Staff Accountant - Grants (2024)

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Erie, PA

Full-time

Salary: $50,000.00

- $55,000.00

Annually

JOB SUMMARY:Responsible for assisting the Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer in all aspects of fiscal departmental management. In addition, the position will primarily focus on the accounting for various grants received by LECOM and LECOM Health, as well as, creating and reviewing account reconciliations, accruals, and contributes to the preparation of various financial statements.

CHARACTERISTIC JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage financial aspects of grant activity which include, but will not be limited to, federal, state, local, and private sources;
• Maintain a calendar of all grant related requirements (i.e. reporting deadlines, budget submissions, drawn down of funding due dates, etc.);
• Work with the Grants and Compliance Coordinator(s) to ensure compliance with grant requirements are met on a timely basis;
• Review all grant related expenditures for compliance with grant requirements and submitted budgets;
• Assist with the recording of grant related activity via journal entries, including those which include intercompany activity;
• Perform monthly and annual reconciliation of grant activity, both income and expenses to ensure proper recording;
• Submit or assist in submitting any required reporting related to the specific grants, including the use of the PMS system for federal grants or the specific system required to be utilized per the grant agency;
• Assist with grant applications, if requested;
• Provide financial data to support budgetary requests or other financial documents required for submission (i.e. audited financials, tax documents, etc.);
• Participate in meetings relating to specific grants, as requested;
• Prepare and submit invoices as required by grant agency in order to receive funding;
• Ensure supporting documentation is submitted to grant agency if required or maintained to support any future audits. This would include invoices, timecards, receipts, etc.;
• Keep detailed Excel spreadsheets of grant activity;
• Assist with annual audit of both financial and compliance requirements related to the grant activity;
• Work with A/R accountant and Bursar on cash collections to improve cash flow and keep A/R current;
• Review and prepare accounting entries and evaluate entries for completeness and accuracy;
• Review general ledger activity, researching and correcting account discrepancies;
• Review and prepare balance sheet account reconciliations, including general ledger accounts and sub ledger accounts;
• Prepare bank and investment account reconciliations;
• Research and resolve any reconciling items on a timely basis;
• Ensure compliance with corporate accounting policies, procedures and controls;
• Ensure the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of monthly close activities for A/P, A/R and Payroll;
• Research and trouble shoot discrepancies as they are discovered. Work with appropriate personnel in all departments to timely resolve discrepancies;
• Provide effective and timely follow through with internal and external inquiries;
• Participate in preparation of annual budget;
• Participate in preparation of monthly financial statements;
• Participate in annual financial audit and other audits as needed;
• Participate in preparation of bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual tax filings These include but are not limited to, sales tax returns, payroll returns, federal and state corporate returns as well as others as applicable;
• Participate in preparation of Form W-2, 1099 and 1098-T filings, as well as other federal and state filing requirements;
• Special projects as required;
• Provide technical guidance to other team members;
• Maintain a positive working relationship with various employees to ensure a cooperative and productive work environment;
• Ensure payment of invoices per Institutional policy; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the Institution.

EOE/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:Must possess required knowledge and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of accounting software systems in accounts payable and purchasing;
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals;
• Ability to interpret financial or other numerical information and generate reports with written summaries;
• Ability to analyze policies, procedures and data;
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals;
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence;
• Ability to communicate effectively one-on-one with employees, vendors and visitors;
• Extensive experience with Microsoft computer software is required, including Word, Excel, Power Point, Access and Outlook;
• Must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills and have the ability to communicate and present in person, in writing and on the telephone effectively with both large and small groups;
• Must be a self-starter, highly organized, and provide excellent customer service;
• Must be able to handle deadline pressures with grace and ease;
• Teamwork and the ability to get along with others is an essential function of the job (Note: Angry, rude, disrespectful, insubordinate and uncooperative behavior may result in progressive discipline, up to and including termination);
• Confident in handling ambiguity and fluid situations and have an abundance of common sense and pragmatism;
• Ability to work with individuals at all levels in the organization and throw equal enthusiasm behind the more routine, hands-on activities, as well as those requiring a higher profile;
• Ability to maintain an established work schedule; assess and prioritize multiple tasks and demands;
• Must follow OSHA and Standard/Universal Precautions at all times;
• Maintain confidentiality (i.e. FERPA, HIPAA …etc.) of work related information and materials;
• Ability to work cooperatively and collegially with others, consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect and EEO rules and regulations;
• Ability to report to work as scheduled, ready to devote full attention and energy to the important work of LECOM;
• Ability to accept work directives from managers and supervisors in a respectful and cooperative manner; and
• Flexibility to accept other duties needed/assigned for the Department’s needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and experience equivalent to:a Bachelor Degree in Accounting with three (3) or more years’ related experience required.