What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grants Specialist – Reporting and Financial Compliance position at City of Decatur?
Job Summary
Ready to put your financial expertise to work where it truly matters? The City of Decatur seeks a driven, detail-oriented professional with experience in financial reporting or compliance. As our Grants Specialist – Reporting and Financial Compliance, you'll take ownership of the reporting, monitoring, and audit functions that keep critical, grant-funded community programs running smoothly and accountably. In this cross-functional position, your precision and expertise directly protect and maximize the public funding that Decatur residents rely on every day. If you hold yourself to a high standard and want your work to have a real impact beyond the numbers, this is the opportunity for you.
Key Responsibilities
Grant Compliance & Reporting
Education & Experience
Why Decatur?
Located in the heart of Central Illinois, Decatur offers an outstanding balance of professional opportunity and quality of life:
This is your opportunity to step into a role with real impact and help shape the future of Decatur with your financial expertise. We offer a collaborative environment where precision is valued, your contributions are recognized, and the work you do makes a measurable difference.
Don't wait — apply today and take the next step in a career that combines professional growth with genuine public purpose. Complete an application by clicking on the link below. Be sure to include all requested information; incomplete applications will be rejected. You may upload a resume to autofill sections of the application.
Residency Requirement
Employees must reside within 50 miles of Decatur's corporate limits within 12 months of appointment.
Sponsorship for Employment
The City of Decatur does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B). To be considered for regular employment with City of Decatur, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a continuous basis.
All candidates are subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical, and background check post-offer. The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace, including marijuana.
SICK LEAVE: 10 days of sick leave credit on first day of employment; thereafter 1 day per month granted, accumulative to 240 days
VACATION: After completion of six months of continuous service, 5 duty days; 3 weeks after 1 year of service; 4 weeks after 10 years of service; 5 weeks after 20 years of service; 1 additional duty day per year after 25 years of service (to a maximum of 30 duty days)
HOLIDAYS: New Year's Day Labor Day
Martin Luther King's Birthday Veterans Day
Presidents' Day Thanksgiving Day
Good Friday Day After Thanksgiving
Juneteenth Christmas Eve (half day)
Memorial Day Christmas Day
Independence Day Two Unscheduled Holidays
PENSION: Employees of the City of Decatur contribute to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) at the rate of 4.5% per pay. The City of Decatur also contributes a percentage for the employee each pay. Employee contributions are refundable if employment ends before retirement.
OTHER: The City offers a three-tier health insurance plan for employees and their dependents. Employees contribute toward the monthly premium for single coverage and/or family coverage through payroll deduction. The City provides a life insurance policy at one times the annualized salary plus an additional $5,000 at no cost to the employee. Dependent coverage is offered. Employees may purchase additional term life on a voluntary basis. Employees also may purchase additional term life insurance sponsored by IMRF. Employees may contribute to a Flexible Spending Account for Medical and/or Dependent Care Expenses. Employees may participate in a voluntary group dental and vision insurance plan. Deferred compensation is also available.
To learn more details click here to view policy F-101.
Ready to put your financial expertise to work where it truly matters? The City of Decatur seeks a driven, detail-oriented professional with experience in financial reporting or compliance. As our Grants Specialist – Reporting and Financial Compliance, you'll take ownership of the reporting, monitoring, and audit functions that keep critical, grant-funded community programs running smoothly and accountably. In this cross-functional position, your precision and expertise directly protect and maximize the public funding that Decatur residents rely on every day. If you hold yourself to a high standard and want your work to have a real impact beyond the numbers, this is the opportunity for you.
