Grants & Contracts Accountant

Position Summary

Erikson is a leading institution of higher education specializing in early childhood and related fields. We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and experienced Grants & Contracts Manager to join our team. This position focuses on the budgeting aspects of sponsored project grants and contracts. The Contract Manager will work closely with faculty, staff, and external fiscal contacts with partners to facilitate the efficient and effective execution of agreements.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Award Administration

• Review and coordinate the preparation and submission of grant and contract budget and budget narrative proposals, including any sub-awards proposed.
• Coordinate all IT requirements with the IT Team to arrive at the budget needs in support of the proposal narrative.
• Ensure budget and budget narrative proposals comply with partner guidelines, Insitute policies, finance requirements, and federal regulations.
• Work with principal investigators (PIs) to develop budgets and ensure accurate financial projections, including development of effort projections.
• Review and propose modifications to contract terms and conditions for secondary review by the Associate Director of OSPR Business Operations.
• Serve as a contact for fiscal related matters with the funding partner’s fiscal primary contact.

Post-Award Administration

• Monitor budgets and expenditures to ensure compliance with funding partner regulations.
• Collaborate with finance and research teams to process invoices, reimbursements, and effort reporting.
• Ensure timely submission of financial reports to funding agencies in cohesion with the narrative reporting.
• Work with the Project Manager to conduct regular budget reconciliations, including efforts, to ensure accuracy and identify any discrepancies.
• Assist in grant or contract modifications/amendments, extensions, and closeout processes.
• Apply federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, policies) to ensure compliance.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in grants and contracts administration, research administration, or sponsored projects.
• Strong understanding of federal funding agency regulations and grant and contract compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in grants and contracts management systems and financial reporting tools.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and analytical skills.
• Strong negotiation and contract drafting skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in using grants and contract management software and databases.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred

• Experience working in higher education or nonprofit grant management.

Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.

About Erikson Institute

We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.

Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.

Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).

To learn more, please visit our web site at www.erikson.edu