Position Description

Senior Grants and Finance Administrator
Job Type Regular Full Time (Exempt)
Work Location Washington, DC - US
Work Location Type Hybrid
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ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE 

Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision-makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.

POSITION SUMMARY 

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Grants and Business Operations Manager, the Grants and Finance Manager will assume responsibility for managing grant-related financial activities while ensuring adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), USG rules and regulations, and Freedom House policies for the entire LAC grant portfolio. This role will actively contribute to the reconciliation procedures, general ledger account analyses, financial projections, grant closing processes, and collaboration with various departments and stakeholders to optimize the utilization of grant funds.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management: 

  • Proficiently execute general accounting tasks that impact month-end close, such as preparing and submitting journal entries, posting expenditures, reviewing payments, and conducting monthly account reconciliation. 
  • Generate quarterly SF-425 Federal Financial Reports.
  • Oversees fiscal management of and financial reporting of subgrants as determined by USG rules and regulations, Freedom House policies, and donor requirements. 
  • Perform subgrant closeout functions required by the Freedom House policies, including reconciliations, final financial reports, and final invoices. 
  • Maintain grant and financial management databases for accuracy and up-to-date information.
  • Maintain grant records following Freedom House internal procedures. 

Compliance Oversight: 

  • Review general ledger transactions for accuracy and allowability according to compliance and accounting requirements. 
  • Analyze monthly grant performance results to ensure expenditures consistently align with grant budgets throughout the award period. 
  • Monitor and oversee compliance for each award throughout its lifecycle, including a thorough review of incoming awards, reporting on variances, advising on permissible uses of grant funds, assessing cost allowability, ensuring accurate allocation, and preparing recommendations for corrective measures if required.

Reporting and Forecasting: 

  • Participate in the monthly and annual budget projections, including reviewing monthly projections and verifying budget data in the budgeting tools.
  • Contribute to the timely financial analysis conducted for the internal and external stakeholders using Freedom House and LAC budget forecasting tools. 
  • Constantly review assigned portfolios to assess the status of ongoing subgrants and the burn rate of the subgrants to evaluate funding requirements and potential deficiencies. 
  • Communicate and promptly report potential funding deficiencies to the Senior Grants and Business Operations Manager and LAC Management.

Cross-Team Collaboration: 

  • Work harmoniously with the Finance Department to maintain reporting structures and system parameters to ensure transparency in grant financial management. 
  • Act as liaison with other external departments including Grants Administration and Compliance to facilitate a collaborative environment in grant and non-grant accounting and compliance work.

Regulatory Expertise: 

  • Apply in-depth knowledge of grant regulations, GAAP, and financial standards to evaluate spending and counsel LAC Management.
  • Present recommendations for procedural and workflow efficiencies. Assist with planning and conducting initiatives and relevant training.
  • Collaborates with Senior Grants and Business Operations Manager in designing a comprehensive set of engagement metrics and measurements to define success for ongoing initiatives and programs; tracks the data on specific metrics that inform LAC decision-making.

Audit Preparation: 

  • Assist in preparing for audits and tax-related submissions and for internal reconciliation.

Proposal Development/Budget Coordination: 

  • Collaborate with the Senior Grants and Business Operations Manager and LAC Program Management to draft budgets and budget narratives for federal award applications. 

Perform special projects and other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:     

  • Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, public administration, business administration, or related field is required.
  • Education requirements may be substituted by eight years of experience in finance and business practices and direct experience managing the finances and administration of USG-funded programs.

Experience:    

  • 6-8 years of substantial related experience working in project financial management for non-profit organizations with a strong knowledge of USG rules and regulations, including 2 CFR 200. 
  • Direct experience managing the finances and administration of USG-funded projects is required.
  • Experience with Federal grants budgeting and reporting is required. 
  • Experience with general ledger analysis and the month-end/year-end closing process is required.
  • Proven ability to communicate in English. Knowledge of Spanish is an asset, as this role will involve working closely with the program teams in Global Offices. 

Technical Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge in accounting rules and regulations and in applying those rules and regulations to a non-profit sector.
  • Familiarity with grants and project finance management, including financial controls, accounting, auditing, and reporting on accruals, pipelines, and expenditures is required.
  • Cutting-edge skills with Microsoft Office suite and financial systems, including spreadsheet preparation and presentation.
  • Knowledge of JAMIS is an asset. 
  • Self‐starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‐paced environment and work independently.
  • Ability to manage and maintain sensitive information following Freedom House digital security standards. 
  • Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and exhibit unquestionable integrity, honesty, and forthrightness.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to respond promptly to inquiries in a courteous and professional manner. 
  • Ability to successfully work collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external partners, and funders.

Personal Attributes and Characteristics: 

  • Strong work ethic and desire for personal and professional development. The demonstrable desire for personal excellence. Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills.
  • Deeply committed to nonpartisanship, exhibiting a strong and sustained commitment to the mission of Freedom House.
  • Committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all feel that they belong.
  • Works as an effective team member, successfully balancing individual and team responsibilities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

  • Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diverse backgrounds relevant to the countries in which we have programming are a welcome asset.
  • Freedom House provides a robust benefits package, including a 403(b)-retirement account, commuter benefits, flexible hours, floating holidays, high employer contributions to medical, dental, and vision premiums, basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance, short-and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and more.
  • Applicants are required to complete our online application form and to submit a resume and a cover letter that outlines their interests and qualifications for this position.
  • Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades prioritizing organizational equity. The salary range for this role is $80,000-$95,000 annualized, dependent upon experience.  
  • Travel to some countries for business or, in some cases, personal reasons, while a Freedom House employee may not be advisable or even possible due to high-security risks.
  • Candidates must possess authorization to work in the United States independent from Freedom House sponsorship. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

General Working Conditions:  

  • General working office environment or telework. 
  • May require long hours, including evenings and weekends, to complete tasks. 

Work Environment and Physical Demands:  

Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  

Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.  

Requisition Number: 1422

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