Grants And Contracts Accountant

The New England College of Optometry (NECO) invites applications for the position of Grants and Contracts Accountant. Reporting to the Executive Director of Financial Operations, the Grants and Contracts Accountant has diverse tasks related to post-award grant projects for research, clinical and continuing education activities. The Grants and Contracts Accountant will collaborate extensively with research administration, and will work closely with clinical operations, academic affairs, human resources, continuing education, and development. This individual should be able to keep track of outstanding accounts, have strong customer service and problem-solving skills, and a commitment to working with a diverse group of faculty and staff in support of the mission of the institution.

About The College And Center For Eye Care

The New England College of Optometry prepares the next generation of eye care providers, educators, and innovators through a rigorous curriculum and extensive clinical experience. NECO graduates compassionate and skilled optometrists prepared to practice in diverse settings. Located in the heart of Boston, the College is a small, independent graduate institution that has a student body of approximately 530 students from 34 states and 8 countries.

The NECO Center for Eye Care is the patient care and clinical education affiliate of the New England College of Optometry. It is one of the largest providers of optometric services in Massachusetts with nearly 90,000 annual patient visits at more than 43 locations, including many of Greater Boston's community health centers.

Principal Areas of Responsibility (in collaboration with Research Administrator)

• Budgeting and Forecasting
• Assist in budget revisions and modifications as necessary to accommodate changing needs or funding circumstances
• Communicate effectively with principal investigators, project managers, and external partners to address financial queries and resolve issues
• Communication and Collaboration
• Collaborate with various departments, including research administration, clinical operations, continuing education, development, human resources, finance, and development to ensure seamless coordination of grant-related and contract-related activities
• Monitor spending patterns and budget utilization to ensure alignment with grant objectives and institutional guidelines
• Financial Management
• Provide financial projections and forecasts for grant-related and contract-related activities
• Collaborate with grant and contract project managers and human resources to develop detailed budgets for project proposals, ensuring alignment with project goals and objectives
• Participate in project proposal development, reviewing budgets and financial sections to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Prepare financial reports, statements, and analyses for grant-related activities
• Ensure adherence to project guidelines, regulations, and reporting requirements from federal, state, and private funding sources
• Attend relevant training sessions and workshops to enhance grant and contract accounting knowledge and skills
• Compliance and Reporting
• Maintain accurate financial records for grant-funded and contract-funded programs and projects, including tracking expenditures, revenues, and budget allocations.
• Coordinate with external auditors to facilitate grant-related and contract-related audits and reviews
• Prepare and submit accurate and timely financial reports and documentation to grantors as required
• Grant and Contract Administration
• Stay updated on evolving grant regulations, accounting standards, and best practices within the higher education sector
• Training and Professional Development
• Assist in the preparation of grant-related and contract-related invoices, reimbursement requests, and financial documentation
• Work closely with grant and contract project teams to provide financial guidance and support throughout the project lifecycle

NECO is an AA/EEO employer and actively seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Salary and Benefits are competitive and will depend on experience and qualifications.

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of accounting, budget management, or related experience
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills required, including the ability to cultivate and manage relationships with faculty, staff, and funding agencies
• Experience with general ledger software, Jenzabar preferred
• Bachelor's degree in accounting preferred
• Minimum of 2 to 3 of grant administration and accounting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word
• Must be detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects while working under deadlines during peak times of the year

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