Grants Accountant

The Grants Accountant is responsible for pre-award and post-award financial management of federal, state, and local grants. This position oversees grant accounting, budget development, financial compliance, reporting, and closeout activities throughout the full grant lifecycle.

Responsibilities:

Collaborate with Grants office, principal investors, and department leadership during pre-award planning and proposal development.
• Assist in creation, review, and refinement of grant budgets, including salaries, fringe benefits, equipment, supplies, contractual costs, and indirect costs.
• Ensure proposed budgets are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and compliant with sponsor, state and federal regulations.
• Support internal approval processes for grant proposals.
• Lead and support grant-related post-award functions in coordination with the Grants office, including budget and expense analysis, financial reporting, labor distribution adjustments, reconciliations, and re-budgeting.
• Performs grant closeout functions including reconciliations, financial status reports, zeroing out budgets, and final reporting; reviews general ledger transactions to ensure accuracy and complete journal entries.
• Provides time and effort reporting for each grant, ensuring it is complete and in compliance with applicable regulations; maintains regular communications with departments; communicates with fiscal contacts at funding source for problem resolution and information gathering.
• Administer the establishment of new grant and contract awards in the college's accounting system by reviewing sponsor terms, identifying unusual billing requirements, and resolving issues in collaboration with the grant manager.
• Review current awards for proper assignment of fringe benefits and facilities and administrative costs, ensures start & end dates are recorded correctly for each project, and reviews all projects for any deficit spending. Follow up with the appropriate parties for any problem resolution.
• Manage accounts receivable balances. In a timely and accurate manner, prepare invoices, follows up on cash collections, manages grant closeout process including billing, collection, reporting, and recording data.
• Serve as a primary financial liaison between Finance and other departments for grant-funded activities.
• Serve as a resource to stakeholders by providing guidance on grant-related fiscal processes, compliance, and best practices in partnership with the Grants office, while fostering positive and collaborative relationships across departments.
• Update and maintain grant reporting schedules including annual single audit schedules.
• Provide backup support to other Grants Accounting Specialist.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of general accounting procedures and principles.
• Working knowledge of state and federal rules impacting grant accounting and administration.
• Attention to detail and analytical skills for daily reconciliations and problem solving.
• Ability to interpret complex grant requirements and to communicate with grant managers, grant personnel, and auditors to explain and instruct about grant compliance.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to model integrity through self-awareness, personal accountability, ethical behavior, quality standards, and sustainable practices.
• Ability to think critically by applying problem solving practices, acquiring relevant information, using technology and other resources appropriately, and evaluating alternatives.
• Ability to communicate effectively by speaking and writing clearly, concisely, and professionally; practicing active listening; reading critically and adapting communication for audience.
• Ability to recognize personal biases, adapt to different cultural situations, and demonstrate a commitment to respectful interactions with persons of various ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, or educational backgrounds.
• Intermediate knowledge of and skills with technology including software programs for communication, data collection, and decision making including, but not limited to, Office 365 Suite.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting or related field.
• Minimum of four years of occupational experience involving the creation and maintenance of accurate and detailed accounting records.
• Experience in grant accounting or a similarly complex accounting discipline.

In evaluating candidates for this position, the College may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform duties of position.

CVTC reserves the right to limit applicant consideration from specific geographic regions when differences in state-level policies, laws, or regulatory frameworks present conflicts with institutional standards and/or fiduciary responsibilities. This practice supports compliance, operational integrity, and alignment with the College's strategic objectives.

The College is seeking to attract diverse instructors and staff who can inspire our increasingly diverse student population. We believe every member on our team enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions. We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we seek applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits of diversity in a higher education community. Consideration will be given to equity-minded individuals committed to collaborating with faculty, staff, administration, students, and community partners who are also committed to closing equity gaps.

2026 annual benefits include:

• 3 - 4 weeks of paid vacation time based on years of service
  
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid winter break - varies each year based on academic calendar and, at a minimum, includes days between Christmas and New Year's holidays (some exceptions may apply for essential workers)
• Paid summer break - the week of July 4th
• 4 paid personal days
• 3 weeks (15 days) paid sick time annually for absences due to illness, injury, or doctor and dentist appointments of the employee, dependent children, spouse, or parents of the employee or spouse; cumulative to 135 days (1,080 hours)
• Paid bereavement time
• Paid volunteer time
• Tuition reimbursement up to $2,500 annually (eligibility requirements apply)
• Health insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents with attached Health Savings Account (HSA); CVTC contributes $3,400 annually for a family plan or $1,700 annually for a single plan to your HSA
• Wellness incentive of up to $600 for employees enrolled in CVTC's health insurance
• $2,500 cash-payment in lieu of CVTC health insurance coverage for employees who have credible coverage through another source
• Dental insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents
• Vision insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents
• Life and long-term disability insurance premiums paid by CVTC
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), CVTC matches 7.2%, vested at 5 years of credible service
• 403(b) tax deferred annuity program
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan
• Section 125 flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development
• Certified Gold Level Family Friendly Workplace (FFW)
• Access to expansive collection of college and public library resources for personal and professional use
• Free or low-cost services offered by CVTC program students, such as computer repair, automotive repair, Shear Inspiration Salon and Spa, aesthetician services and 620 West restaurant and culinary pop ups

Benefits begin on the first date of employment (i.e., there is no waiting period).

CVTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the college's non-discrimination policies: Tam Burgau, Vice President of Talent & Culture, 620 W. Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701, 715-833-6334, WI Relay: 711