Grants Accountant

SR Accountant - Hybrid - Easthampton, MA

This position is responsible for providing professional accounting services, with a focus on enhancing financial policies, procedures, and internal controls while improving customer service to both internal and external stakeholders. The role plays a key part in the month-end closing process, including recording and reconciling contributions, pledges, and other financial activity related to donations and restricted funds. The position also assists with various financial functions to ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax laws, and industry regulations, while handling a high volume of tasks to meet important deadlines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Record and reconcile daily financial contributions to the general ledger, ensuring consistency with development records.
• Collaborate with advancement and finance teams to maintain compliance with accounting standards for gift processing and reporting, including net asset classification for new restricted gifts and endowments.
• Prepare and reconcile accounts for contributions, pledges, and discounts on uncollectible pledges.
• Monitor restricted funds to ensure expenditures align with donor requirements.
• Review and approve expenses, particularly those involving donor or grant restrictions.
• Set up and monitor grant-related accounting and budget controls.
• Prepare reports for granting agencies and ensure post-award compliance with financial regulations, providing guidance on budgets and expenses.
• Assist with investment recording and reconciliation.
• Play a significant role in the month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting of all transactions.
• Assist in the preparation of annual financial statements, tax returns, and benefit plan audits.
• Support the development and documentation of accounting policies and procedures.
• Participate in various special projects, including system upgrades, audits, financial analyses, and process improvement initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field with 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, preferably within a nonprofit or higher education environment.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and relevant federal and state regulations.
• Experience with ERP systems (Workday preferred) and advanced proficiency in Excel.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and a customer-focused approach.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, work independently, and adapt to changing circumstances.