Manager - Grant Accounting

Responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of grant administration, including budgeting, accounting, reporting, and compliance. Ensures that all grant-related financial activities comply with federal regulations, State of Illinois requirements, and organizational policies. The position plays a critical role in safeguarding grant funds, supporting program success, and maintaining audit readiness.

Characteristic Duties:

Grant Budget Planning & Management

• Lead the development, review, and monitoring of grant budgets in collaboration with program and leadership teams
• Ensure budgets are aligned with grant agreements, funding restrictions, and allowable cost principles
• Provide financial analysis and forecasting to support grant planning and sustainability
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance and identify variances, recommending corrective actions

Grant Accounting & Financial Oversight

• Oversee the day-to-day accounting for all grant-related transactions
• Ensure proper classification, recording, and tracking of grant revenues and expenditures
• Maintain accurate general ledger entries and grant-specific financial records
• Supervise the Grant Accountant(s) and provide guidance on accounting best practices

Reporting & Financial Analysis

• Prepare and review timely, accurate financial reports for funders, leadership, and internal stakeholders
• Ensure all reporting requirements are met in accordance with grant agreements
• Develop internal dashboards or reporting tools to track grant performance
• Support program managers with financial insights and reporting interpretation

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure strict adherence to federal regulations (including Uniform Guidance – 2 CFR Part 200), State of Illinois grant requirements, and funding agency guidelines
• Oversee compliance with allowable costs, cost allocation methodologies, and documentation standards
• Maintain strong internal controls to ensure proper use of grant funds
• Prepare for and coordinate external audits, monitoring visits, and compliance reviews

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Establish and improve policies and procedures related to grant accounting and compliance
• Ensure segregation of duties and sound financial controls over grant expenditures
• Identify risks and implement corrective actions to mitigate compliance issues
• Promote best practices in financial management across grant-funded programs

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise and mentor the Grant Accountant(s)
• Provide training to program and finance staff on grant-related financial policies and procedures
• Foster a collaborative environment between finance and program teams

Performs related duties as assigned.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or Master’s preferred)

Required Experience:

• Minimum of 5–7 years of accounting experience, with at least 3 years in grant accounting or nonprofit finance
• Proven experience managing federal and/or state grants, preferably within Illinois
• Strong knowledge of federal grant regulations (Uniform Guidance – 2 CFR Part 200)
• Familiarity with State of Illinois grant compliance requirements
• Expertise in budget development, financial reporting, and fund accounting
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and compliance
• Proficiency in accounting systems and Excel

Preferred Experience:

• CPA or CMA designation
• Experience with nonprofit or governmental accounting environments
• Experience preparing for Single Audits or similar compliance reviews