Grants Accounting Manager

Vaco; Elyria (OH); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work after probationary period

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring in Elyria, OH seeks a Grants Accounting Manager to oversee grant accounting, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance for a well‑established Northeast Ohio higher education institution.

You will lead grants accounting staff, manage complex funding requirements, coordinate budgets and SEFA/FFATA reporting, support audits, and partner with internal teams to ensure accurate, compliant grant stewardship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 4–7 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Excel skills required; Excel assessment will be given.
• Experience with ERP or enterprise accounting software.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and commitment to financial accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Oversee grant accounting operations for various funding sources.
• Supervise grants accounting staff and delegate tasks.
• Ensure compliance with grant agreements and regulations.
• Coordinate financial reporting, including budgets, journals, and FFATA/SEFA reporting.
• Support audits and respond to project inquiries.
• Collaborate with other departments to meet funding requirements.
• Assist with grant budgeting and reporting.
• Improve processes and internal controls in grant accounting.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Problem solving

Cross-department collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

What You’ll Do

Grants Accounting Manager

Location: Elyria, OH

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Grants Accounting Manager to oversee grant accounting, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance for a well-established higher education institution in Northeast Ohio.

This is an excellent opportunity for an accounting professional who enjoys combining hands‑on financial work with team leadership, process improvement, and financial oversight. The ideal candidate will bring strong accounting fundamentals, experience managing complex funding requirements, and the ability to partner with multiple departments to ensure accurate reporting and responsible stewardship of grant funds.

Responsibilities

• Lead Grant Accounting Operations: Oversee the financial administration of federal, state, local, and privately funded grants, contracts, gifts, and restricted accounts.
• Manage and Develop Staff: Supervise grants accounting personnel, delegate responsibilities, and provide guidance on accounting procedures, reporting requirements, and workload priorities.
• Ensure Compliance: Interpret grant agreements and funding requirements, monitor compliance with applicable regulations, and establish procedures that support accurate financial management and cash flow requirements.
• Oversee Financial Reporting: Review and coordinate grant budgets, journal entries, reconciliations, invoices, drawdowns, billings, collections, and periodic financial reports.
• Support Audits and Financial Reviews: Maintain accurate, well‑documented grant records and serve as a key resource for audit requests, project inquiries, and compliance reviews.
• Partner Across Departments: Work closely with internal teams and grant financial managers to communicate funding requirements, resolve discrepancies, and promote adherence to accounting policies and procedures.
• Manage Grant Budgets and Reporting: Assist with restricted‑fund budget appropriations and prepare required federal reporting, including the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) reports.
• Improve Processes: Establish accounting deadlines, strengthen internal controls, and identify opportunities to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and consistency of grant accounting operations.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Four to seven years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to work with financial data and reporting; an Excel assessment is required.
• Experience working with ERP or enterprise accounting systems.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to financial accuracy, compliance, and accountability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, government, or nonprofit accounting.
• Background in fund accounting or restricted‑fund management.
• Experience with federal grant accounting, grant compliance, or government funding requirements.
• Previous experience supervising or mentoring accounting staff.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting annual salary of $79,600, with final compensation based on experience, education, and established pay practices.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Participation in a state pension program or an alternative retirement plan.
• Tuition assistance and opportunities for continued education.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Access to onsite childcare, free parking, and fitness facilities.
• Hybrid work flexibility following successful completion of the probationary period.

Equal Opportunity Notice

Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries(“we,”“our,”or “Vaco by Highspring”) are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail].

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.