Grant Accountant I

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under general direction of the Chief Financial Officer, the Grant Accountant performs assigned relatively complex accounting duties related to the timely and accurate maintenance, analysis and reporting for all Agency revenue including program contracts and grants. Monitors grant contract budgets and key dates and terms to ensure compliance; keeps appropriate program staff informed of grant status and reporting requirements.

This position assists the CFO and frequently interfaces with the Agency’s program directors and staff members as well as various individuals from grant agencies, and auditing and monitoring groups. Ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and all NCO policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure accurate and timely completion of all assigned duties; keeps the CFO informed of any anticipated barriers or delays in meeting assigned task deadlines; maintains and safeguards all assets, information and financial records.
• Perform monthly reconciliation of assigned liability accounts; alerts designated program staff to any discrepancies and as appropriate research items and request adjustments.
• Prepare bank deposits or Cash Receipts Journals for recording into the General Ledger.
• Assist Grant Accountant III with the preparation and submission of required agency reports (monthly, quarterly and closeouts); provides budget and grant support to agencies Program Directors and Managers as well as other key staff members.
• Assist Grant Accountant III with ongoing monitoring of contract budgets/financial reports to ensure Agency compliance.
• Prepare and performs timely and accurate revenue related postings and reports creating adequate documentation such as journal vouchers, credit memos, etc. to maintain a clear audit trail and meet all compliance requirements.
• Prepare monthly allocations of pool accounts.
• Perform monthly reconciliation of cash accounts.
• Act as a backup for processing payroll and pay-related entries.
• Maintain NCO vendor accounts for allocated services (i.e. Adobe, Zoom, etc).
• Work with independent auditors and grant auditors.
• Input and maintain vendor data in accounting software.
• Develop new and special reports on an as requested basis; distribute reports as appropriate.
• Train department and other program staff members on accounting policies and procedures as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

ESSENTIAL WORK HABITS

• Align work behaviors in conformance with NCOs Purpose, Vision and Values.
• Report to work on time and obtain approval from supervisor for any changes in work schedule or absences.
• Maintain a strict commitment to confidentiality, in accordance with Agency and project policies and procedures.
• Follow NCO’s Injury Illness and Prevention Plan, as well as all Agency and program safety protocols, procedures, and policies.
• Maintain focus on the assigned tasks.
• Take pride in creating a positive, efficient work environment.
• Treat co-workers and clients with respect.
• Represent NCO and its programs to the community in a positive light.
• Dress appropriately according to assigned job duties and responsibilities.
• Adapt constructively to change.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience

Level I

• An associate’s degree in accounting, business administration or related field from an accredited school or an equivalent combination of education and recent relevant experience is required.
• A minimum of two years of accounting experience is required.
• Experience with grant or fund accounting and/or non-profits is highly preferred.

Knowledge of

• Generally accepted accounting principles and demonstrated proficiency in budget management and non-profit accounting procedures is required.
• Principles and practices of interpersonal communications.
• Current standard office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Computer operations as relates to the duties of the position; must be highly proficient in the use of computers and spreadsheet, email and database programs; must be proficient with web-based platforms and word processing programs.
• Principles and techniques of research, analysis and grant and report writing.

Ability to

• Review data and information and prepare detailed financial reports; prior experience with financial analysis and audit procedures is highly preferred.
• Analyze demographic and program statistical data to assist in effective planning and project management.
• Plan, direct, delegate, evaluate and supervise the work of others in accordance with applicable laws and Agency policies.
• Organize duties and tasks to meet established deadlines, delegating tasks as appropriate.
• Interact with others in a culturally and emotionally sensitive manner.
• Communicate effectively and appropriately verbally and in writing in English is required.
• Take direction and work with supervisor to ensure priorities are correctly aligned and accomplished.
• Be effective working independently and as a collaborative team member.
• Use good judgment, creativity; tactful, thorough and dependable.
• Train and facilitate small to medium sized groups of adults is desired.
• Work a flexible schedule to accommodate attending scheduled works events and professional development opportunities.

Necessary Special Skills & Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Employment is contingent upon completion of a Criminal Record Clearance screening within 90 days of hire as required by the Head Start Standards and/or contract terms as demonstrated by providing a receipt to the Agency from the screening organization performing the background check. Results must be within allowable limits.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, listen, and communicate clearly.

The employee frequently is required to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, use manual and automatic office equipment, and reach with hands and arms.

The employee is occasionally required to stand, bend, reach down and stretch overhead, walk, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds unassisted and may occasionally move and lift heavier materials with assistance using ergonomic guidelines.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The ability to travel during the day and/or night, sometimes long distances. Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and access to an insured vehicle is required.

Interaction and contact with outside agencies, vendors, funders, volunteers, donors, and contributors is a frequent aspect of this job.

The employee will regularly use computers and computer printers, telephones, and other similar electronic office equipment.

The environment can be noisy and includes the comings and goings of small children and their families

Note: This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the core essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)or California FEHA. Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.