Contracts and Budget Specialist at Lantern Community Services Inc – New York, New York

Reports to: Controller and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Location: Manhattan, NY

Status & Hours: Full-time. Lantern staff may be asked to adjust schedules based on operational needs.

Who We Are: Lantern Community Services helps New Yorkers impacted by homelessness move from surviving to thriving by pairing safe, supportive housing with wraparound services that build lasting stability and independence. Lantern was recognized as a Top 2025 Workplace by City & State New York.

About the Role

The Contracts and Budget Specialist supports the Finance and Grants team in the administration and oversight of government-funded contracts, including those with HASA, DOHMH, DHS, and OMH. This entry-level role assists with budget development, financial tracking, and compliance to ensure alignment with funding requirements and organizational policies. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and eager to grow within nonprofit finance and public sector funding.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Assist in developing contract budgets, budget modifications, and financial projections in collaboration with the Controller and CAFO.
• Support the preparation of annual budgets and financial closeouts for government-funded contracts.
• Review monthly billing for accuracy prior to submission to funding agencies.
• Prepare monthly contract variance reports, including budget-to-actual and year-to-date analysis.
• Assist with pre-award activities, including reviewing proposal guidelines and preparing administrative components.
• Support post-award processes, including account setup, expenditure tracking, and compliance monitoring.
• Assist with invoice preparation, payment tracking, and cost allocation across programs.
• Support grant tracking, projections, and contract closeout activities.
• Assist in ensuring timely contract renewals, extensions, and modifications.
• Participate in monthly financial (P&L) meetings and assist in preparing reports for program leadership.
• Track and follow up on internal and external communications related to contracts and finance.
• Collaborate with Finance and Procurement leadership to support department operations.
• Assist in preparing weekly, monthly, and annual financial reports.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field required.
• Zero to two years of experience in finance, accounting, or grants administration; internship experience accepted.
• Basic understanding of budgeting and financial reporting principles.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or familiarity with nonprofit or government-funded programs.
• Exposure to contracts funded by HASA, DOHMH, DHS, or OMH.
• Experience with financial systems or accounting software.
• Interest in nonprofit finance and public sector funding.

Work Environment: This position operates in an office setting in Midtown, Manhattan, with occasional collaboration across program sites.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, climb stairs, and/or kneel. Occasionally, the employee may lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Note: Lantern Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Lantern values the diversity of our clients, staff, Board of Directors, and partners, and is committed to building inclusive, vibrant, and just communities.