GRANTS ACCOUNTANT SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Apr 26, 2025 - The Grants Accountant demonstrates expertise in nonprofit and government accounting, including grants, contracts, compliance, and financial reporting with proficiency in Abila MIP and Kronos systems. This position utilizes advanced Excel skills to automate processes, validate complex datasets, manage data efficiently, and ensure accuracy in fast-paced environments. This role applies strong analytical thinking, exceptional writing, and interpersonal abilities to maintain professional relationships while prioritizing multiple projects with precision and independence.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Grants Accountant Resume
  • Financial Reporting
  • Grant Management
  • Compliance Monitoring
  • Budget Preparation
  • Journal Entries
  • Accounts Reconciliation
  • Audit Preparation
  • Grant Reconciliation
  • System Testing
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Change Management
  • Process Improvement
  • Team Leadership
  • Stakeholder Communication
  • Independent Work
  • Training Facilitation
  • Policy Development
  • Collaborative Work
  • Issue Resolution
  • Administrative Support

Summary of Grants Accountant Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Accounting with 3 years of Experience

  • Knowledge and understanding of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) fund accounting practices
  • Ability to work with a complex fund structure, detailed budgets, and an extensive chart of accounts. 
  • Ability to develop and modify computerized and manual transactions and monitoring and reporting tools.
  • Ability to monitor and review input and output of financial data, and develop fiscal queries and reports.
  • Ability to interpret and explain applicable state and federal regulations.
  • Ability to model and maintain the values of candor, openness, inclusiveness and honesty. 
  • Ability to build and maintain the trust of others.
  • Ability to work effectively and positively with individuals of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and educationally diverse populations.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external customers, including the ability to lead a team to work effectively across organizational lines.
  • Communication skills sufficient to explain plans and activities in a manner that supports strategies for unit involvement and accomplishment of mission and outcomes.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrate awareness of how positive words and actions may impact or contribute to situations to enhance the outcomes.

2. BA in Finance with 2 years of Experience

  • Experience or skills in grants and contracts within a university setting
  • Demonstrated proficiency with computer skills, including spreadsheets and databases
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Accounting
  • Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Attention to detail and the ability to work independently and set priorities
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software including Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
  • Experience working with IRS audits, as well as grant management tracking and requirements
  • Time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines
  • Experience in grant accounting including experience with computerized accounting systems
  • Experience, reconciliations and financial reporting
  • Experience or familiarity with various grant reporting & reimbursement systems (ECHO, State or Federal, FTA, etc.)
  • Experience reviewing financial transactions against grant provisions to determine the allowable ability of such transactions.

3. BS in Business Administration with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience in nonprofit and/or government accounting, including grant and contract accounting, compliance, and reporting.
  • Experience with accounting for non-profits (understand accounting by funding sources, programs, A/R management)
  • Intermediate Microsoft Word and Excel (SUM, SUMIF, SUMIFS, VLOOKUP, Data Validations, TRUE/ FALSE, Other). 
  • Ability to work fast and use Excel in a way that promotes automation, fast processing, and validation of data is an essential function of the scope of work
  • Experience with Data management (Sorting, managing, matching, arranging, maintaining, and updating complex data)
  • Problem solving (Identifies issues and looks for solutions/ proactively seeks to improve processes)
  • Experience in prioritizing projects, meeting deadlines, and initiating follow-through with meticulous attention to detail and high-level accuracy both individually and in a team setting
  • Experience with Abila MIP Accounting software and Kronos
  • Solid analytical capabilities and strong writing skills
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, the ability to work independently
  • Ability to maintain working relationships with staff, partner agencies, funders, and all other internal and external workforces at all levels with utmost professionalism

4. BA in Public Administration with 2 years of Experience

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and be customer service oriented.
  • Knowledge of electronic research administration software
  • Ability to establish, build and maintain working relationships with campus and funding agency representatives.
  • Ability to function under highly stressful circumstances.
  • Experience in general account analysis and reconciliations as well as experience in preparing and analyzing a periodic budget/forecast to actual variance report.
  • Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of applications
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines while maintaining focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Experience with PeopleSoft/Workday Grants, Contracts, Billing and Project Costing
  • Knowledge of U.S. GAAP, OMB Uniform Guidance, DHHS Regulations and NJHHS guidelines.
  • Experience managing budgets, financial reports, etc.
  • Experience with CARES Act 
  • Experience interpreting and applying grant rules and regulations from government entities (e.g., OMB circulars) and/or private donors.

5. BS in Economics with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience with budgets and grants/contracts.
  • Experience in non-profit accounting including working directly with contracts and/or grants
  • Knowledge of accounting principles, methods and terminology
  • Knowledge of computerized general ledger systems
  • Experience with Database Management and reporting
  • Experience with Spreadsheet design
  • Knowledge of SAGE 100
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience with Fund and government contract accounting 
  • Experience using Microsoft Dynamics SL
  • Experience with the SCT Banner accounting system/software.
Relevant Information
Grants Writer Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements
Grants and Contracts Administrator Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements