Grants Accountant in Lansing, Michigan at Michigan-AFL-CIO

Job Title: Grants Accountant & Contract Administrator
Department: Finance
Reports To: Finance Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
Work Location: Statewide / Hybrid (Michigan)

Position Summary
The Grants Accountant & Contract Administrator oversees the financial life cycle of the organization’s grants, awards, and external contracts. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, this position serves as a vital fiscal anchor within the Finance Department, ensuring rigorous compliance with funding source regulations, protecting internal controls, and maintaining flawless financial records.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in fund accounting, a deep understanding of federal and state compliance frameworks, and the exceptional communication skills required to collaborate seamlessly with internal programmatic teams, fund development officers, and external funding partners.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Grant Accounting

• Manage day-to-day accounting for a diverse portfolio of grants and contracts, including preparing journal entries, tracking expenditures, and reconciling general ledger accounts.
• Collaborate with program managers in developing grant budgets; monitor actual spend against budgets to prevent over-expenditure or under-utilization of funds.
• Prepare and submit timely, accurate financial reports, invoices, and reimbursement requests (drawdowns) to funders.
• Assist in accurately allocating shared costs and services across multiple programs and funding streams.
• Lead the financial closeout process for expiring grants and contracts, ensuring all eligible funds are utilized and properly documented.
• Work closely with the Accounting Team to develop projections, investigate discrepancies, and provide recommendations to management.
• Support the Accounting Manager in the maintenance of the general ledger and month-end processes.

Contract Administration & Compliance

• Ensure all financial activities adhere to funder guidelines, organizational policies, and relevant legal/regulatory frameworks (e.g., Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200 for federal grants).
• Review new grant agreements and contracts to identify key financial deliverable dates, reporting requirements, and restrictive clauses.
• Coordinate new contract rollout with program teams and others as applicable.
• Monitor subcontractors and subgrantees to ensure their financial reporting and compliance align with prime award requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external grant audits; maintain organized, audit-ready digital and physical grant files.

Other duties as Assigned
Performs other duties, responsibilities, and special projects assigned to support the operational, strategic, and business needs of the Michigan State AFL-CIO and its Federated Divisions. Such duties will be reasonably related to the employee's position, qualifications, skills, and organizational needs.

Core Competencies & Technical Skills

• Grant Compliance & GAAP: Strong familiarity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and grant compliance standards (e.g., Uniform Guidance/2 CFR 200).
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, financial modeling) and hands-on experience with enterprise accounting software (e.g., NetSuite, Sage Intacct, Blackbaud Financial Edge, or similar).
• Attention to Detail: Maintains meticulous precision in all aspects of financial reporting, data analysis, and regulatory record-keeping.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Ability to translate complex financial concepts and compliance restrictions into clear, actionable terms for non-financial program staff and development officers

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field.

Experience

• 3–5 years of progressive experience in grant accounting, fund accounting, or contract administration.
• Demonstrated experience managing federal, state, or major foundation grants is highly preferred.
• Proven track record in preparing complex budgets, financial reports, and grant compliance documentation.

Skills & Knowledge
Deep comprehension of cost allocation methodologies across multiple funding streams.

Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills.

Familiarity with workforce development systems or credentialing such as Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits
The salary is a fixed, non-negotiable annual rate of $62,000 to $71,000, commensurate with professional-level responsibility.

Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion – EEOC
Our organization is an equal opportunity employer, and we actively seek to build diversity among our officers, staff, and members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.