"Grants, Restricted & Endowment Funds Accountant"

Position Summary

The Grants, Restricted & Endowment Funds Accountant is responsible for the financial management and compliance of sponsored projects, grants, contracts, donor-restricted gifts, and endowed funds. This includes coordinating pre-award budget development, managing the post-award life cycle of sponsored agreements, overseeing endowment and restricted fund accounting, preparing sponsor and donor reports, and ensuring compliance with institutional policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable regulations. The position works closely with faculty, development officers, and administrative staff to ensure accurate, transparent, and compliant use of funds.

Key Responsibilities

Sponsored Contracts & Grants – Pre-Award

• Collaborate with principal investigators and department staff to develop proposal budgets and budget justifications.
• Ensure proposed budgets comply with sponsor guidelines, institutional policies, and applicable regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance).
• Provide guidance on allowable costs, fringe benefits, indirect cost rates, and cost-share requirements.

Sponsored Contracts & Grants – Post-Award

• Establish new award accounts in the financial system and set up budget controls.
• Monitor expenditures for compliance with sponsor-approved budgets, cost principles, and award terms.
• Prepare and submit invoices, financial reports, and sponsor-required documentation in a timely manner.
• Process budget revisions, no-cost extensions, and other award modifications.
• Track and report cost-share and program income.

Restricted & Endowment Fund Accounting

• Maintain sub-ledgers for endowment and donor-restricted funds.
• Process and record endowment investment activity, market value changes, and distributions.
• Calculate and post endowment spending allocations in accordance with UPMIFA and institutional policies.
• Prepare periodic and annual donor reports in collaboration with Advancement/Development.
• Monitor and reconcile restricted gift accounts to ensure funds are used in accordance with donor intent.

Compliance & Audit

• Maintain knowledge of relevant accounting standards, Uniform Guidance, and sponsor requirements.
• Ensure documentation and records are retained in accordance with institutional and sponsor retention policies.
• Prepare schedules and provide documentation for external audits and sponsor site visits.
• Recommend and implement internal controls and process improvements to safeguard restricted and endowed funds.

Training & Communication

• Provide training and guidance to faculty, staff, and administrators on financial and compliance aspects of grants and restricted/endowment funds.
• Serve as a resource for interpreting award terms, donor restrictions, and applicable regulations.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in accounting or financial management, preferably with grants and restricted funds.
• Knowledge of GAAP, Uniform Guidance, and endowment accounting principles (UPMIFA).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with financial/accounting software and Microsoft Excel.

Preferred:

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit financial management.
• Familiarity with Oracle Cloud or similar enterprise systems.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential.

Competencies and Attributes

• High attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and policies.
• Collaborative approach with a strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

About Ursinus College

Ursinus College is a selective, independent, co-educational, residential liberal arts college of approximately 1500 students located about 25 miles northwest of center city Philadelphia. With a diverse community of students, it is an expectation of all faculty to contribute to the inclusion, engagement, and success of all students.