Key Responsibilities
Grant Compliance & Reporting
- Identify, prepare and submit required documents and financial and performance reports for grant submission
- Maintain accurate grant records and ensure compliance with reporting deadlines
- Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local grant regulations
- Utilize internal and external financial reporting systems to track grant activities
- Assist with budget development and justifications to ensure compliance with granting agency terms
- Manage loan payments, tax payments, insurance payments, lien releases, and related documentation
- Maintain detailed financial records for all grant-funded programs
- Prepare reports and documentation for the Finance Department
- Maintain files in compliance with record retention requirements
- Support internal and external audits, including documentation and response coordination
- Prepare lien releases and other required compliance documentation
- Work closely with the Grants Manager and departmental staff to support program success
- Assist with grant application documentation and submission processes
- Help develop project timelines and ensure timely completion of deliverables
- Provide cross-functional support within the Grants Division as needed
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, public administration, social services, or a related field
- Minimum of one year of experience in grants administration, accounting, or related field
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
- Knowledge of grant accounting, auditing principles and practices related to grants administration
- Understanding of federal, state, and local grant regulations and compliance requirements
- Familiarity with grant systems such as IDIS, ACRES, SAM.gov, or Grants.gov (preferred)
- Knowledge of government budgeting, financial systems, and procurement processes
- Ability to maintain grant budget spreadsheets.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint)
- Strong analytical and financial reporting skills
- Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and financial data
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- High level of organization with strong attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to work across departments
- Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive financial information
- Commitment to providing high-quality service to internal and external stakeholders
Why Decatur?
Located in the heart of Central Illinois, Decatur offers an outstanding balance of professional opportunity and quality of life:
- Affordable Living: Ranked the #1 Best Affordable Place to Live in the U.S. (2025–2026) by U.S. News & World Report, with low cost of living and attainable housing
- Central Location: Within easy reach of Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis for day trips and regional travel
- Outdoor Recreation: Lake Decatur for fishing, boating and kayaking, plus more than 2,000 acres of parks
- Arts & Entertainment: Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater concerts, Millikin University performances, historic Lincoln Theatre, and public art throughout the community
- Family Activities: Splash Cove waterpark, Overlook Adventure Park, and Scovill Zoo
- Job Opportunities: Major employers like ADM, Caterpillar, Primient, HSHS St. Mary's Hospital, and Decatur Memorial Hospital provide diverse career opportunities
This is your opportunity to step into a role with real impact and help shape the future of Decatur with your financial expertise. We offer a collaborative environment where precision is valued, your contributions are recognized, and the work you do makes a measurable difference.
Don't wait — apply today and take the next step in a career that combines professional growth with genuine public purpose. Complete an application by clicking on the link below. Be sure to include all requested information; incomplete applications will be rejected. You may upload a resume to autofill sections of the application.
Residency Requirement
Employees must reside within 50 miles of Decatur's corporate limits within 12 months of appointment.
Sponsorship for Employment
The City of Decatur does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B). To be considered for regular employment with City of Decatur, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a continuous basis.
All candidates are subject to a pre-employment drug screen, physical, and background check post-offer. The City of Decatur is a drug-free workplace, including marijuana.
SICK LEAVE: 10 days of sick leave credit on first day of employment; thereafter 1 day per month granted, accumulative to 240 days
VACATION: After completion of six months of continuous service, 5 duty days; 3 weeks after 1 year of service; 4 weeks after 10 years of service; 5 weeks after 20 years of service; 1 additional duty day per year after 25 years of service (to a maximum of 30 duty days)
HOLIDAYS: New Year's Day Labor Day
Martin Luther King's Birthday Veterans Day
Presidents' Day Thanksgiving Day
Good Friday Day After Thanksgiving
Juneteenth Christmas Eve (half day)
Memorial Day Christmas Day
Independence Day Two Unscheduled Holidays
PENSION: Employees of the City of Decatur contribute to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) at the rate of 4.5% per pay. The City of Decatur also contributes a percentage for the employee each pay. Employee contributions are refundable if employment ends before retirement.
OTHER: The City offers a three-tier health insurance plan for employees and their dependents. Employees contribute toward the monthly premium for single coverage and/or family coverage through payroll deduction. The City provides a life insurance policy at one times the annualized salary plus an additional $5,000 at no cost to the employee. Dependent coverage is offered. Employees may purchase additional term life on a voluntary basis. Employees also may purchase additional term life insurance sponsored by IMRF. Employees may contribute to a Flexible Spending Account for Medical and/or Dependent Care Expenses. Employees may participate in a voluntary group dental and vision insurance plan. Deferred compensation is also available.
To learn more details click here to view policy F-101.
Salary : $5,000