"Grant Accountant"

Job Details

FLSA Classification
Exempt

Salary Range/Grade
Salary Range: $45,000 – $60,000

Reports to
Comptroller

Job Description
Summary/objective
The Grant Accountant provides comprehensive financial management and oversight for federal, state, and private grant awards. This position ensures strict compliance with the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), institutional policies, and sponsor-specific regulations. The Grant Accountant serves as a primary point of contact for grant-related fiscal matters, supporting Principal Investigators (PIs), program directors, and senior leadership in the accurate accounting, reporting, and reconciliation of sponsored program funds.

This role plays a critical part in maintaining SUNO’s fiscal integrity and audit readiness by ensuring the proper allocation of expenditures, timely submission of reports, and proactive resolution of discrepancies.

Essential functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Grant Accounting and Reporting
• Manage all post-award financial activities, including revenue recognition, expenditure tracking, and financial reconciliation for sponsored projects.
• Prepare, review, and submit grant invoices and reimbursement requests; ensure documentation of allowable expenses and compliance with cost principles.
• Generate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and budget-to-actual reports for all sponsored projects.
• Perform monthly reconciliations of grant-related accounts, including accounts receivable, deferred revenue and the general ledger, to ensure all transactions are accurately recorded.
• Investigate and resolve any discrepancies or issues that arise in grant accounts, such as unallowable costs or overspent budgets.
• Maintain comprehensive, organized, and easily accessible financial records and supporting documentation, such as invoices and receipts, as a crucial audit trail.
• Setup and maintain separate accounts for tracking grant funds to keep them distinct from other organizational funds.
• Coordinate with Finance and Accounting to ensure that all grant receipts are properly deposited and recorded.
• Analyze financial data to provide insights to management and support decision-making.
• Prepare and reconcile the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and other audit-related schedules as required.

Compliance and Audit Preparation
• Monitor project accounts to ensure expenditures comply with award terms, budget parameters, and federal/state regulations.
• Conduct periodic internal desk reviews and assist auditors in gathering required documentation.
• Review and maintain active registrations on SAM.gov, and gather reports from the Federal Audit Clearinghouse as necessary.
• Submit all required federal and state financial reports and manage timely drawdowns of grant funds.

Budget Development and Analysis
• Collaborate with the Budget Manager and project leaders in developing grant proposal budgets, ensuring alignment with institutional cost standards.
• Analyze financial data to identify variances and provide recommendations for corrective actions.
• Develop financial forecasts, spending models, and ad hoc analyses to support management decisions.

Communication and Collaboration
• Serve as a financial liaison to Principal Investigators, administrators, and external agencies.
• Provide training and technical assistance to project staff on allowable costs, financial reporting, and documentation standards.
• Participate in post-award meetings and support continuous improvement of sponsored programs’ fiscal processes.

Other Duties
• Perform related accounting and administrative duties as assigned to support the mission of the University and the Division of Finance & Administration.

Competencies
• Strong understanding of federal grants management, accounting principles, and financial reporting standards.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal and external stakeholders.
• Advance proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial management systems (experience with Ellucian Banner preferred).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.

Physical demands
This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment.
• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift or carry up to 10 pounds.

Travel required
Not required.

Required education and experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of grant accounting experience, including at least one (1) year in general accounting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and federal financial reporting.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred education and experience
• Experience in higher education or governmental accounting.
• Familiarity with Banner or similar ERP systems.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential.

Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.