Grants Specialist – Reporting and Financial Compliance

City of Decatur; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Relocation assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Vacation and sick leave

14.5 paid holidays

Employee health center

Job summary

The City of Decatur seeks a Grants Specialist – Reporting and Financial Compliance to own reporting, monitoring, and audit functions for grant-funded programs. You will ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance across federal, state, and local requirements.

You will work with the Grants Manager and departments to develop budgets, track grant activity, and prepare documentation for audits and external reviews, contributing to transparent use of public funds.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, public administration, social services, or a related field.
• Minimum of one year of experience in grants administration, accounting, or related field.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge of grant accounting, auditing principles and practices related to grants administration.
• Understanding of federal, state, and local grant regulations and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Identify, prepare and submit required documents and financial and performance reports for grant submission
• Maintain accurate grant records and ensure compliance with reporting deadlines
• Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local grant regulations
• Utilize internal and external financial reporting systems to track grant activities
• Assist with budget development and justifications to ensure compliance with granting agency terms
• Manage loan payments, tax payments, insurance payments, lien releases, and related documentation
• Maintain detailed financial records for all grant-funded programs
• Prepare reports and documentation for the Finance Department
• Maintain files in compliance with record retention requirements
• Support internal and external audits, including documentation and response coordination
• Prepare lien releases and other required compliance documentation
• Work closely with the Grants Manager and departmental staff to support program success
• Assist with grant application documentation and submission processes
• Help develop project timelines and ensure timely completion of deliverables
• Provide cross-functional support within the Grants Division as needed

Skills

Grant accounting

Auditing

Financial reporting

Regulatory compliance

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Detail orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/ accounting/ finance/ public administration

Tools

IDIS

ACRES

SAM.gov

Grants.gov

Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint)

Job description

Ready to put your financial expertise to work where it truly matters? The City of Decatur seeks a driven, detail-oriented professional with experience in financial reporting or compliance. As our Grants Specialist – Reporting and Financial Compliance, you'll take ownership of the reporting, monitoring, and audit functions that keep critical, grant-funded community programs running smoothly and accountably. In this cross-functional position, your precision and expertise directly protect and maximize the public funding that Decatur residents rely on every day. If you hold yourself to a high standard and want your work to have a real impact beyond the numbers, this is the opportunity for you.

Grant Compliance & Reporting

• Identify, prepare and submit required documents and financial and performance reports for grant submission
• Maintain accurate grant records and ensure compliance with reporting deadlines
• Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local grant regulations
• Utilize internal and external financial reporting systems to track grant activities

Financial Management & Budget Support

• Assist with budget development and justifications to ensure compliance with granting agency terms
• Manage loan payments, tax payments, insurance payments, lien releases, and related documentation
• Maintain detailed financial records for all grant-funded programs
• Prepare reports and documentation for the Finance Department

Audit & Documentation Support

• Maintain files in compliance with record retention requirements
• Support internal and external audits, including documentation and response coordination
• Prepare lien releases and other required compliance documentation

Collaboration & Program Support

• Work closely with the Grants Manager and departmental staff to support program success
• Assist with grant application documentation and submission processes
• Help develop project timelines and ensure timely completion of deliverables
• Provide cross-functional support within the Grants Division as needed

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, public administration, social services, or a related field
• Minimum of one year of experience in grants administration, accounting, or related field
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered

Technical Knowledge

• Knowledge of grant accounting, auditing principles and practices related to grants administration
• Understanding of federal, state, and local grant regulations and compliance requirements
• Familiarity with grant systems such as IDIS, ACRES, SAM.gov, or Grants.gov (preferred)
• Knowledge of government budgeting, financial systems, and procurement processes
• Ability to maintain grant budget spreadsheets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint)

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and financial reporting skills
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and financial data
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of organization with strong attention to detail

Work Style & Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work across departments
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive financial information
• Commitment to providing high-quality service to internal and external stakeholders

Benefits

The City offers a robust benefits package; including health, dental, vision, and life insurance; relocation and tuition reimbursement programs; generous vacation and sick leave; and 14.5 paid holidays, including two flex days. The City also provides access to a dedicated employee health center.

In addition, the City offers a defined benefit pension plan through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), which includes an optional Voluntary Additional Contribution program.

Why Decatur?

Located in the heart of Central Illinois, Decatur offers an outstanding balance of professional opportunity and quality of life:

• Affordable Living: Ranked the #1 Best Affordable Place to Live in the U.S. (2025–2026) by U.S. News & World Report, with low cost of living and attainable housing
• Central Location: Within easy reach of Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis for day trips and regional travel
• Outdoor Recreation: Lake Decatur for fishing, boating and kayaking, plus more than 2,000 acres of parks
• Arts & Entertainment: Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater concerts, Millikin University performances, historic Lincoln Theatre, and public art throughout the community
• Family Activities: Splash Cove waterpark, Overlook Adventure Park, and Scovill Zoo
• Job Opportunities: Major employers like ADM, Caterpillar, Primient, HSHS St. Mary's Hospital, and Decatur Memorial Hospital provide diverse career opportunities

Residency Requirement

Employees must reside within 50 miles of Decatur's corporate limits within 12 months of appointment.

Sponsorship for Employment

The City of Decatur does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B). To be considered for regular employment with City of Decatur, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a continuous basis.

All candidates are subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical, and background check post-offer. The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace, including marijuana.