Fiscal Reviewer Consultant (Head Start Monitoring)

Overview

This part-time consultant role supports federal monitoring of Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipients by conducting fiscal, administrative, and management reviews in line with Office of Head Start (OHS) monitoring protocols. The consultant analyzes fiscal systems and practices, collects and documents evidence, and contributes to accurate, high-quality monitoring reports using designated tools and systems. The position involves working as part of multidisciplinary review teams under onsite leadership.

Responsibilities

• Complete all required virtual training prior to participating in monitoring reviews to gain proficiency in monitoring processes, protocols, reporting systems, and related resources.
• Participate in competency-based professional development and refresher trainings covering:
  • Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS)
  • Monitoring process updates
  • Reporting and database systems
  • Applicable federal fiscal requirements and guidance
• Conduct fiscal reviews of Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipients to assess compliance with federal fiscal and administrative requirements.
• Analyze grantee organizational structures across various entity types (e.g., nonprofit organizations, Local Educational Agencies, community action agencies, single-purpose entities) to understand fiscal governance and management systems.
• Assess how fiscal and administrative systems support program operations and services, including school readiness, family engagement, health and safety, fiscal oversight, and services for children with disabilities.
• Review the role of governing bodies and policy groups in fiscal and administrative decision-making and oversight.
• Review and analyze a broad range of fiscal, administrative, and programmatic data sources and documentation using standardized monitoring tools.
• Obtain, synthesize, and critically evaluate complex information to understand program performance and identify root causes of fiscal or administrative challenges.
• Analyze how grantees use data to support continuous improvement and align fiscal resources with identified service needs and community assessments.
• Conduct interviews and document reviews as part of onsite and virtual monitoring activities.
• Collect, document, and enter all required data and evidence into OHS-designated monitoring software systems.
• Develop clear, concise, and evidence-based narrative summaries describing findings, concerns, and issues in accordance with current monitoring protocols.
• Ensure all documentation and narratives align with monitoring standards and accurately reflect evidence collected during the review.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary review teams to ensure consistent implementation of monitoring protocols.
• Maintain objectivity, confidentiality, and professionalism throughout all monitoring activities.
• Stay current on changes to federal rules, regulations, and guidance affecting Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, including at least 12 college-level accounting credits.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in fiscal management, auditing, monitoring, or oversight of federally funded programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal fiscal requirements and compliance standards.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information.
• Strong written communication skills, including experience preparing narrative reports.
• Ability to travel independently to monitoring sites nationwide.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary review team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Head Start or Early Head Start programs.
• Prior experience conducting federal monitoring or compliance reviews.
• Familiarity with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and federal grant management requirements.

Engagement Details

• Engagement Type: Part-Time Consultant (As Needed)
• Travel: Required (Nationwide)