Senior Accountant - Grants, Contracts & Projects

Overview

A mission-driven organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities is seeking a Senior Grant Accountant to manage the financial administration of a portfolio of grants, contracts, and project-based agreements. This role reports to the Accounting Manager and involves grant revenue recognition, contract billing and invoicing, accounts receivable management, month-end close entries, account reconciliations, and project setup and maintenance within the ERP system.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and post month-end journal entries related to project accounting, including revenue recognition, time and effort costs, indirect costs, and restricted interest.
• Reconcile assigned accounts monthly, such as accounts receivable, deferred revenue, and other project-related accounts; investigate and resolve variances promptly.
• Complete assigned close tasks within established deadlines.
• Build and process invoices for cost-reimbursable contracts, fixed-fee agreements, and other billing arrangements in the ERP system according to contract terms and billing schedules.
• Communicate with program managers to support timely and accurate invoice preparation.
• Record customer deposits and applications.
• Monitor accounts receivable aging.
• Create new projects in the ERP system, including customer setup, task structure, budget layout, billing rules, and revenue configuration.
• Maintain project records throughout the project lifecycle, including budget revisions, period extensions, funding modifications, and project closeout activities.
• Configure and update project billing schedules and invoicing parameters as contract terms evolve.
• Review and approve grant-related disbursements in the ERP system, ensuring proper coding to awards and cost categories.
• Collaborate with program managers on project financial matters to ensure accurate and timely recording.
• Prepare financial reports for grant funders according to reporting schedules and award terms.
• Respond to ad-hoc financial data requests from program managers and Finance leadership.
• Assist in compiling supporting schedules and transaction detail for annual audit fieldwork.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field.
• 3–5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, focusing on project accounting, grant accounting, or similar data-intensive functions.
• Experience working within an ERP or complex accounting system.
• Solid understanding of core accounting principles, including revenue recognition, accounts receivable, deferred revenue, and billing structures.
• Strong analytical and data management skills with the ability to handle large volumes of financial data and resolve discrepancies accurately.
• Highly detail-oriented with a logical, methodical approach to problem solving.
• Comfortable working across multiple systems and data sources; quick to learn new tools and adapt to evolving technology.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data reconciliation techniques.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; able to collaborate with program staff, management, and external contacts.
• Ability to follow established procedures, maintain organized documentation, and proactively escalate issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with grants accounting, nonprofit accounting, or government accounting.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $75,000 to $90,000 per year, commensurate with experience and skills.
• Employer-paid health, disability, and life insurance.
• 401(k) savings plan with employer match.
• Flexible spending accounts for medical, dependent care, and transportation.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid time off.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Note: Employment is at-will. Salary and compensation may be modified based on individual and organizational performance and market factors.

Work Location

• Remote work within the Eastern Time Zone is considered, with preference for candidates in the Mid-Atlantic region to facilitate occasional in-person meetings.
• Occasional travel to the Philadelphia headquarters may be required.

Additional Information

• Employment eligibility verification and background checks are required.
• The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, national origin, disability unrelated to job performance, or veteran status.
• Compliance with a Code of Ethics governing personal financial and securities transaction reporting may apply to certain staff members and their household members.