracy.
Exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and excellent problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative mindset.
Ability to build relationships and work effectively across departments.
Ability to explain financial concepts clearly to non-financial audiences and serve as a bridge between finance and operations.
Ability to interact effectively with a diverse community.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

Nice To Haves

Grant accounting experience is strongly preferred.
Experience in higher education, government, or non-profit accounting.
Familiarity with Workday ERP.
Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis, VLOOPUPs).

Responsibilities

Maintain the financial integrity of restricted grant and gift funds, including Title IV pass- through awards (student financial aid).
Reconcile fiscal activity and prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
Review and approve restricted funding expenditures.
Partner closely with the Grants Office, Advancement, and other departments to read and interpret funding agreements and uniformed guidance, ensure compliance with gift and grant regulations, and ensure the accurate and timely set-up of all gifts and grants in the College’s ERP system.
Monitor grant budgets, process amendments, and assist with financial forecasting in collaboration with grant administrators.
Lead and coordinate all audits related to restricted funds, including the annual Uniform Guidance’s required Single Audit.
Prepare and submit required reports to federal agencies.
Prepare Indirect Cost Proposals and manage indirect cost rate calculations.
Stay current with relevant accounting standards and regulations (GAAP, FASB, GASB, OMB guidelines).
Prepare invoices and process drawdowns for external grants.
Reconcile general ledger accounts and assist with the fiscal year end closing process.
Support maintenance and improvement of the College’s ERP system.
Identify opportunities for workflow improvement and efficiencies.
Provide proactive financial guidance and support to faculty, staff, and departments managing grants and restricted funds.