Senior Grants Accountant

Job Summary:
The Senior Accountant for Grants and Contracts is a member of the Finance Team in the Office of the Controller. Reporting to the Assistant Controller, this position performs professional accounting work of a complex nature, thoroughly understands institutional, University System of Maryland, state and federal policies, procedures and restrictions as related to Public Higher Education. The Senior Accountant for Grants and Contracts ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles in executing, analyzing, verifying, and reporting transactions of a fiscal nature. They are knowledgeable in fund accounting and advise management regarding the effective use of resources and methods to maximize savings. They monitor records of past and present operations and may also serve as a project leader on special projects.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provides supervision over grants accountant and daily operation of grants and contracts for the University. This includes the administrative duties of staff supervision such as, monitoring and granting leave request, personnel actions, training, and performance evaluations.
• Responsibilities as Senior accountant for Contracts and Grants accounting include pre-award and post-award restricted fund accounting. Performing pre-award review and approval of budgets. Maintain, monitor, and administer effort reporting system and effort reports. Post-award administration of grants, fiscal management of restricted funds – includes chart of accounts maintenance, budget, fiscal compliance, internal and external reporting, indirect and administrative costs, invoicing, drawdowns, and collections.
• Assist with the calculation and negotiation of federal Facilities and Administrative cost rates. Prepares the annual Schedule of Federal Awards {SEFA) for the University.
• Perform activities essential to reconciling general ledger accounts, running and preparing financial reports. Including general accounting duties such as financial statements, reporting, journal entries, reconciliations, invoice review and approval.
• Provide a consistent level of customer service relating to inquiries in regards to financial transactions to management and the University community. Regularly meeting with faculty, staff and administration regarding financial management of grants and budgets. Serving as contact for internal and external auditors when audits of restricted funds are performed. Serves as backup to other accountants in Controller’s office.
• Will perform additional duties as identified and required.

Required Qualifications

Required Education, Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree with concentration in Accounting from accredited College or University required. Advanced degree a plus.
• Minimum S years working in an accounting department or as a financial accounting auditor.
• Demonstrate high level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to meet specified due dates and timelines
• Advanced user knowledge of Microsoft excel
• Experience in applying basic analytical skills in reviewing transactions
• Experience with robust Financial Accounting Software with ability to learn quickly new software.
• Professional attitude

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree with concentration in accounting or CPA
• Experience in Higher Education, State Government or Non-Profit accounting or equivalent. Auditing experience a plus.
• Experience with PeopleSoft Financials and Workday.
• Experience with State of Maryland accounting system “ RSTARS ”.
• Understanding and/or experience in preparation of or audit of Financial Statements.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge and ability to apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ( GAAP ).
• Working knowledge of Federal Regulation such as OMB’s Uniform Guidance and compliance supplement.
• Ability to apply analytical techniques and skills to daily work. Ability to operate office equipment to include calculators, personal computers and related software.
• Ability to exercise attention to detail; review and interpret items within an accounting system; communicate effectively; prepare written records and reports; work independently with little supervision.
• Must have the ability to understand and adhere to various privacy laws, University and USM policies, procedures, and audit requirements that govern fiscal processes.
• Must be able to function with minimal direction and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, strong computer and analytical skills, including knowledge and proficiency using Microsoft Excel. Working knowledge of PeopleSoft Financials is a plus.

The Grants Accountant must possess strong professionalism, be a team player and be fully committed to the overall success of the Controller’s Office and the University.

Conditions of Employment

Position Detail Information

Position Detail Information

Posting Number
ST2023-0022

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date
05/31/2023

Close Date
06/21/2023

Open Until Filled
No

Special Instructions to Applicant

COVID -19 vaccinations are strongly encouraged for all University employees. Medical and religious exemption request are accepted and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please submit any/all documents related to this matter to AskHR@coppin.edu .