Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.
Our desire to close the opportunity gap and create more equitable early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.
We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.
Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture. We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do.
Reporting to the Controller you will:
Manage the organization’s grants administration processes
Work closely with Program staff to ensure sound management of all federal, and state grants, including the development of proposal budgets and the management and tracking of grant funds
Oversee and review financial reporting for government grants, including the required federal and state forms, draws, and reimbursement requests
Monitor all expenses to guard against unallowable costs and ensure that all funding is appropriately spent with grant terms and deadlines
Lead the development of grant proposal budgets for new awards
In conjunction with program managers, review and monitor agreements with sub-grantees and consultants to ensure adherence to policies, procedures, and reporting requirements
Provide leadership and management to Grants & Financial Compliance team
Act as liaison to auditors regarding federal grant awards.
Establish Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement for federal funder approval.
Build relationships and serve as a liaison with government agencies and internal departments funded by public grants
Provide organizational leadership on grant administration and agency rules and regulations relating to compliance issues, ensures that overall performance activities and related documentation and reporting are done in compliance with grant requirements, acquires knowledge of, and works with other staff, to assure that Start Early complies with federal auditing requirements and knowledge of regulatory requirements.
Work with Controller to ensure appropriate internal controls are maintained for all contracts and grants management function
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field
5 to 10 years of experience with finance or similar industries
Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
Knowledge of grant accounting and experienced knowledge of regulations relating to expenditure responsibility
Familiarity with OMB Circular Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations and A-133 audit requirements required
Knowledge of current and emerging technology; uses technology and systems effectively to support daily activities; looks for new ways to apply technology to promote efficiency and improve quality
Demonstrated experienced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word and Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat; ability to write queries and ad hoc reports, general ledger software, electronic communications
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize, multitask and meet competing deadlines
Ability to budget multiple funding sources across multiple reporting units
Ability to learn Start Early funder rules and regulations and able to apply the guidelines in the activity of the accounting department
Demonstrated ability to follow through on tasks under tight timeframes
Highly organized with outstanding attention to details
Ability to manage multiple tasks, address shifting priorities, exercise independent judgment, and accomplish assignments in a timely manner
Ability to process and protect confidential information in a professional manner
Must have excellent command of English language and grammar, both verbal and written
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Ability to understand, analyze and interpret financial information in varying formats (including general ledgers) and complete required reports
Must be able to work extended hours during peak periods
Our generous benefit plan includes:
Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave and much more.
Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.
About Start Early
Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.
Our desire to close the opportunity gap and create more equitable early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.
We are a national organization headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Seattle, Washington, D.C., and Springfield, Illinois, and remote employees nationwide. In addition, Start Early operates Educare Chicago, an early learning school on Chicago’s South Side. We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in advancing our mission and share a commitment to our core values.
Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture. We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized and passionate about the work they do.
