GRANTS ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST I

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Grants Accounting Specialist I to manage award setup, draw reporting, and compliance for sponsored projects. You will interpret award documents, maintain chartstrings, and coordinate with federal agencies, departments, and auditors as needed.

Responsibilities include preparing FFR/SF-425 reports, maintaining accurate financial records, and ensuring deadlines are met while delivering clear communications and timely responses to inquiries.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent and at least two years of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Read, interpret and check award documents; set up awards and chartstrings; document invoicing and reporting requirements.
• Manage and reconcile letters of credit with federal agencies; calculate draw amounts; report expenditures for sponsored projects; prepare related FFR/SF‑425 reports.
• Review and approve fiscal compliance items; process residual balance requests.
• Respond to external agency and UGA inquiries; assist audits; inactivate closed projects.
• Serve as liaison with departmental contacts; respond to questions and explain budget matters.

Skills

Grant accounting

Financial reporting

Compliance

Analytical ability

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Data queries

Job description

Position Overview

Title: Grants Accounting Specialist I

Department: FD-SPA Post Award Accounting

Employment Type: Full Time Employee

Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Schedule: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday

Responsibilities

• 30% – Read, interpret and check for completeness of award documents; note special requirements; ensure proper set‑up of awards and chartstrings in the Financial Management System based on sponsor requirements; identify invoicing and financial reporting requirements and document them in the Grants Portal.
• 20% – Manage and maintain various letters of credit with federal agencies; calculate and reconcile draw amounts; report expenditures for sponsored projects per federal guidelines; prepare related FFR/​SF‑425 reports and reconcile amounts to financial statements.
• 20% – Review and approve fiscal compliance items, including UGAMart requisitions, expense reports, payment requests, combo code requests, and journals for sponsored projects; process residual balance requests.
• 20% – Respond to external agency and UGA departmental questions; inactivate closed projects; assist and prepare information for audits; perform other duties as assigned.
• 10% – Serve as liaison with departmental contacts based on agency assignments; respond to questions, research issues, and explain or correct budget matters as necessary.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent and at least two years of related experience.

Additional Information

• Work is performed in a non‑exempt, full‑time capacity.
• Position requires independent management of a work queue, adherence to deadlines, and meeting performance metrics.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong analytical ability, experience interpreting legal documents, and proficiency with complex spreadsheets and data queries.
• Position involves sitting for long periods.
• Driving is not a responsibility.
• Position is a position of trust and has access to financial resources.
• Security access required.

Background Requirements

• Credit check required for all positions with financial responsibilities.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation, including a criminal background check and verification of credentials, and a satisfactory credit check if applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations for accessibility are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).