Sr. Grants & Contracts Accountant

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC FUNCTION:                  

Under direction of the Director of Research Operational Controls, this position prepares financial reports, approves requisitions, payroll requests, travel and travel reimbursements, P-Cards, etc.  Maintains financial records in a computerized database. Incumbent will also prepare comprehensive settlement and close out reports for various grants in the University.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:  

None

NATURE AND SCOPE:            

Internal contacts include administrators and program staff, faculty, principal investigators and students of the University. External contacts Include representatives from government and private granting agencies, external auditors and regulatory agencies.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:              

• Post award administration in the Grants and Contracts Department
• Processes financial reports, approves requisitions, payroll requests, travel and travel reimbursements, P-Cards, etc.
• Reviews and corrects payments requests submitted by departmental administrators, budget officers, etc. Update, maintain and correct award profile data and budget management.
• Makes journal entries, adjusts entries, and cancels encumbrances on a regularly scheduled basis to account for billing to funding agencies and private institutions.
• Approves and processes on-line purchase requests, travel, P-Card, etc. on a regularly scheduled basis.
• Reviews/researches/approves travel request documents for department representative or other Accountants.
• Prepares and submits comprehensive reports of expenditures for grants and contracts, to various governmental and private agencies.
• Provides technical assistance on the procedures and regulations associated with preparing spending documents.  Advises   department representatives of problems regarding grants as well as changes or corrections required to achieve compliance.
• Processes interdepartmental charges and issues payment to proper revenue account for services Reconciles sub-ledgers to the general ledger and resolves differences.
• Investigation of salary discrepancies of grant employees and the preparation of variance reports.
• Analyzes expenditures on a regular basis to determine costs allowable under the University, federal and private agency regulations.
• Conducts collection activities on outstanding billed receivable accounts, provides customer service to department representatives and responds to telephone inquiries from students, faculty and staff.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:         

• Comprehensive knowledge of principles, practices and methodologies of accounting including grant administration and reporting, budget policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of personal computer with accompanying spreadsheet, database, word processing, and presentation software
• Skills in managing financial transactions and knowledge of advance mathematics
• Competence in both oral and written English to communicate in a clear and concise manner.  Ability to do budget forecasting, deficit analysis and graphical interpretation of budget functions Ability to maintain accurate hardcopy and electronic accounting records
• Ability to apply complex analytical concepts and verify the accuracy of data presented for processing and makes recommendation for resolution
• Ability to evaluate work issues, train, develop, make / correct assignments and meet deadlines
• Ability to define instructions, adhere to a changing system of specific policies and procedures
• Ability to exercise discretion and ensure a high-level of confidentiality
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relations with staff, University officials and the general public

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:    

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or closely related field and four (4) years of relevant professional experience to include supervision of a unit involved in administering grants and contracts.  Experience that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and skill in grant administration and reporting, knowledge of the Uniform Guidance for Higher Education”, expertise in computerized financial accounting systems required.  PeopleSoft experience desired.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range: $85,454 - $94,000