Grants Accountant

at  Prairie State Legal Services

PSLS is currently hiring a Grants Accountant. The Grants Accountant will report to the Finance Director and will assist in the financial aspects of grant development and reporting, along with support for all accounting functions. The role requires a highly organized individual with strong attention to detail, a sense of urgency, and the ability to multi-task. The principal duties of this position are performed in a general office environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with 3 years of relevant experience required
• Strong computer competency is essential, including the ability to use Access and the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel
• Familiarity with database software and proven track record of creating and modifying software to produce result
• Excellent analytical skills and sound understanding of accounting principles
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of organization time management and to meet deadlines consistently
• Strong oral/written communication
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as a team member
• Experience in working with state and federal grants and the financial controls related to such grants preferred
• Some travel is necessary; valid driver’s license and/or reliable transportation is required
• We will give preference to candidates who have experience providing services to low-income individuals

Among other duties as assigned, the Grants Accountant will:

• Be responsible for setting up and implementing processes to manage, track, and report the staff time and cost allocation to Prairie State grants and offices
• Identify the specific requirements of grants which require data collection, tracking, and reporting
• Work with the Finance Director, Fiscal Manager, Lead Grants Accountant, and other Grants Accountants to understand and document the unique features of grants that require special reporting
• Interact with attorneys in the field offices to understand how they are setting up their time recording/reporting for grant and office purposes
• Work with the grants department to determine the budget and reporting requirements of any new and existing grants
• Analyze grants to ascertain if the budgets are accurate for the work we are expected to perform
• Prepare projections at key time periods in specific grants to ensure fulfilling the grant criteria/obligations
• Train new staff on grant reporting protocols as related to financial aspects of the grants
• Work with the Finance Director, Fiscal Manager, and other Grants Accountants to develop a streamlined process for transferring financial grant data to accounting software
• Participate in the annual audit as needed
• Provide backup on other accounting functions, such as payroll, procurement, accounts payable and receivable, and benefits administration