Grant Accountant

POSITION TITLE: Grant Accountant
DEPARTMENT: Accounting
LOCATION: Longview, Washington
REPORTS TO: Controller
STATUS: Salaried; Full-Time
WAGE RANGE: $82,264 - $98,592 DOE

CLOSING DATE: First Review 4/28/2026

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Performs all finance and accounting activities as required by standardized accounting procedures and according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Working closely with Program Managers on budgeting, compliance, reporting, and variance financial analysis functions on their respective grants. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the Accounting department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepares a variety of detailed accounting, statistical, and narrative financial statements or reports requiring analysis and interpretation for Program Managers.
• Reviews and analyzes grants, contracts, and proposals for fiscal soundness and adherence to generally accepted accounting principles, policies, and procedures.
• Collects data on direct, indirect, and overhead costs of operation as they relate to the setting of rates and fees; assists with preparing indirect cost proposal data.
• Manages monthly reconciliations for balance sheet accounts; researches and corrects discrepancies.
• Calculates indirect recoveries for reimbursement to other tribal accounts on a monthly basis.
• Reviews monthly income and trial balance statements and prepares monthly closing entries.
• Prepares weekly drawdowns processed for grant awards set up for draws; calculates and submits draw requests through various payment systems.
• Prepares receipts with proper G/L numbers for accounts receivable entries.
• Reviews program requests for payment for eligibility and acceptable costs per finance policies and procedures and budget availability.
• Reviews reconciled monthly financial statements and reconciles expenditures to grant draws.
• Prepares financial reports for grantors per award terms and as requested by tribal leadership.
• Records and enters new grants; reads contracts and establishes due dates for financial reporting to grantors.
• Maintains accurate and timely grant documentation; researches and locates missing program reports or other documents.
• Monitors grant expiration dates; follows up with departments to ensure timely spending of grant funding.
• Prepares annual audit work papers for each program and related audit schedules; remains available to assist during audits.
• Recommends and assists in the implementation of new or revised accounting systems, procedures, and records.
• Maintains the confidentiality of all Finance Department items
• Reviews monthly income statements and trial balances for grants and follows up as needed.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Knowledge of financial control systems and methodology.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations that apply to fiscal operations.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, database, and accounting software programs in a Windows environment.
• Skill in statistical compilations and analysis.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying cultural and social backgrounds.
• Ability to analyze, compare, and interpret facts and figures.
• Ability to analyze financial information and draw logical conclusions.
• Ability to prepare complex, accurate financial statements and reports.
• Ability to read, comprehend, explain, and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
• Two years of grant or accounting experience.
• A valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education, and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks, including fingerprint verification.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. Travel may be required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events.