Job Description
Full job description
POSITION SUMMARY:
The basic function of the Grants & Contracts Accountant is to manage and support relationships between sponsored projects and research funders and the Institute, to include professional learning delivery contracts. Duties include preparing project budgets for both pre-award (proposals) and post-award (granted awards / executed contracts), assisting with reports relating to project activities, and tracking revenues and expenditures for all such accounts. The Accountant interfaces primarily with the OSPR Project Managers, but may also interact with funders, contractors, and subcontractors to ensure that funds are accounted for properly and used in compliance with contract requirements. S/he meets regularly with Project Managers to ensure that the financial records of sponsored accounts conform to Institute and funder requirements.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
Assists Project Managers in preparing project proposals including the development of funded partnerships and subcontracts; prepares corresponding budgets and budget narratives. Assists in developing timelines for program implementation.
Reviews periodic and annual accounting of all sponsored accounts with OSPR Project Managers or their designees. Provides guidance, technical assistance, and training to internal staff and external recipients of contract and grant funds to ensure that proper financial accountability systems are developed and implemented.
Supports the OSPR Opportunity Compliance Manager/Officer in recommendation of policies to ensure grant compliance with all aspects of Federal regulations, including but not limited to documentation of competitive bids, time and effort reporting, allowability of costs, and match requirements.
Prepares and maintains schedules of funder reports and deadlines. Ensures reports are accurate, complete and in compliance with the Institute and funder requirements.
Purchase travel, set up and submit invoices for Erikson sub-awardee contracts and vendors, process gift card payments / stipends, reconcile monthly credit card reports, and create and manage data sharing agreements
Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline processes, and works cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
Coordinates, attends, and participates in meetings related to contract and grant policies, procedures, and payment applications.
Develops and implements systems that ensure the timely processing and payment of contract and grant funds.
Works directly Finance staff to develop and maintain proper accounting policies and procedures and implementation, including preparation of Institutional Indirect Cost Rate proposals.
Performs various account reconciliations and works to resolve any discrepancies.
Prepares Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards and footnote supporting workpapers and other required audit schedules for external auditors. Provides detail support as requested.
Assists with other projects, as necessary.
COMPETENCIES & QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business.
Sound understanding of the fundamentals of accounting.
5+ years’ experience in accounting, budgeting, contracts and grants administration, and/or proposal development.
In-depth knowledge of Federal, state and local government award regulations.
A high level of proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Excel, is required, with basic database knowledge and experience using Blackbaud's Financial Edge software a plus.
Strong budgeting skills.
Excellent communication, analytical and written skills.
Ability to work within strict time constraints and to pivot between multiple projects.
Exceptional project management skills (timeline, budget, procedure, reporting, evaluation).
Strong attention to detail.
Must be a discreet, diplomatic individual who possesses the ability to work well with internal staff and outside vendors.
Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.
About Erikson Institute
We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.
Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The basic function of the Grants & Contracts Accountant is to manage and support relationships between sponsored projects and research funders and the Institute, to include professional learning delivery contracts. Duties include preparing project budgets for both pre-award (proposals) and post-award (granted awards / executed contracts), assisting with reports relating to project activities, and tracking revenues and expenditures for all such accounts. The Accountant interfaces primarily with the OSPR Project Managers, but may also interact with funders, contractors, and subcontractors to ensure that funds are accounted for properly and used in compliance with contract requirements. S/he meets regularly with Project Managers to ensure that the financial records of sponsored accounts conform to Institute and funder requirements.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES:
Assists Project Managers in preparing project proposals including the development of funded partnerships and subcontracts; prepares corresponding budgets and budget narratives. Assists in developing timelines for program implementation.
Reviews periodic and annual accounting of all sponsored accounts with OSPR Project Managers or their designees. Provides guidance, technical assistance, and training to internal staff and external recipients of contract and grant funds to ensure that proper financial accountability systems are developed and implemented.
Supports the OSPR Opportunity Compliance Manager/Officer in recommendation of policies to ensure grant compliance with all aspects of Federal regulations, including but not limited to documentation of competitive bids, time and effort reporting, allowability of costs, and match requirements.
Prepares and maintains schedules of funder reports and deadlines. Ensures reports are accurate, complete and in compliance with the Institute and funder requirements.
Purchase travel, set up and submit invoices for Erikson sub-awardee contracts and vendors, process gift card payments / stipends, reconcile monthly credit card reports, and create and manage data sharing agreements
Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline processes, and works cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
Coordinates, attends, and participates in meetings related to contract and grant policies, procedures, and payment applications.
Develops and implements systems that ensure the timely processing and payment of contract and grant funds.
Works directly Finance staff to develop and maintain proper accounting policies and procedures and implementation, including preparation of Institutional Indirect Cost Rate proposals.
Performs various account reconciliations and works to resolve any discrepancies.
Prepares Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards and footnote supporting workpapers and other required audit schedules for external auditors. Provides detail support as requested.
Assists with other projects, as necessary.
COMPETENCIES & QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business.
Sound understanding of the fundamentals of accounting.
5+ years’ experience in accounting, budgeting, contracts and grants administration, and/or proposal development.
In-depth knowledge of Federal, state and local government award regulations.
A high level of proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Excel, is required, with basic database knowledge and experience using Blackbaud's Financial Edge software a plus.
Strong budgeting skills.
Excellent communication, analytical and written skills.
Ability to work within strict time constraints and to pivot between multiple projects.
Exceptional project management skills (timeline, budget, procedure, reporting, evaluation).
Strong attention to detail.
Must be a discreet, diplomatic individual who possesses the ability to work well with internal staff and outside vendors.
Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.
About Erikson Institute
We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.
Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior Grant and Contract Accountant position is now open for candidates interested in the Accountant Jobs sector. This role in Chicago offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Accountant Jobs is a plus.
