2097 FINANCIAL GRANTS ACCOUNTING OFFICER

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a federally funded, private, nonprofit grantmaking organization that works to support freedom around the world, seeks a Financial Grants Accounting Officer. The position is based in Washington, D.C.

Position Summary:

The primary duties of the Financial Grants Accounting Officer are to ensure the accuracy and integrity of recorded federal financial grant activity, to provide internal analysis on the status of multi-year awards, and produce timely required reporting for the federal government. These responsibilities are carried out by analyzing detailed federal award transactions (i.e. board-approved grant obligations, subsequent amendment and deobligation activity), monitoring cash drawdowns, as well as reporting to internal and external stakeholders on the results of these transactions. The position acts as a liaison to the Grants team, actively engaging in cross-functional working groups, and generally ensures effective communication flow between the Finance and Grants teams.

Responsibilities:

• Certifies that grants activity is properly recorded in NED’s general ledger by reconciling to the grants management system’s activities for the accounting period (e.g. obligations, cash/non-cash deobligations, and supplements).
• Confirms symmetry between Serenic NAV, the Grants Management System (GMS), and the HHS Payment Management System on a monthly/quarterly/fiscal-year basis. Coordinates closely with the Controller and Grants Administration team to resolve any discrepancies that may arise.
• Ensures award receivables, grantee payables, and other related balance sheets accounts are accurately recorded and reconciled.
• Performs daily cash drawdown requests prior to payment processing while collaborating closely with various members of the Finance team on cash requirements, and ensures indirect cost cash settlements are timely drawn on federal awards.
• Prepares quarterly reports for timely submission to U.S. Department of State (DOS) via the HHS Payment Management System: Quarterly Federal Cash Transaction Report (FCTRs), Quarterly and Final filings for Federal Financial Reports (FFRs), as well as interim and final award closeout reports as applicable.
• Monitors the close out of NED’s grants and is responsible for the closeout of the USG-funded awards. Reviews and validates the integrity of the related balances on quarterly and fiscal year basis, as well as for the award life cycle.
• Produces timely and accurate internal financial schedules analysis for management to enable sound decision-making.
• Collaborates with the Sr. Manager, Financial Analysis to provide an annual resource schedule for Grantmaking Funds Available with interim updates prior to each Program planning cycle.
• Supports the year-end financial and Single Audit by preparing required schedules, and further assists with related audit inquiries.
• Acts as the daily point of contact between the Finance and Grantmaking departments, and as a general resource for questions from non-finance personnel with regards to NED Finance policies, procedures, and federal compliance.
• Supports the Finance Team on responding to ad hoc queries from DOS.
• Acts as a backup for verifying grant disbursement requests are properly authorized and accurately recorded.
• Participates on various cross-sectional working groups to provide Finance input on changes in systems, processes and procedures, etc. while ensuring Finance leadership stays informed of any significant issues.
• Leads continuous process improvement by developing and implementing improvements in policies and procedures for the daily, monthly and year-end grants accounting activities, related capture and reporting, and cash management.
• Serves as a mentor to other members of the extended Finance team.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge/Experience:

  • Bachelors’ degree in Accounting or Finance required (CPA a plus, but not required).
  • 4+ years demonstrated work experience in a mission-driven, nonprofit environment, specifically related to federal grants accounting regulations and compliance, including award and subaward monitoring and management. Equivalent audit experience will also be considered.
  • Solid understanding and proven application of GAAP, nonprofit accounting methods, internal controls, and best practices.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge in financial analysis and reporting. Required competence in preparing Federal FFRs and FCTRs and managing cash draws in the HHS Payment System.
  • Strong analysis skills in reviewing general ledger history, and clear ability to propose proper and necessary general journal entries.
  • Demonstrated use of robust accounting and business software packages. Microsoft Serenic Navigator accounting software preferred, and grants management system experience is a plus.
  • Intermediate to advanced level working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other Office products. Must have experience managing large data sets (creating pivot tables, using lookups and advanced formulas).

• Other Qualifications:

  • Solid documentation skills, ensuring proper and complete audit trail.
  • Willingness to work extra hours during peak workload periods, especially around quarter-end reporting deadlines and annual audits.
  • Knowledge or fluency in additional languages is a plus.
  • Authorized to work in the United States.

• Competencies:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Paramount professional integrity, honesty, initiative, confidentiality, and dependability.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all work products.
  • Commitment and ability to excel in a fast-paced environment; works effectively under time pressure and meets deadlines.
  • Highly professional demeanor, with strong interpersonal and customer service skills to effectively interact with all levels of staff.
  • Ability to translate financial terms to effectively communicate with finance and non-finance personnel.
  • Employs team-building, mentoring approach to interactions and working style.
  • Confidence in addressing policy and procedure compliance questions.
  • Solid analytical, problem-solving and financial troubleshooting skills.
  • Ability to quickly learn new systems, processes and procedures.
  • Flexibility in approach to work processes and tasks.