Grant Specialist

Pala Band of Mission Indians; Pala (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401K Retirement Plan

Vacation earns up to 13 days per year for FT employees

Sick Leave earns up to 13 days per year for FT employees

Life Insurance up to $25,000

Job summary

The Pala Band of Mission Indians is seeking a Grant Specialist to oversee financial administration of Social Services grants, ensuring compliance and accuracy in reporting. This role requires collaboration with the Finance Department and program managers to manage budgets effectively.

Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 3-5 years of financial coordination experience. Benefits include employer-paid medical insurance, a retirement plan, and vacation. Position based in Pala, California.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in financial coordination, preferably in a non-profit, government, or tribal organization.
• Familiarity with OMB grant compliance standards or similar financial regulations.
• Experience preparing or supporting state or federal grant reporting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and reconcile grant and internal budgets on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Prepare financial statements and reports for multiple grants and funding sources.
• Track expenditures and ensure appropriate use of funds in line with funding agency guidelines.
• Monitor and process payment requests, purchase orders, reimbursements, and procurement.

Skills

Financial management

Budgeting

Accounting practices

QuickBooks

Microsoft Excel

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

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

4 years experience in bookkeeping or financial oversight

Tools

QuickBooks

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Description

PALA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

Human Resources
PMB 50 35008 Pala Temecula Road, Pala, CA 92059

Position Information

Title: Grant Specialist

Department: Social Services

Salary: Full‑time / Hourly / DOE

Supervisor: Social Services Director

Subordinates: None

Benefits

• Employer Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K Retirement Plan (Eligibility after one-year service - Company matches half of employee's contribution up to 7%)
• Vacation earns up to 13 days per year for FT employees
• Sick Leave earn up to 13 days per year for FT employees
• Life Insurance the Company provides up to $25,000.00

Position Summary

The Grants Specialist will oversee the financial administration, tracking, and compliance of all Social Services grant and internal budgets. This role focuses on ensuring accuracy in financial reporting, managing procurement and reimbursement processes, and supporting the Social Services Director with data tracking, reporting, and planning. This position will work closely with the upcoming directives of the financial obligations related to Title IV. The position works closely with the Pala Finance Department to ensure compliance with tribal, state, and federal regulations, and supports internal program managers with budget management and fiscal analysis. This is a highly collaborative role that requires strong financial and accounting expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate across departments.

Essential Responsibilities And Duties

• Maintain and reconcile grant and internal budgets on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis
• Prepare financial statements and reports for multiple grants and funding sources
• Track expenditures and ensure appropriate use of funds in line with funding agency guidelines
• Monitor and process payment requests, purchase orders, reimbursements, and procurement for all Social Services programs
• Work with program managers to develop budget forecasts and monitor spending
• Maintain organized records of all grant documentation, invoices, and compliance materials
• Coordinate with Finance Department to support audit readiness and proper documentation
• Monitor grant reporting deadlines and assist with the preparation of financial sections of grant reports
• Assist with data tracking and analysis as needed to support internal program evaluation
• Provide training to staff on proper financial documentation and tracking practices
• Participate in grant application development, if approved by the Social Services Director
• Support department-wide initiatives, events, and collaborative projects as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Certifications, And Abilities

• Strong background in financial management, budgeting, and accounting practices
• Experience with full-cycle accounting (AR/AP, journal entries, reconciliations, audits)
• Proficient in QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple funding sources and prioritize deadlines
• Strong communication skills and comfort working across departments
• Ability to work independently and problem-solve proactively

Minimum Qualifications

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

(May be substituted with equivalent work experience — minimum of 4 years in bookkeeping, accounting, or financial oversight)

• 3–5 years’ experience in financial coordination, preferably in a non-profit, government, or tribal organization
• Familiarity with OMB grant compliance standards or similar financial regulations
• Experience preparing or supporting state or federal grant reporting
• Experience working with Native American tribes or in culturally diverse environments
• Knowledge of social services or human services programs is a plus

Other Requirements

All employees are expected to follow the Tribal Personnel Policies and Procedures of the Pala Band of Mission Indians and must adhere to any additional applicable addendums.