Grants Finance Manager

AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST•Washington, DC

4d•$100,000 - $110,000•Remote

About The Position

American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and helped thousands of farm families make a go of it (primarily through programs that increase farm viability and/or enhance farmland access). Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities. Job purpose Reporting to the Director of Grants Management, the Grants Finance Manager (GFM) is responsible for strategic financial management across AFT’s portfolio of grants. The GFM analyzes the financial performance of awarded grants, ensures compliance with all grant requirements and reporting obligations, and leads a team of grants accounting staff. This role requires a high degree of collaboration with the Programs, Project Management, and Development teams, and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences. This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to request other or different duties be performed as assigned.

Requirements

Significant progressive experience in financial management, including managing federal grants or nonprofit budgets.
Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP and federal cost principles under 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance).
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including experience with complex formulas, pivot tables, and financial modeling.
Experience with financial and accounting software systems.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate financial information for non-finance audiences across all levels of an organization.
A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
A minimum of 7–10 years of relevant experience in financial management, with a strong background in federal grant management and/or nonprofit accounting.

Nice To Haves

3-5 years of prior supervisory experience.
Experience with large federal awards, including familiarity with USDA regulations, USDA General Terms and Conditions (GT&C), and NRCS Grant Agreement and Development Budget Expense Tables (GADBET).
Experience with foundation grant management.
Demonstrated commitment to the mission of AFT.
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is a plus.

Responsibilities

Budget Management and Financial Analysis: Monitor grant award budgets and maintain up-to-date financial projections, pipelines, burn rates, and cost allocations
Develop and review proposal budgets for new and continuation awards
Track and report on match requirements in accordance with grant terms
Advise program teams on project spending and forecasting, providing training and mentorship as needed
Support the annual organizational workplanning and budgeting process
Financial Reporting and Invoicing: Oversee the preparation and submission of financial reports and invoices in accordance with grant agreement terms and reporting deadlines
Develop and implement a plan for the timely collection of grant receivables
Grant Compliance and Audit Support: Interpret grant agreements, terms, and conditions to ensure compliance with funding guidelines, reporting deadlines, and allowable costs
Monitor allowable expenses per grant agreement and set spending parameters accordingly
Coordinate with program directors, grants accountants, and auditors to facilitate grant audits and reviews
Stay current on USG grant management policies and update internal guidance as needed
Team Leadership and Staff Development: Manage the grants accounting staff, including day-to-day oversight and performance management
Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to grant accountants and project/program managers to build capacity and ensure compliance

Benefits

American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits.
Insurance coverage begins the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
Medical & Prescription Coverage
Dental Coverage
Vision Coverage
Company Paid Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability (LTD)
Voluntary Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Healthcare & Dependent Care
Health Savings Account (HSA)
401k Plan
Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 13 “sick days” per year.
Vacation Leave: Accrue 15 days during the first year increasing by one day per year to 20 days per year maximum.
Holidays: AFT observes twelve fixed holidays and a week between Christmas and New Years off during the year (all offices closed) plus a choice of up to three (depending on hiring month) floating holidays.