Job Description

Job Description

Our client is a private, nonprofit, and internationally recognized optometry school. They offer competitive salary and benefits packages and a flexible/hybrid office schedule once you're up and running. For immediate consideration, please apply today!

Grants and Contracts Accountant

Boston, MA

Description

Reporting to the Executive Director of Financial Operations, the Grants and Contracts Accountant has diverse tasks related to post-award grant projects for research, clinical and continuing education activities, and serves as a key member of a cross-functional team that supports and collaborates with the college’s Office for Research Administration. This individual should be able to keep track of outstanding accounts, have strong customer service and problem-solving skills, and a commitment to working with a diverse group of faculty and staff in support of the mission of the institution.

About the College and Center for Eye Care

The college prepares the next generation of eye care providers, educators, and innovators through a rigorous curriculum and extensive clinical experience. Graduates compassionate and skilled optometrists prepared to practice in diverse settings. Located in the heart of Boston, the College is a small, independent graduate institution that has a student body of approximately 530 students from 34 states and 8 countries.

The Center for Eye Care is the patient care and clinical education affiliate of the college. It is one of the largest providers of optometric services in Massachusetts with nearly 90,000 annual patient visits at more than 43 locations, including many of Greater Boston’s community health centers.

Grants and Contracts Accountant Principal Areas of Responsibility (in collaboration with Research Administrator)

Financial Management

o Maintain accurate financial records for grant-funded and contract-funded programs and projects, including tracking expenditures, revenues, and budget allocations.

o Monitor spending patterns and budget utilization to ensure alignment with grant objectives and institutional guidelines

o Prepare financial reports, statements, and analyses for grant-related activities

Budgeting and Forecasting

o Collaborate with grant and contract project managers and human resources to develop detailed budgets for project proposals, ensuring alignment with project goals and objectives

o Assist in budget revisions and modifications as necessary to accommodate changing needs or funding circumstances

o Provide financial projections and forecasts for grant-related and contract-related activities

Compliance and Reporting

o Ensure adherence to project guidelines, regulations, and reporting requirements from federal, state, and private funding sources

o Prepare and submit accurate and timely financial reports and documentation to grantors as required

o Coordinate with external auditors to facilitate grant-related and contract-related audits and reviews

Grant and Contract Administration

o Work closely with grant and contract project teams to provide financial guidance and support throughout the project lifecycle

o Participate in project proposal development, reviewing budgets and financial sections to ensure accuracy and compliance

o Assist in the preparation of grant-related and contract-related invoices, reimbursement requests, and financial documentation

Communication and Collaboration

o Collaborate with various departments, including research administration, clinical operations, continuing education, development, human resources, and finance to ensure seamless coordination of grant-related and contract-related activities

o Communicate effectively with principal investigators, project managers, and external partners to address financial queries and resolve issues

Training and Professional Development

o Stay updated on evolving grant regulations, accounting standards, and best practices within the higher education sector

o Attend relevant training sessions and workshops to enhance grant and contract accounting knowledge and skills

The college offers a robust benefits program including:

• 3 plan options for BCBS medical coverage (employer subsidized at 75% or greater)
• Mental Health and Wellness benefits
• BCBS Dental
• Discounted vision services
• 13 paid holidays and generous paid time off for sick, vacation, and personal days
• Employer-paid life insurance, and short-term and long-term disability
• Voluntary Insurance: life, critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident,
• Voluntary Benefits: employee discounts and pet insurance
• 9% employer contribution to a 403(b)-retirement plan after 1 year of service with no vesting schedule or match requirement
• Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness Employer

Grants and Contract Accountant Requirements:

· Bachelor’s degree in accounting required

· Minimum of 2 to 5 years of accounting, budget management, or related experience required

· Grant administration and accounting preferred

· Experience with general ledger software, Jenzabar preferred

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word

· Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills required, including the ability to cultivate and manage relationships with faculty, staff, and funding agencies

· Must be detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects while working under deadlines during peak times of the year