Senior Accountant

Summary

Senior Accountant – Nonprofit Organization (Government Grants) 

Position Overview 

The Senior Accountant supports the financial integrity of the organization by managing complex accounting functions, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local grant requirements, and maintaining accurate and timely financial records. This role plays a critical part in month end close, grant reporting, audit preparation, and internal controls. The ideal candidate has strong nonprofit accounting experience, deep knowledge of government grants, and the ability to work independently while supporting cross departmental needs. 

 

Duties

Key Responsibilities 

Grant & Contract Accounting 

• Manage financial activity for federal, state, and local government grants, ensuring compliance with award terms, Uniform Guidance, and organizational policies. 
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual grant reports, including budget to actual analyses, allowable cost reviews, and revenue recognition. 
• Maintain grant schedules, track spending deadlines, and ensure timely drawdowns or reimbursement requests. 
• Review and reconcile grant related general ledger accounts, including deferred revenue, receivables, and indirect cost allocations. 
• Support program managers by providing financial insights, projections, and guidance on grant spending. 

General Accounting & Month End Close 

• Assist with month end close activities, including journal entries, accruals, allocations, and account reconciliations. 
• Maintain the general ledger and ensure accuracy across all funds, programs, and cost centers. 
• Prepare financial statements and internal management reports. 
• Monitor and reconcile bank accounts, prepaid schedules, fixed assets, and other balance sheet items. 

 

Compliance & Internal Controls 

• Ensure compliance with 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), state regulations, and funder specific requirements. 
• Maintain documentation and audit trails for all financial transactions. 
• Strengthen internal controls, including review processes, segregation of duties, and documentation standards. 
• Assist with annual financial audits, single audits, monitoring visits, and funder reviews. 

Financial Analysis & Support 

• Provide analysis on grant performance, organizational trends, and financial risks. 
• Support annual budgeting and grant proposal budgets. 
• Collaborate with HR, procurement, and program teams to ensure accurate coding and financial alignment. 

Systems & Process Improvement 

• Utilize and optimize accounting and grant management systems (e.g., MIP, Sage Intacct, Blackbaud, AvidX, Microix). 
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and enhance reporting capabilities. 
• Support staff training on financial processes and compliance requirements. 

Requirements

Qualifications 

Required 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. 
• 3–5+ years of nonprofit accounting experience, including government grant management. 
• Strong understanding of fund accounting, indirect cost allocation, and Uniform Guidance. 
• Proficiency with accounting software (MIP, Sage Intacct, or similar) and advanced Excel skills. 
• Experience preparing financial statements, reconciliations, and audit documentation. 

Preferred 

• Experience with federal and state grants (e.g., CCDF, Smart Start, DCDEE, CACFP, Early Years). 
• Familiarity with Microix, AvidX, or other workflow automation tools. 
• Knowledge of cost allocation plans, time and effort reporting, and multi fund budgeting. 
• CPA or progress toward CPA is a plus. 

Key Competencies 

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills 
• High attention to detail and accuracy 
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities 
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain financial concepts to nonfinancial staff 
• Commitment to transparency, compliance, and mission driven work 
• Proactive, organized, and able to work independently