Grant Financial Leader

Column Technical Services; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Column Technical Services is seeking a Grant Financial Leader in Chicago, IL to oversee the full financial lifecycle of federal grants, ensure compliance with federal regulations, and guide program teams. This role leads financial reporting, budgeting, audits, and sub-recipient monitoring while upholding all federal and organizational standards.

This role follows a hybrid schedule, requiring three days per week on site in the Chicago office. We are considering local applicants only.

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in nonprofit accounting.
• Minimum of ten years of progressive accounting or finance experience.
• Strong ability to provide clear direction, respond to inquiries, and communicate effectively.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage confidential information responsibly.
• Flexible, accurate, and able to adapt to changing priorities.
• Excellent written communication skills and ability to engage across various settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the financial framework and compliance processes for all federal grants, including the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).
• Reviews and approves all grant-related invoices, ensuring proper coding and authorization.
• Partners with Project Directors to develop annual grant budgets and monitors spending.
• Tracks and verifies time allocation reports for federal program staff.
• Prepares and submits all required federal financial reports, including quarterly and final Financial Status Reports.
• Manages reimbursement requests to federal agencies and coordinates payments to sub-grantees.
• Collaborates with the Finance Department on month-end processes and grant-related accounting.
• Supports Project Directors with budget planning, year-end projections, and contract documentation.
• Leads preparation of audit documentation for the Single Audit and Schedule of Federal Awards.

Skills

Nonprofit accounting

Financial reporting

Grant management

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field

CPA or MBA preferred

Tools

Windows

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Email

Internet tools

NetSuite

Job description

Column Technical Services is seeking a skilled Grant Financial Leader to oversee a full financial lifecycle of federal grants, ensure compliance with federal regulations, and provide expert guidance to program teams in Chicago, IL. This role leads financial reporting, budgeting, audits, and sub‑recipient monitoring while upholding all federal and organizational standards. It's a chance to influence high‑visibility programs, strengthen financial systems, and contribute to mission‑driven work with national reach.

This role follows a hybrid schedule, requiring three days per week on site in the Chicago office. We are considering local applicants only.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversees the financial framework and compliance processes for all federal grants, including the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Serves as the internal subject‑matter expert on federal grant reporting and regulatory requirements.
• Reviews and approves all grant‑related invoices, ensuring proper coding and authorization. Analyzes monthly financial statements, general ledger activity, and other financial data tied to federal awards.
• Partners with Project Directors to develop annual grant budgets. Monitors spending across all budget categories and compares actual expenditures to approved budgets each month.
• Tracks and verifies time allocation reports for federal program staff, ensuring alignment with project activities and account codes.
• Prepares and submits all required federal financial reports‑including quarterly and final Financial Status Reports‑accurately and on schedule.
• Manages reimbursement requests to federal agencies and coordinates payments to sub‑grantees.
• Collaborates closely with the Finance Department on month‑end processes, financial reporting, and grant‑related accounting matters. Communicates with federal agencies and partners regarding policies, procedures, and financial compliance.
• Supports Project Directors with budget planning, year‑end projections, contract documentation, and finance‑related inquiries while ensuring adherence to federal administrative and financial standards.
• Leads preparation of audit documentation for the Single Audit, including the Schedule of Federal Awards. Responds to auditor inquiries and maintains audit‑ready records.

Compliance Oversight

• Manages and monitors all sub‑recipient financial activity, including budget reviews, expenditure monitoring, compliance with 2 CFR 200/230, and contract maintenance.
• Confirms that matching requirements are met and that federal cost limitations are followed.
• Develops and maintains sub‑recipient monitoring procedures using OMB Uniform Guidance. Conducts annual risk assessments and ongoing monitoring activities such as:

• Invoice reviews
• Single Audit evaluations and documentation
• Collection of required fiscal responsibility and Uniform Guidance certifications
• Verification and follow‑up on corrective actions
• Training development to reduce recurring findings
• Notification to Controller/CFO when a sub‑recipient is considered high‑risk
• Anti‑lobbying certifications for applicable sub‑awards
• Phone/email monitoring
• Prior‑approval reviews
• Desktop audits and limited‑scope onsite audits, including written reports and training
• Review of internal controls and written procedures

• Ensures compliance with federal cash management rules, including minimizing the time between federal drawdowns and disbursements.
• Provides training, technical assistance, standardized tools, and guidance to sub‑grantees on federal regulations and financial processes.
• Develops a working understanding of each grant's programmatic requirements to support financial discussions and decision‑making.
• Participate in the annual Project Directors national conference and facilitates financial sessions as needed.
• Attends monthly grant and Finance Department meetings, providing financial data and visual reports to support program monitoring.
• Assists Project Directors with procurement processes, contract reviews, and related administrative tasks.
• Maintains up‑to‑date knowledge of federal regulations and organizational policies related to grant management.
• Participates in federal grant training as needed.
• Completes special projects as assigned.
• Supports the organization's mission and values through ethical conduct, collaboration, and commitment to high‑quality financial and programmatic performance.
• Assists with pricing and financial components of grant proposals.
• Supervises grant accounting staff.

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in nonprofit accounting.
• Minimum of ten years of progressive accounting or finance experience.
• Strong ability to provide clear direction, respond to inquiries, and communicate effectively.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage confidential information responsibly.
• Flexible, accurate, and able to adapt to changing priorities.
• Excellent written communication skills and ability to engage across various settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively.
• Proficiency with Windows, Word, advanced Excel, PowerPoint, email, Internet tools, and NetSuite.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field; CPA or MBA preferred.
• Experience with budget development and financial management preferred.

Equal Opportunity

Column Technical Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.