Grants Accountant (12119)

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About the Department/Unit

The Office of the Controller is responsible for University Accounting, Accounts Payable, and Grants and Contracts Accounting. The office ensures that university funds are disbursed and recorded in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures. The Controller provides accurate financial information in a cost effective, efficient, and timely manner to those responsible for managing the financial resources of the university and to external constituencies.

Summary/Objective

Working under the supervision of the Manager of Grants & Contracts Accounting, this position will aid in the management of federal and privately sponsored awards. This includes performing and/or assisting in the review of budget data for accuracy; creating and entering adjusting journal entries; establishing awards in the financial system; preparing required sponsor forms and invoices for approval, and the preparation of financial analysis schedules required for audits.

Essential Functions

1. Review and reconcile financial transactions and prepares necessary corrections as needed. Work is reviewed and approved by the Manager and the Senior Accountant.
2. Prepares Federal and Non-Federal Financial Reports or a Summary of Expenditure report for the Senior Accountant’s project accounts on a monthly basis in accordance with the established policies and procedures. The preparation of these financial reports requires the ability to interpret contractual terms and conditions, government instructions, reconcile financial data, request for cost reimbursement and work with a complicated Sponsor Cash Management System.
3. Collaborates internally with other Grants & Contracts Accounting staff members to resolve specific project account matters. Directly supports the Senior Accountant on answering fiscal data inquiries from unit managers, research faculty, sponsor funder, external sources and etc.
4. Assists the Senior Accountant in preparing financial schedules requested by both internal and external auditors.
5. Special duties and projects which support the mission of the unit as assigned.

Work Environment

• This position reports directly to the Assistant Director of Grants and Contracts Accounting.
• Responsible for the timely reporting of approximately 50 federal grants valued at $7 million.
• Interacts with staff and faculty to ensure the university is in compliance with federal grant regulations.
• Works in a deadline driven environment where the late filing of reports could result in financial penalties.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full Time - 35 hours/week.
• Coordinator/Analyst B
• Non-Exempt

Required Education and Experience

• B achelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or a related field.
• 1-3 years experience or combination of education and experience which demonstrates the necessary skills and abilities needed to perform the job.
• Prior experience utilizing a complex data management system.
• Must have the ability to identify and provide solutions to administrative problems as well as the ability to study and interpret federal financial regulations (2 CFR 200).
• Excellent customer service, collaboration, analytical and communication skills.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive.

Others

• For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Current American University Employees

If you are a current employee at American University, please log intoAsuccessfulU through themyAU portal . Once in AsuccessfulU, please select the Careers tile which will take you to our internal career page.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

Nearest Major Market: Washington DC