Fiscal Specialist

Paladin; Michigan City (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Paladin is seeking a Fiscal Specialist in Michigan City, IN. This role manages daily financial operations for the Head Start program, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting, coupled with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience. Key responsibilities include budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance oversight. This position offers an opportunity to directly impact the financial integrity of essential programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant financial experience.
• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit or government-funded programs is preferred.
• Familiarity with federal grants required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with federal regulations pertaining to Head Start programs.
• Maintain internal controls for safeguarding funds.
• Conduct budget-to-actual analyses and financial forecasts.
• Prepare and submit financial reports as required.
• Monitor organization’s fiscal policies and procedures.

Skills

Financial operations

Compliance with federal and state requirements

Budgeting and financial reporting

Experience with federal grants

NetSuite or similar ERP system knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field

Degree concentration in Accounting (preferred)

Tools

NetSuite

Payment Management System

Job description

Job Location

Michigan City, IN 46360

Position Summary

The Fiscal Specialist is responsible for daily financial operations of the Head Start program, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and organizational requirements. This role oversees budgeting, expenditure monitoring, financial reporting, and grant compliance while supporting program leadership in financial planning and decision‑making.

Employment Conditions

• Successful drug screening.
• Successful physical capacities examination and TB screen results.
• Criminal history background clearance.

Education and Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant financial experience.

Preferred

• Degree concentration in Accounting.
• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit or government‑funded programs.
• Experience with federal grants.
• Familiarity with NetSuite or similar ERP system, Payment Management System, and Central Authentication Service.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements) and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Maintain internal controls to safeguard funds, property, and assets.
• Ensure all costs are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and properly documented.
• Monitor adherence to organizational and program fiscal policies and procedures.
• Monitor program budgets and expenditures to ensure alignment with approved grant funding.
• Review and verify invoices, purchase orders, and supporting documentation.
• Conduct budget‑to‑actual analyses and financial forecasts.
• Assist with annual budget development and grant applications, including amendments.
• Prepare, review, and/or submit required federal and internal financial reports, including:
  • SF‑425 (Federal Financial Report)
  • SF‑428 (Tangible Personal Property Report)
  • SF‑429 (Real Property Report)
• Maintain accurate financial records and documentation to support audits and monitoring reviews.
• Track and report Non‑Federal Match (In‑Kind contributions).
• Coordinate with the Paladin, Inc. accounting department to request and manage drawdowns from PMS.
• Maintain an inventory of items purchased with federal and grant funds.
• Ensure compliance with federal property management requirements.
• Partner with leadership on strategic planning and financial decision‑making.
• Participate in administrative and leadership meetings.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure fiscal alignment with program goals.
• Support program‑wide compliance efforts, including safety and operational standards.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with emergency procedures, safety protocols, and facility requirements.
• Perform all duties in a safe, professional, and ethical manner.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with staff and leadership.
• Support the overall success of the Head Start program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.