Grants & Contracts Accounting Specialist

Company: Carole Robertson Center for Learning
Location: Chicago
Posted on: May 28, 2023

Job Description:

The Contract Accounting Specialist is responsible for the effective management of assigned contracts, including data management for fiscal oversight, budgeting, reporting, data collection, voucher preparation, documentation, and variance analysis. In order to maximize funding resources and comply with contract requirements, the Contract Accounting Specialist may communicate with relevant funders, program management staff, and administrative staff. Contract Accounting Specialists operate with independent judgment on daily tasks, under the direct supervision of the Contract Manager.Major Responsibilities and Key TasksTake a collaborative role with relevant program management and administrative staff to prepare initial contracts, contract amendments, and contract renewals. Prepare auxiliary budget/contract forms as required by funding sources or agency. Contributes to the preparation of all budgets;Ensure that the funder's processes, forms, and other key requirements are understood so that CRCL may efficiently and optimally receive full authorization and reimbursement for contract expenditures;Prepare reimbursement and in-kind vouchers for assigned contracts within required timelines in accordance with budget, program, and agency guidelines. Prepare vouchers. Verify computations and determine appropriateness of supporting documentation for expenses from reports provided from the General Ledger. Prepare and maintain all required accompanying documentation per funder agreements. Enter the corresponding receivables into the accounting system;Facilitate the allocation of agency personnel to programs and contracts; ensure that personnel who are assigned to their contracts meet all relevant academic, work, and salary requirements;Monitor receipt, processing, and payment of vouchers; notify Contract Manager of status, issues, and delays as appropriate. Pursue follow-up of outstanding issues with relevant contract funder personnel or sub-recipient.;Create, maintain, and generate monthly/quarterly financial reports for assigned contracts which include: detailed line-item and overall budget performance, audit deletions, available balances by line item, and keeps the Contracts Manager up to date on any issues that arise with the contract including late voucher submissions, budget and spending issues, due dates for all submissions, changes to the contract or sub-recipient contract. and budget vs. actual other information as appropriate;Communicate internally to leadership all issues that arise with the contract, including: late voucher submissions, budget and spending issues, due dates for all submissions, changes to the contract, etc.;Contribute to preparing for and conducting contract/funder compliance audits for assigned contracts;Provide support to the Contract Manager as needed on Finance Department projects such as policy formation, process reengineering, or management reporting;Onboard and train the Contract Assistant in documentation retrieval, support, and effective reporting for monthly vouchers to funders; andOther duties as assigned.COMPETENCIESValues-ability to demonstrate in word and action the Center's core values and deep commitment to the mission, vision, priorities and needs of the organization and the diverse communities it serves.Inclusion-values all people for their unique talents and perspectives and promotes practices that promote and provide equal access to opportunities and resources that enable employees to contribute fully to the organization's success.Relationships-ability to build authentic relationships in the service of enhancing individual and team performances to support the Center's work.Change Capacity-leads self and others by demonstrating the ability to pivot and respond to unpredictable, disruptive, and ambiguous situations. Develop processes, tools, and techniques used to advance desired organizational outcomes and manage change effectively.Results-Proven Track Record-demonstrable ability to exceed goals with a bottom-line orientation; evidence of the ability to consistently make good decisions through a combination of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; high level of business acumen including successful P&L management; the ability to balance the delivery of programs against the realities of a budget; and problem solving, project management, and creative resourcefulness.Strategic Vision and Agility-ability to think strategically, anticipate future consequences and trends, and incorporate them into the organizational plan.Innovation-ability to form ideas that are new and enhanced, while introducing constructive ways of looking at problems that foster creativity interdisciplinary/cross-functional work.Required Education and ExperienceAssociate's degree or equivalent experience in fund accounting and contractual reporting in an accounting or related field;Experience in grants accounting;Strong administrative abilities and computer skills - including use of fund accounting software and spreadsheet/database programs (e.g., EXCEL);Outstanding written and verbal communication skills;Ability to comprehend and analyze financial transactions and accounting reports;Outstanding attention to detail; andKnowledge of financial recordkeeping systems.Carole Robertson Center for Learning provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.Fostering a safe environment for the children, families, and communities we serve, and our employees is of the utmost importance. In this spirit, please note that upon accepting an offer of employment, you will be required to share proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status. To be considered fully vaccinated, it must be at least two weeks since you received the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or the only dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Accommodation requests will be considered in compliance with applicable laws.

Keywords: Carole Robertson Center for Learning, Chicago , Grants & Contracts Accounting Specialist, Accounting, Auditing , Chicago, Illinois