Finance/Grant Accountant

GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Grand Canyon University is seeking a Finance/Grant Accountant to join the University Finance team. You will oversee post-award grant finances, ensure accurate reporting, and maintain compliance with donor requirements and university policies.

The role collaborates with Advancement, Research and Grants offices, supports month-end close, prepares journal entries, and performs ad hoc analyses to improve processes and reporting across departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Three years of accounting, grant administration, or related experience.
• Experience preparing reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reports.

Responsibilities

• Manage post-award grant finances including budget monitoring, reporting, invoicing, and compliance.
• Support accounting, reconciliation, and reporting for gifts, pledges, sponsorships, and other revenue.
• Review financial transactions for proper accounting treatment and coding.
• Communicate financial results to department leaders and program personnel.
• Perform month-end duties including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Assist with audits, tax filings, grant reviews, and other compliance activities.
• Maintain supporting documentation per University policies.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and reporting efficiency.
• Perform ad hoc financial analysis and special projects.

Skills

Revenue recognition

Restricted fund accounting

Post-award grant administration

Analytical skills

Interdepartmental communication

Project prioritization

Self-direction

Financial communication

Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP)

CRM systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA or CMA licensure (preferred)

Tools

CRM systems

Accounting software

Job description

The Finance/Grant Accountant is a member of the University Finance team under the supervision of the Accounting Manager and works collaboratively with departments across the University, including Advancement and the Office of Research and Grants. This position is responsible for accounting, reporting, and compliance activities related to grants, gifts, and other revenue. The Finance/Grant Accountant supports grant administration, financial reporting, month-end close activities, and other accounting functions to ensure accurate financial records and compliance with applicable policies, regulations, and donor requirements.

What you will do

• Manage the financial post-award aspects of grants, including budget monitoring, reporting, invoicing, and compliance activities.
• Support accounting, reconciliation, and reporting activities related to gifts, pledges, sponsorships, and other University revenue sources.
• Review financial transactions and ensure proper accounting treatment and coding.
• Communicate financial information and results to department leaders and program personnel.
• Perform month-end duties, including preparation of journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Assist with audits, tax filings, grant reviews, and other compliance-related activities.
• Maintain supporting documentation and records in accordance with University policies.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, controls, and reporting efficiency.
• Perform ad hoc financial analysis and special projects as assigned.
• Other related duties as assigned.

What you will need

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of revenue recognition, and restricted fund accounting.
• Ability to analyze complex revenue transactions and determine appropriate accounting treatment.
• Knowledge of post-award grant administration and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to provide a high level of customer service and establish and maintain effective interdepartmental communications and relationships.
• Ability to manage numerous simultaneous projects.
• Ability to prioritize and self-direct.
• Ability to communicate financial concepts effectively to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables and VLOOKUP functions.
• Experience working with accounting and CRM systems.

Education and/or Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Three years of accounting, grant administration, or related experience.
• Experience preparing reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reports.

Preferred Qualifications

• Higher education or nonprofit accounting experience.
• Grant accounting experience.
• Experience supporting fundraising-related accounting activities.
• CPA or CMA Licensure Knowledge of federal grants and regulations (strongly preferred).

Why work at GCU: Exceptional workplace benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401K savings plan Generous time off plan and 11 paid holidays Paid time off to volunteer in the community or at GCU sponsored events Free covered parking We also offer full-time employees, their spouses, and dependent children an Education Tuition Discount Program

The University values diversity among its students, faculty and staff, and invites applications from all qualified individuals, including minorities, females, individuals with disabilities and veterans.

Employment is contingent upon the satisfactory outcome (as determined by the university) of pre-employment screening activities, including a background check.