Grant Accountant Jobs

Per OAR 333-019-1030, MESD requires all newly hired employees to be fully vaccinated.

Position: Grant Accountant

Department: Business Services

Program: Operations

Reports to: Director of Business Services

Classification/Range: Classified/Range 17

Schedule: 260/261 days per year, 8 hours per day

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Grant Accountant position primarily carries out professional-level accounting and administrative functions related to grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with grantor agency regulations and laws. This position will focus heavily on collaboration with grant managers and their fiscal team, budgeting, compliance, reporting, and variance analysis functions regarding grants/contracts. This position is responsible for maintaining financial, accounting, and grant support services to meet the needs of Multnomah ESD and the Federal/State and Local Agencies.

NATURE & SCOPE:

This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations, and applicable state and federal statutes.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Effectively communicate complex financial issues to employees, administrators, auditors, donors, and granting agencies.
• Develop and prepare a monthly grant financial report for senior administrators and the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for the accounting of grants not assigned to program fiscal staff.
• Responsible for tracking and monitoring the MESD grant portfolio for timely submission of applications, reimbursement claims, and financial reports.
• Coordinates with districts and partners that receive reimbursement from MESD grant funds. For example: professional development stipends, contracts with MESD, or as subrecipients.
• Perform a variety of fiscal support functions, including but not limited to: contract preparation, budget and expense analysis, periodic invoicing, financial reporting, labor distribution changes, reconciliations, re-budgeting, and grant closeout functions.
• Notify programs of new grant opportunities, explain eligible uses and fiscal compliance requirements.
• Prepare financial projections and budgets, actual vs. budget reporting, reviewing/monitoring of individual grants and transactions for compliance with private, local, state, and federal funding requirements.
• Work collaboratively with grantors and District program staff around grant programs, compliance, and accounting issues, and provide fiscal guidance and support as the lead grant accountant.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, local, and other funding source compliance, regulations, and laws.
• Maintain a resource of MESD fiscal information commonly needed for grant applications.
• Prepare the annual Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and be the lead contact for the Single Audit.
• Coordinate updates to MESD grant policies and administrative rules. Review MESD internal grant chart of accounts/coding structure and recommend updates.

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES:

• Agency-wide perspective: Be involved in and supportive of continuous overall improvement of MESD programs and services.
• Communication: Communicate in an inclusive, effective and collaborative manner.
• Equity: Lead and support regional equity initiatives
• Personal Qualities: Be respectful, excel in customer service, caring, humble and courageous.
• Trust: Develop trust among coworkers and students through honesty and fairness.
• Vision: Lead with vision, follow-through and student focus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Ability to interpret federal, state, and local government laws and regulations related to grant contracts and administration;
• Must be able to keep current with the volume of work for federal and state grants billing and accounting;
• Demonstrate the ability to balance multiple initiatives simultaneously, completing assignments thoroughly and on time while working in a fast-paced work environment;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with advanced skills in Excel.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), General Accounting Standards (GAS), Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and familiarity with regulations on the use of grants under federal and state requirements;
• Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information to prepare correspondence and reports;
• Daily and consistent attendance and punctuality
• Strong background in analytical functions, including financial analysis and funds control;
• Demonstrate working knowledge of or aptitude to learn grant administration processes, including reporting, record maintenance, billing support, contract compliance, and closeout;

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Strong background in analytical functions, including financial analysis and funds control;
• Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information to prepare correspondence and reports;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with advanced skills in Excel.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), General Accounting Standards (GAS), Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and familiarity with regulations on the use of grants under federal and state requirements;
• Demonstrate working knowledge of or aptitude to learn grant administration processes, including reporting, record maintenance, billing support, contract compliance, and closeout;
• Must be able to keep current with the volume of work for federal and state grants billing and accounting;
• Ability to interpret federal, state, and local government laws and regulations related to grant contracts and administration;
• Demonstrate the ability to balance multiple initiatives simultaneously, completing assignments thoroughly and on time while working in a fast-paced work environment;

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Individual with experience managing restricted funds or grants, non-profit, governmental, or school district experience preferred.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field;
• Have prior work experience and understanding of grant funding, grant billing, and grant accounting using federal and state rules and regulations governing grants for public sector employers is a plus;

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in a typical office environment and is subject to moderate noise. MESD supports remote working when the job duties and responsibilities allow, with prior supervisor approval.

BENEFITS:

• District pays full medical, dental and vision premiums for eligible employees and dependents
• Three medical insurance plan options:

• MESD pays employee’s 6% Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) contribution
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave and personal time off
• Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Hearing/talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on telephone.
• Lifting: Frequently up to 10 pounds; occasional up to 25 pounds.
• Mobility: Frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting.
• Dexterity: frequent use of keyboard; frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.
• Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or co-worker contact; occasional working alone.
• Vision: Constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.

This position is subject to Board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations and applicable State and Federal Statutes. This position carries no administrative authority or responsibility.