Grants Accountant

at BUILD, Inc. in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Grants Accountant (GA) (40 hours, Full-time) Exempt

BUILD, Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) is presently seeking a committed, self-motivated, and innovative individual to join our team. BUILD is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city’s most challenged neighborhoods. When you work at BUILD you make an important difference to the thousands of youth and families we serve.

Our Core Values: Empathy, Passion, Persistence and Innovation. 

BUILD is looking for an experienced professional to join our growing team as a Grants Accountant! But be advised, this is not your typical plug-and-play accounting shop. We’re in the middle of a substantial overhaul of our accounting infrastructure to support our tremendous ongoing growth, and we need your passion for process improvement, efficient automation and deploying best practices. You’ll work closely with the Grants Monitor and Program Directors with the opportunity to make your mark with an established and respected non-profit leader providing vital services to Chicago’s rising west side. If this sounds exciting, then we’d love to hear from you!  This position will report to the Grants Monitor and does not supervise any staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Liaises with Program Directors to discuss implications of programmatic activity on existing governmental and other restricted funding.
• Prepares reporting documents to government funders, ensuring the timely submission of all vouchers and related compliance reports.
• Establishes supporting files for periodic requests, including audit requests by governmental funding agencies. Provides detailed reporting of outstanding government contract receivables, on a contract level.
• Liaises with Program and Development in the quarterly review of the programs’ operating results and incorporates their involvement in the periodic preparation of necessary budget modifications for each contract.
• Assist with special projects as assigned.
• Serve as a source of financial advice and expertise for senior management.

Need-to-haves:

• Bachelor's/Associate’s degree in accounting, finance or related field of study.
• At least 2 years of experience in financial bookkeeping or accounting roles.
• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Ability to work a flexible schedule five days per week at our beautiful, brand-new offices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task.

Nice-to-haves:

• Advanced Excel skills, (including VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Index-Match, macros, pivot tables, data queries, solid data table management techniques).
• Preference for proper process documentation.
• Expertise with QuickBooks, specifically importing/exporting data, adjusting fields/views and customizing financial reporting.
• Experience with non-profit accounting.
• Familiarity with third-party platforms, including Bill.com, Paylocity, Expensify, Little Green Light and/or Apricot.
• Knowledge of intercompany accounting principles.

 Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.  
• As of October 15, 2021, all BUILD employees are required to submit proof of full vaccination status. 

Benefits:

• 401(k) + 2% match
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Wellness Days
• Flexible Spending Account

BUILD, Inc., does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits and training. 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically prohibit employment. Rather, BUILD Inc., considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
 

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.  
 

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment