Grant Accountant - GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Provides fiscal support on grants and contracts for Greater Chicago Food Depository. 
Works with and supports the Government Programs Manager, Accounting team, and leadership in developing, 
implementing, and providing ongoing financial oversight to grants management operations. 
The Grant Accountant is responsible for ensuring the appropriate use and accurate reporting of all financial 
transactions on all city, state, federal government grants/awards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Assist with all government grant monitoring, administration, and accounting functions ensuring accurate 
financial reporting through the final grant closing.
• Assist with all government audits and financial audits, including but not limited to the preparation of the 
external annual Single Audit and annual IDHS audit.
• Understand specific grant requirements; ensure compliance on contract conditions and assurances; 
ensure reporting requirements are met and feasibility is assessed before application is secured.
• Coordinate with the Government Program Manager and program staff to ensure transactions are 
properly recorded and agree to the grant/contract agreement, while also ensuring financial activities 
adhere to deliverable deadlines.

Conduct daily and month-end accounting procedures to ensure accounts are accurately reflected for month 
end close and the preparation of financial statements
• Prepare standard journal entries related to assigned technical functions
• Manage and adhere to monthly close checklist to ensure close deadlines are met accurately and timely
• Confirm deposits received from government agencies to expenses submitted and work with Grant Manager to reconcile variances
• Work directly with management for analysis of core programs/grant accounting activity
• Maintain accuracy in reviewing and reconciling the general ledger
• Review vendor invoices and expense reports, identifying and resolving discrepancies

Assist with the budgeting process and detail for all government grants
• Review budgets and reimbursement requests for appropriateness; ensure recipients are in compliance 
with established administrative and financial policies, procedures, and sound business practices; and 
review how/where we apply our dollars of expense to optimize grant usage.
• Resolve accounting and reporting issues as necessary; prepare monthly budget-versus-actual status 
reports and communicate findings. 

Assist with developing and maintaining a grant reporting and tracking accounting system to ensure 
expenditure compliance across all Grants and Contracts, including time and effort allocation.

Initiate, design, develop, and deliver training on grants fiscal management to Greater Chicago Food 
Depository teams, as defined.

Other:
• Performs job functions adhering to core principles that guide us at the Greater Chicago Food Depository
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1-2 years Grant Accounting experience required. • Strong knowledge around generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and grant management procedures.

• Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, complex technical issues in a clear, concise matter, to individuals with little or no technical background.

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook) and accounting software/database

• Ability to take initiative by identifying problems, conceptualizing resolutions, and implementing change.

• Attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and manage projects to ensure all deadlines are met is essential.

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced team environment with minimum supervision.

EXPOSURE:

• Normal office environment; exposure to warehouse environment.

• Interacts with government agencies, member agencies, third party auditors and vendors.

• Hybrid working; Commitment to work in office a minimum of three days (Tues, Wed, Thurs)