Grants and Finance Manager

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

This position combines responsibilities in grant writing, fund compliance, municipal accounting, budgeting, records management, public engagement and managing official city records per MS Code §21-15-23

Working under the direction of the CFO and City Clerk, the position oversees the full grant lifecycle from identifying opportunities and submitting applications to monitoring budgets and ensuring regulatory compliance. In addition to grant administration, this role supports financial reporting, assists with budget preparation, maintains fixed asset records, and helps coordinate Board meetings, public notices, and municipal records.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Manage all aspects of active grants from award to closeout, including budgeting, tracking expenditures, preparing reports, and maintaining records. Prepare and maintain financial records, financial statements, and reports in compliance.
• Assist and maintain budget, forecasts, and financial reports.
• Monitor and reconcile general ledger and backup for reconciling bank accounts; identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Identify, research, and evaluate grant opportunities from federal, state, local, and private funding sources that align with City priorities.

SUPPORTING DUTIES:

• Assist the CFO and Budget Committee in the preparation of the City’s annual budget, including compiling departmental budget requests, analyzing historical data, and attending budget meetings.
• Support the annual audit process by gathering required documentation, responding to auditor inquiries, and ensuring internal controls are followed.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of the City’s fixed assets in compliance with GAAP and GASB standards; prepare year-end depreciation schedules and asset reports, and coordinate updates to property insurance records.
• Prepare and submit periodic financial and programmatic reports as required by funding agencies.
• Compile the City’s Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and assist with audits, including Single Audits.
• Assist the City Clerk in preparing and compiling agenda packets for Board of Aldermen meetings, including collecting supporting documents from department heads.
• Aid with drafting and maintaining official documents including minutes, ordinances, resolutions, proclamations, and correspondence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Governmental accounting principles (GAAP), auditing standards, and internal control frameworks.
• Grant management regulations.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, accounting software, and document management tools
• Budget development, cost allocation principles, and financial reporting systems.
• Local government operations, procurement rules, and intergovernmental coordination.
• Records retention laws, document digitization, and public recordkeeping standards.

Skill and Ability to:

• Develop and submit competitive grant applications under tight deadlines.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on financial data with precision and attention to detail.
• Prepare for and support audits, including Single Audits.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with diverse audiences, including elected officials and funding agencies.
• Make sound, independent decisions while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Build positive, cooperative relationships across all City departments.
• Handle sensitive or confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Operate effectively with minimal supervision, maintaining accountability and reliability.
• Consistently demonstrate excellent customer service in all interactions with the public, staff, elected officials, and external agencies.
• Respond to inquiries in person, over the phone, and in writing in a courteous and professional manner.
• Handle sensitive information with a high level of confidentiality and discretion.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or additional coursework in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field
• Certification such as Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
• Minimum of 2–4 years of progressively responsible experience in grant administration, public finance, or a related area
• Demonstrated experience with federal grants and regulatory frameworks (e.g., Uniform Guidance)

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid Driver’s License and acceptable MVR
• Possess the Certified Deputy Clerk designation or higher through the Mississippi Municipal Clerk Certification program or have the ability to complete all requirements within the established timeframe. Completion of the required Certified Deputy Clerk designation will not enable eligibility for an additional salary increase

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The job is performed primarily indoors in an office setting. Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, see, and effectively communicate with others for extended periods of time. May be required to lift objects weighing up to 25 pounds without assistance. Must be able to handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously, work with numerous interruptions, and adjust to changing priorities. Must demonstrate good use of judgement and demonstrate the ability to properly deal with confidential matters. Must use good interpersonal skills.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Starkville, MS 39759 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000