Grants Associate

Colorado State University

4d • $50,000 - $60,000

About The Position

Position Summary: The Grants Associate works independently under the supervision of the CSFS Grants Manager as part of a three-person Grants Team within the Colorado State Forest Service Administrative Division and State Office. This position plays an essential role in overseeing internal CSFS State-funded financial assistance grants and serves the entire agency with a staff of 180. The position is responsible for coordinating post-award oversight of state-funded projects, working closely with Program Specialists, Managers, and Foresters. Core duties include collecting and reviewing supporting documentation, managing the audit function for internal grants, and processing grant reimbursement packets through the Kuali Financial System while maintaining accurate tracking records. Additional responsibilities include supporting program staff in the proper application of cost accounting standards, audit requirements, financial policies, and compliance with CSU and CSFS guidelines. The Grants Associate identifies compliance issues, reports concerns to the Grants Manager, and recommends solutions. Strong attention to detail is essential when reviewing reimbursement documentation and financial records. The Grants Associate uses University financial systems to process accounts payable, post and reconcile transactions, monitor account balances, correct discrepancies, and produce financial reports. The position serves as a technical resource for non-accounting staff and exercises sound judgment while working independently and in close coordination with the Grants Manager. To be considered, please submit all application materials by April 21, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MT.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Accounting, Communications or related field.
• Minimum of two years of professional finance or accounting experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as evidenced by application materials and interviews.
• Demonstrated initiative, reliability, and commitment to quality, detail-oriented work.
• Demonstrated experience in providing excellent customer service skills, working in a team environment, collaborative approach to work, and building effective professional relationships.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), with experience in financial data entry and document formatting.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in database management
• Familiarity with Uniform Guidance 2 CRR Part 200
• Ability to evaluate grantee invoice, payroll, and other documentation for allowability, allocability, and reasonableness.
• Experience with Kuali Research proposal development system (KRPD).

Responsibilities

• Provide primary financial oversight for CSFS state-funded grant programs, ensuring expenditures comply with grant agreements, University fiscal policies, and applicable state and federal requirements; guide Program Specialists and Managers in correct financial practices and resolve compliance issues.
• Review, authorize, and process state-funded grant payments, verifying budget availability, proper documentation, and accurate use of object codes and accounts to support timely and compliant reimbursement and disbursement of funds.
• Manage grant accounting transactions within University financial systems, preparing and auditing KFS documents (e.g., DVs, PEs, GLTs, AVs, DIs), managing encumbrances, and ensuring transactions are accurately recorded.
• Reconcile and monitor grant and departmental accounts, identifying and correcting discrepancies, coordinating adjustments with Finance staff and Program personnel, and maintaining accurate financial records and tracking tools.
• Analyze financial data and prepare reports to support grant oversight, audits, and decision-making; use data to improve processes, strengthen internal controls, and enhance future grant administration.
• Serve as a financial and technical resource for CSFS staff statewide, providing technical assistance, supporting After-Action Reviews and process improvements, and acting as a liaison with CSU units, vendors, and partners.
• Support ancillary financial and administrative functions, including State Land Trust revenue tracking, assistance with general accounting activities, and training or oversight of student employees, as needed.
• Review expenses to ensure they are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and consistently treated and properly allocated to accounts according to the scope(s) of work.
• Apply professional interpretation of external grant funding guidelines and requirements to identify and coordinate relevant funding opportunities.

Benefits

• Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service.
• With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
• Review our detailed benefits information here.
• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees