Senior Grants Accountant

Chicago, IL
Full Time
Experienced
The Senior Grants Accountant plays the central role at Opportunity in ensuring that private, corporate, USAID, and other public sector grant and contract funds are spent according to project and donor requirements.  The role will act as the financial business advisor to the Department and Program Managers. This position’s key focus is to provide business reports to all levels of the organization in relation to financial projects, pursue transactional excellence in supporting financial projects, and ensure adequate compliance and controls regarding policies and procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Financial Management
  • Maintain complete listing of available designated funds by program reconciled to general ledger balances.
  • Review and track all grant agreements and contracts funded by USAID, corporate and private donors to ensure compliance with financial requirements.
  • Ensure set up (revenue funds, project numbers, overhead) in Raiser’s Edge, Financial Edge, and Concur to enable accurate tracking of donor funding.
  • Review timesheets, calculate compensation and fringe benefit allocations, and maintain all related supporting documentation.
  • Ensure proper revenue recognition and invoicing per contractual and grant terms in accordance with accounting standards.
  • Actively manage project-specific items including deferred revenue, open AR and pledges, expenses, etc.
  • Oversee the internal and external movement of program funds and ensure all project expenditures are accurate.
  • Manage USAID project costs, budgets and forecasts and communicate substantial budget variances along with recommendations for budget reallocations and cash drawdowns.
  • Participate in monthly financial project review meetings to discuss project spend, activity updates, and potential variances or pending transactions.
  • Close out project accounts upon project completion.
  • Assist in the development and annual audit of Opportunity’s Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA).
  • Lead donor required project audits by acting as the primary financial contact, providing requested documentation, and responding to audit inquiries.
  • Remain up to date on USAID, donor, and industry regulations and standards by attending relevant training and conferences.
  • Escalate persistent process inefficiencies and explore ways to optimize the use of our financial systems. 
Reporting
  • Support annual budget planning by identifying available funding for various programs, countries, and specific work plans, including personnel expenses.
  • Produce or review all financial donor reporting as required by each grant or contract, including financial reports, comparison to grant budgets and forecasting, and other reporting and support as required by the donor
  • Provide project specific financial reports and documentation when needed by management and other internal stakeholders.   
Business Development and Compliance
  • Provide support to Opportunity US’s business development team by assisting in the development or review of budgets and cost proposals for grant applications and private proposals.
  • Document and coordinate the completion of due diligence and vetting documents from donors and funders.
  • Manage the financial pre-award risk assessment and post-award financial monitoring of subrecipients including documenting internal control gaps and tracking corrective action plans.
  • Participate in the capacity building of our local implementing partners by providing financial training and assisting with the development of accounting policies and procedures.   
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor’s degree required; BS/BA in Accounting, Finance, or Economics or related field preferred.  An advanced degree (MBA or master’s in accounting/finance) is highly desirable.
  • Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in financial grant management, including substantial experience managing Federal awards.
  • Extensive experience in the public sector (USAID, USDA, UNCDF, or similar) with a deep understanding of donor regulations and compliance requirements.
  • Proven expertise with accounting software reporting and analytical software, preferably Blackbaud, Workday and Smartsheets.
  • Advanced proficiency in Office 365, with strong expertise in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions and data analysis.
  • Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise senior management and program staff.
  • Superior analytical skills, attention to detail, and accuracy, with a track record of providing strategic financial insights and solutions.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to handle complex financial scenarios.
  • High level of diplomacy, good judgment, and cultural sensitivity, with the ability to work effectively across different cultures.
  • Proven ability to work well under the pressure of deadlines and to independently prioritize in a fast-paced environment, with exceptional organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment, with demonstrated leadership and mentoring abilities.
  • An understanding of and a commitment to advancing the mission and core values of Opportunity International.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
  • Written and verbal fluency in English is required. Fluency in French or Spanish desirable.
ABOUT OPPORTUNITY INTERNATIONAL 
Opportunity International is a global non-profit that has been empowering people to work their way out of poverty since 1971. Opportunity provides 18.7 million people with innovative financial resources, training, and support to grow their small businesses and send their children to school. In 2022, Opportunity International and its partners helped fund 5,600 schools that reached 1.6 million children, and they released more than $2.6 billion in capital across 30 countries. Discover more at opportunity.org or join the conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.
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