Grant Accountant

Who We Are
American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and helped thousands of farm families make a go of it (primarily through programs that increase farm viability and/or enhance farmland access). Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities. 

Job purpose

Reporting directly to the Grants Finance Manager (or designee), the Grant Accountant is responsible for maintaining financial, accounting, and grant support services to meet the needs of the organization and its funders. This position performs accounting and financial functions for programs funded by federal and non-federal grants, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and timely reporting across AFT's diverse grant portfolio.
 
Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare grant invoices and submit billings to funders in a timely manner, including preparing applicable forms (eg. SF-270) and compiling needed support documentation.
• Prepare accurate and timely grant financial reports for submission to funders, including preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports using SF-425 or other applicable templates.
• Prepare financial reports on grants for internal management; communicate monthly financial results to program staff, informing them of the financial position of each project and current award balance.
• Interpret grant agreements, terms, and conditions to ensure expenditures align with funding guidelines and allowable expense requirements; stay abreast of U.S. Government (USG) grant management policies and their applicability.
• Attend award kick-off meetings; ensure all award-related documents are saved, updated in accounting system, and reflected accurately in the grants tracking log with complete reporting information. 
• Coordinate with senior finance colleagues to process journal entries, labor distribution changes, reconciliations, and grant closeout functions; track and monitor match (cost-share) fund requirements and progress on a monthly basis.
• Work closely with program divisions, budget managers, and the finance team to support proper and timely expenditure of grant funds in compliance with applicable guidelines and budget deadlines.
• Compile year-end reports and work papers to support the annual audit and any grant-specific audits; manage grant-related accounting issues with timely resolution and appropriate escalation to the Grants Finance Manager.

 
This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to request other or different duties be performed as assigned.
 

Required

• Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Experience in grant accounting within the nonprofit sector, government agencies, or a similar environment, with familiarity with federal and non-federal grant reporting requirements and regulations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including experience with complex formulas, pivot tables, and financial modeling.
• Strong customer service orientation with excellent verbal, written, analytical, and organizational skills.
• High level of ethics, integrity, transparency, and trustworthiness; maintains confidentiality and keeps commitments.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks with strong attention to detail; results-focused with the ability to maintain productivity with minimal direction.

Preferred

• Experience with large federal awards, including familiarity with USDA regulations, USDA General Terms and Conditions (GT&C), and NRCS Grant Agreement and Development Budget Expense Tables (GADBET).
• Experience with Sage Intacct accounting system.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of AFT.

 
Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in grant accounting or financial management, preferably within a nonprofit organization.
• CPA and/or MBA is a plus.

 
Working conditions/Travel

• This is a remote-based position. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones. Occasional work in the evenings or on weekends may be required to meet deadlines. 
• This position does not require travel, with the exception of a possible annual team meeting.

 
Degree of Supervision Given
 
This position has no direct supervisory responsibility.

Compensation
AFT offers a competitive compensation package, including excellent vacation, medical, retirement, and other benefits. This position offers an annual salary of $75,000 - $80,000. 
 
American Farmland Trust offers a full benefits package for full time employees:

• Insurance coverage begins the 1st of the month following the date of hire. 
• Medical & Prescription Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Company Paid Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Healthcare & Dependent Care
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401k Plan
• Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 13 “sick days” per year.
• Vacation Leave: Accrue 15 days during the first year increasing by one day per year to 20 days per year maximum.
• Holidays: AFT observes twelve fixed holidays and a week between Christmas and New Years off during the year (all offices closed) plus a choice of up to three (depending on hiring month) floating holidays.

Why you should apply:

• Be a part of a purpose-driven, committed, knowledgeable, high-performing, experienced and fun team
• A diverse and inclusive work environment
• A cause and mission you can be proud of
• Competitive compensation & benefits
• Remote work opportunities
• Flexible scheduling

Timeline
To be considered, applicants must submit a resume, a cover letter explaining why they are the right fit for both AFT and this role, and complete all screener questions. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled. Apply Directly Here: Grant Accountant

Salary : $75,000 - $80,000