Grants Accountant

The Morton Arboretum is a world-renowned nonprofit institution dedicated to the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world.  We welcome more than 1.1 million guests every year to our 1,700-acre site in the western suburbs of Chicago and manage an annual operating budget of approximately $50 million.  Grants are an important source of funding for our mission.  We are seeking an experienced Grants Accountant who will partner with an interdepartmental grants team to support project managers who write and submit grants and ensure our compliance with federal and other reporting requirements.  Duties will include coordinating the post-award grant process and submitting required financial reporting. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a team working together to make the Arboretum exceptional.

Position Summary:  As part of the Finance team, ensure compliance with single audit requirements and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) uniform guidance. As part of an interdepartmental grants team, work closely with colleagues to support project managers, who write and submit grants on behalf of their work at the Arboretum, through processes and ensure Arboretum compliance. Funding for this position is expected for five years through restricted funding, with a potential for extension.

 Essential Functions: 

• Coordinate the post-award grant process ensuring compliance with The Morton Arboretum’s internal policies and procedures and OMB Guidance.
• Manage all requirements of subaward monitoring and maintain subaward records in compliance with OMB Guidance.
• Submit all required financial reporting as required by the award terms of agreement.
• Participate in the inter-departmental project management process including federal, foundation, and private funding of specific projects.
• Participate in the annual single audit providing requested reporting and schedules.
• In compliance with regulatory requirements according to government rules, prepare, file and obtain approval of the indirect cost rate schedule for grant funding.
• Support the project managers in preparation of subaward agreement preparation.
• Support Staff Accountants in the preparation of audit schedules, monthly reconciliations, and tax preparation as needed.
• Participate with the Finance team in reaching goals for improvement of processes.
• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values to be inclusive, take ownership, work together, keep learning, and make the Arboretum exceptional.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in related field required. 2+ years related experience required. Knowledge of Federal Circulars applicable to OMB Guidance for Grants and Agreements or interpretation of similar regulations preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills required. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, and proficiency with Google applications is beneficial. Previous experience with Smartsheets is a plus. 

Success Factors: Detail and customer service oriented with effective communication skills with internal customers and vendors. Ability to work independently and handle confidential records with discretion is essential. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Physical Demands: May require occasional travel around the Arboretum grounds and to local conferences.
• Work Environment: Office environment, with prolonged periods in front of a computer screen. 
• Equipment: General office equipment.

For full consideration, please include a resume and cover letter with application.

The Morton Arboretum is a champion for diversity, supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.  

The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.