Staff Accountant, Grants

Position Overview

The primary purpose of this role is to serve as a financial liaison between the Finance & Administration team and the Office of Sponsored Programs and Advancement, supporting grant accounting and administration. This position combines technical accounting responsibilities (e.g., close processes, reconciliations, and financial reporting) with proactive support for grant-funded activities to ensure compliance, accuracy, and alignment with University and sponsor requirements.

Key Responsibilities 

• Complete month-end and quarterly close activities related to grants
• Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Programs, Advancement, and grant-funded teams
• Support grant proposal development, including budget preparation and review (pre-award)
• Review and approve grant expenditures for compliance with University policies and sponsor requirements
• Prepare periodic and final financial reports for internal and external grants
• Manage federal drawdowns and grantor invoicing, as applicable
• Serve as the primary financial point of contact for grant stakeholders
• Develop, maintain, and update grant financial policies and procedures
• Negotiate the federal indirect cost rate (as applicable)
• Reconcile grant-related accounts and ensure data integrity within Oracle
• Support annual audits, including federal (A-133) audit requirements
• Provide financial analysis and guidance to faculty and staff on grant budgets and expenditures
• Assist with funder requests, including audits, surveys, and reporting

External Grants

• Assist faculty and staff with development and review of grant budgets to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Approve external grant budgets prior to submission (pre-award)
• Set up and manage grant accounts in Oracle, including accurate coding and tracking
• Monitor grant activity, including expenditures and payroll allocations
• Process grant modifications (e.g., rebudgets) and obtain sponsor approvals as needed
• Prepare and deliver periodic and final financial reports to grantors and internal stakeholders
• Invoice grantors in accordance with funding agreements
• Conduct federal drawdowns, as required
• Support grant closeout, including account inactivation
• Perform time and effort reporting for federal grants
• Provide training and guidance to faculty and staff on grant financial management
• Maintain grant financial records and provide documentation for audits

Internal Grants

• Set up and manage internal grant accounts and program codes
• Prepare and communicate grant-related financial information, including faculty stipends
• Review and approve expenditures for accuracy and compliance
• Prepare periodic financial reports for internal grant programs

  Additional Duties

• Maintain and update grant procedures and documentation
• Travel as needed for training or professional development
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience
• Knowledge of federal grant regulations, including Uniform Guidance
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial processes
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and ability to learn systems such as Oracle and Salesforce
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with diverse stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with Oracle Cloud
• Experience in higher education and/or grant administration
• Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail in financial work

BU Benefits and Perks  

Please check out Butler’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our benefit offerings, which include:

• Paid Time Off and Holidays:  
  • 20 days of paid time off (vacation and PTO days) per Fiscal year 
  • 8 Paid Holidays 
    • In addition, a paid Winter Break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day 

  • Paid Parental Leave (after 1 year of full-time employment) 

     

• Health:  
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans including disability and life insurance programs 
• Retirement:  
  • 10% employer contribution after 1 year of full-time employment 
• Tuition Assistance:  
  • Tuition Exchange Program for Dependents 
  • Remission of tuition for classes taken at Butler for employees, spouses, and dependent children.  
    • Eligibility after 9 months of full-time employment 
    • Employees & spouses- undergraduate/graduate degrees 
    • Dependents (under age 26)- undergraduate degree 
    • Covers tuition only 
• Butler Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks:  
  • Access to Butler’s on-site fitness facility and libraries for full-time staff and faculty 
  • LinkedIn Learning Courses 
  • Free premium subscription to the Calm App 
  • Free subscription to the WSJ, The Economist, and NYT 
  • Discount at the College Bookstore 
  • Discount on select Athletic and Arts/Events Center Performances