Grants Finance Manager

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 to the Director of Grants Management, the Grants Finance Manager (GFM) is responsible for strategic financial management across AFT’s portfolio of grants. The GFM analyzes the financial performance of awarded grants, ensures compliance with all grant requirements and reporting obligations, and leads a team of grants accounting staff. This role requires a high degree of collaboration with the Programs, Project Management, and Development teams, and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences. 

Duties and responsibilities 

Budget Management and Financial Analysis: 

• Monitor grant award budgets and maintain up-to-date financial projections, pipelines, burn rates, and cost allocations 

• Develop and review proposal budgets for new and continuation awards 

• Track and report on match requirements in accordance with grant terms 

• Advise program teams on project spending and forecasting, providing training and mentorship as needed 

• Support the annual organizational workplanning and budgeting process 

   Financial Reporting and Invoicing: 

• Oversee the preparation and submission of financial reports and invoices in accordance with grant agreement terms and reporting deadlines 

• Develop and implement a plan for the timely collection of grant receivables 

Grant Compliance and Audit Support: 

• Interpret grant agreements, terms, and conditions to ensure compliance with funding guidelines, reporting deadlines, and allowable costs 

• Monitor allowable expenses per grant agreement and set spending parameters accordingly 

• Coordinate with program directors, grants accountants, and auditors to facilitate grant audits and reviews 

• Stay current on USG grant management policies and update internal guidance as needed 

Team Leadership and Staff Development: 

• Manage the grants accounting staff, including day-to-day oversight and performance management 

• Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to grant accountants and project/program managers to build capacity and ensure compliance 

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.  

• Significant progressive experience in financial management, including managing federal grants or nonprofit budgets. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP and federal cost principles under 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance). 
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including experience with complex formulas, pivot tables, and financial modeling. 
• Experience with financial and accounting software systems. 
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate financial information for non-finance audiences across all levels of an organization. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• 3-5 years of prior supervisory experience. 
• 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 foundation grant management. 
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of AFT. 

Education & Experience 

• A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. 
• A minimum of 7–10 years of relevant experience in financial management, with a strong background in federal grant management and/or nonprofit accounting. 
• A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is a plus. 

Working conditions/Travel

• While this position is remote-based, preference will be given to candidates located in the Washington, DC area who are able to work in-office one or more days per week. 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. 

Degree of Supervision Received 

The incumbent will operate under the general supervision of the Director of Grants Management. 

Degree of Supervision Given 

The incumbent is expected to supervise a team of up to 5 staff, to include: 

• Grants Accounting Supervisor/Manager 

• Grants Accountants 

• Grants Budget Analyst 

Compensation
American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. The salary range for this position is from $100,000 to $110,000 based upon experience. 

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 opportunity   

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. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Apply Directly Here: Grants Finance Manager

We believe diversity drives innovation. We are inclusive. We embrace differences. We recognize and respect the fundamental value and dignity of all our employees. We celebrate the unique traditions, heritages, and experiences our employees bring to the workplace. We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture that promotes and values diversity, and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day. Please see AFT’s statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.

Salary : $100,000 - $110,000