Grant Accountant

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Grant Accountant is responsible for overseeing the financial management, compliance, and reporting of federal, state, and private grants within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with a primary focus on CCBHC and HRSA-funded programs. This role ensures accurate budgeting, tracking, reporting, and compliance with federal regulations. This position serves as a subject matter expert, supports audits and site visits, and may supervise grant accounting staff. The Grant Accountant partners closely with the CFO, Controller, Compliance Officer and program leadership to support the delivery of behavioral health and community health services while maintaining fiscal integrity.
This position requires a strong combination of strategic thinking, attention to detail, and dedication to fostering a positive work environment.

JOB DUTIES

• Track and analyze grant expenditures to ensure alignment with approved budgets and funding restrictions
• Prepare and submit timely and accurate financial reports to funders, including federal financial reports (FFRs)
• Ensure compliance with CCBHC cost reporting requirements, including Prospective Payment System (PPS) tracking and reconciliation
• Monitor HRSA grant compliance, including allowable costs, reporting requirements, and audit readiness
• Maintain detailed documentation to support compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and other federal regulations
• Reconcile grant-related accounts and investigate variances
• Collaborate with program managers to ensure proper allocation of personnel and program expenses
• Assist in the development of grant budgets and budget modifications
• Support annual audits and site visits by providing documentation and responding to inquiries
• Monitor subrecipient or subcontractor financial activity, if applicable
• Assist with preparation of cost reports and other required state or federal submissions

Grant Financial Management & Oversight

• Oversee multiple complex funding streams including HRSA Section 330, CCBHC PPS, state of Illinois, and private grants
• Review and approve grant expenditures to ensure allowability, allocability, and compliance
• Monitor budgets vs. actuals and perform variance analysis across programs

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and HRSA requirements
• Maintain systems that track federal awards by funding source, as required for FQHCs
• Support HRSA Operational Site Visits (OSVs) and Uniform Data System (UDS) financial reporting
• Ensure compliance with Illinois FQHC regulations tied to Section 330 eligibility
• Oversee CCBHC financial compliance, including PPS rate tracking and cost reporting

Financial Reporting & Close

• Prepare and review Federal Financial Reports (FFRs), grant invoices, and reimbursement requests
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes related to grants
• Reconcile grant accounts and ensure accurate general ledger integration
• Produce internal financial dashboards for leadership

Leadership & Cross-Functional Support

• Supervise or mentor grant accountants and finance staff (if manager-level)
• Partner with clinical and program leadership to ensure accurate cost allocation (staffing, services, overhead)
• Support grant budget development, renewals, and modifications
• Act as liaison with auditors, funders, and regulatory agencies

Audit & Risk Management

• Lead audit preparation for Single Audit (A-133) and HRSA reviews
• Monitor subrecipients and ensure compliance documentation
• Identify risks and implement internal controls for grant compliance

Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field, CPA or Master’s degree preferred.
• Familiarity with HRSA Electronic Handbooks (EHBs) and Payment Management System (PMS)
• Knowledge of Illinois Medicaid/Medicaid, cost reporting, and behavioral health funding
• 5 – 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years in grant accounting
• Experience in FQHC, healthcare, or nonprofit environment required
• Advanced knowledge of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)
• Experience managing audits (Single Audit, federal grants)
• Proficiency in fund accounting systems (e.g., Sage Intacct, MIP) and advanced Excel
• Advance proficiency level with Microsoft products including Word, Power Point, Excel, etc.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a positive proactive approach to challenges.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills, including detail orientation with strong follow-up and follow-through skills.

SMART

• Ensure 100% on-time and accurate submission of all Federal Financial Reports (FFRs), grant invoices, and required financial reports in accordance with funder deadlines (HRSA, SAMHSA, and other agencies) within the first 90 days of employment and ongoing.
• Complete monthly grant reconciliations and supporting schedules within 10 business days of month-end, maintaining zero unexplained variances and ensuring alignment between the general ledger and grant reporting systems.
• Monitor grant budgets and expenditures monthly and proactively identify and communicate any variances greater than 5%, providing recommendations to leadership to ensure financial alignment and prevent unallowable costs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position primarily operates in an office environment. The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. .

WORKING CONDITIONS

(The unavoidable, externally imposed conditions under which the work must be performed, and which create hardship for the incumbent including the frequency and duration of occurrence of physical demands, environmental conditions, demands on one’s senses, and mental demands.) None known.

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION

Salary: $75,000-$95,000

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Contributions
Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays
Life Insurance & Disability Coverage
Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Development Opportunities
Wellness Programs & Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Occupational Risk for Exposure to TB:

There is an occupational risk for exposure to TB, as this position involves extensive community and patient contact. Employees in this role are required to comply with annual TB testing as part of workplace health and safety protocols. The only acceptable exceptions to this requirement are documented medical contraindications or religious objections. Employees who decline TB testing will be required to wear a mask when deemed necessary.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Friend Health – HRDI is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation including gender identity, gender expression, military discharge status, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. In addition, Friend Health – HRDI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process). Friend Health - HRDI supports the Pay Transparency Law as an equal opportunity employer.

Join Our Team!

At Friend Health – HRDI, we are committed to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare and behavioral health services to underserved communities. As a Grant Accountant, you will play a critical role in ensuring the financial integrity and compliance of funding that supports impactful programs across our organization. Join a collaborative team where your expertise contributes directly to advancing community health outcomes.

Provides primary and behavioral healthcare services to Chicago communities