Term Limited - Senior Accountant Grants - Community Transit

This position is considered Term Limited. Term of position: 3 years from date of hire.

As a Senior Grants Accountant, you will oversee complex grants-related accounting responsibilities. You will ensure compliance with accounting, financial reporting, and administrative requirements related to federal, state, and local grant funding. You will provide strategic financial oversight and advisory support for grant-funded projects, collaborating closely with internal departments and external agencies to enhance fund utilization, streamline reporting, and maintain financial integrity. This role emphasizes leadership in process improvement, compliance audits, alongside full-cycle grant management duties such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger maintenance, and financial reporting.

Compliance & Financial Reporting

• Lead compliance efforts for grant funding by ensuring adherence to OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), FTA, WSDOT, and other regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary contact for audits, preparing detailed reports, including the SEFA for the annual Single Audit, and supporting documentation for both internal and external auditors.
• Prepare and submit timely financial reports to granting organizations. Ensure all reports meet the grantor’s requirements and deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records of all grant-related financial activities, including budgets, revenues, and expenditures.

Grants Accounting & Reporting

• Oversee and review grant allocation, ensuring correct coding, cost center management, and compliance with budgetary constraints.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting efforts, ensuring compliance with grantor specifications and strict adherence to deadlines.
• Reconcile and validate grant expenses with financial records and identify any discrepancies.
• Generate journal entries when needed. Coordinate with Finance department staff to support integrity and accuracy in all general ledger accounts.
• Track and record revenues, expenditures, receivables, and other financial activities related to grants.
• Prepare and process reimbursement requests to granting agencies.
• Review all accounts payable vouchers paid with grant funding for coding, accuracy, and completeness. May perform other accounts payable tasks.
• Perform accounts receivable tasks such as preparing grant fund drawdowns. May be involved in other accounts receivable processes.

Auditing and Financial Controls

• Lead initiatives to streamline financial and operational processes related to grants management.
• Responsible for internal and external audits, providing all necessary documentation related to grant expenditures and compliance.
• Conduct regular internal reviews of grant expenditures to ensure accuracy and adherence to budget guidelines.
• Develop, enforce, implement, and document robust financial controls for grant-related transactions, ensuring compliance and minimizing risk.

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with department heads and project managers to ensure accurate tracking of grant-funded projects.
• May serve as a liaison with granting agencies regarding any questions or concerns related to grant fiscal management.
• Provide regular updates to leadership on grant status, including available funds, upcoming deadlines, and any risks or issues.
• Assist in developing team-wide training programs to enhance knowledge of grants management and compliance.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Develop grant budgets in partnership with project managers and senior leadership, providing expertise in cost forecasting, tracking, and variance analysis.
• Monitor spending to ensure adherence to approved budgets. Take proactive steps to address any variances.
• Support long-term financial planning by identifying opportunities for new grant funding and advising on fiscal strategies to optimize grant utilization.
• Create financial reports, such as budget to actual, to aid project managers and grant teams maintain financial controls.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in an intermediate level accounting position, with a focus on grants or government accounting.
• 2 years of experience preparing and managing federal, state, and local grant reports.
• 2 years of experience using automated accounting systems, including report writing and analysis of data.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. *

*An equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the job duties is also accepted.

Knowledge Requirements

• OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and related grant regulations.
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Rules, regulations, and standards associated with Federal funding and non-profit accounting.

Skill Requirements

• Fostering an inclusive workplace by valuing and leveraging diversity, equity, and inclusion to uphold Community Transit’s Core Values and achieve the organization’s vision and mission. Inspiring and fostering team commitment, pride, and trust. Facilitating cooperation and motivating team members to accomplish group goals while treating others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.
• Effective written and oral communications that are timely, relevant, concise, and clearly outline necessary actions.
• Ability to quickly learn new technology platforms and embrace continuous learning.
• Microsoft Excel, including the ability to perform lookups, create functions and formulas, and use pivot tables to analyze data.
• Maintaining confidentiality and communicating with tact and diplomacy.
• Managing multiple tasks simultaneously and effectively and adjusting to changing priorities.
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Preferred Skills and Knowledge

• CPA, CMA, or CGFM Certification.
• Indirect cost rate application and allocation methods
• Contractual agreements, terms, requirements, and other grants-related compliance issues.
• Researching, identifying, and applying applicable rules and regulations for different types of grants.
• Familiarity with PeopleSoft Financials, or similar financial systems.
• Governmental Accounting experience, preferably in local government (e.g., transit, public works, county, or city government).

Working Conditions

Hybrid telework may be available. Availability is at management discretion and may not be available for this position based on the nature of the work. Work is performed in an office environment and requires the use of office equipment and technology. You will be required to move throughout and between different office buildings and may need to complete tasks in noisy environments. You may also be required to lift and carry materials up to 10 pounds occasionally.

OTHER:

You may need to travel to other locations for training, meetings, or audits.

Application and Selection Process

• Only on-line applications accepted.  
• Applicants for this job may be considered for other openings up to six months after the date this position is filled.
• Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be scheduled for an interview as well as a variety of tests to demonstrate knowledge, and skills for the position.  The evaluation process may include interviews, background check, reference checks and various performance tests. 

Employee Benefits Exempt

• Employees (and their families) are covered by medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance.
• Employees participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and have the option to enroll in the agency’s deferred compensation plan.
• In addition to WA Paid Sick Leave, employees in this position, accrue of 24 days of Paid Time off (192 hours) in their first year and ten (10) paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Full list of all benefits and details can be found here. 

If you are related to or share the same living quarters of a current Community Transit employee, please let your Human Resources Recruiter know as your eligibility for this position may be affected.

Community Transit provides a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.  As a recipient of federal funds, Community Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on a basis prohibited by Federal, State or Local law.  We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, protected veteran status or disability.