Grants Accountant

The Morton Arboretum is a world‑renowned nonprofit institution dedicated to the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. We welcome more than 1.1 million guests every year to our 1,700-acre site in the western suburbs of Chicago and manage an annual operating budget of approximately $50 million. Grants are an important source of funding for our mission.

We are seeking an experienced Grants Accountant who will partner with an interdepartmental grants team to support project managers who write and submit grants and ensure our compliance with federal and other reporting requirements. Duties will include coordinating the post‑award grant process and submitting required financial reporting. This is a great opportunity to contribute meaningful work within a mission‑driven organization and grow your expertise in grants accounting.

Location: The Morton Arboretum (Lisle, IL)

As a key member of the interdepartmental grants team, ensure that restricted funding projects comply with Arboretum policies and procedures. Stay current with compliance requirements described in the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) uniform guidance and other grantor guidance, and recommend changes to Arboretum policies and procedures as needed. Work closely with colleagues to support project managers who write and submit grants on behalf of their work at the Arboretum.

Work closely with Development to support gift processing and restricted funds accounting.

• Coordinate the post‑award grant process, ensuring compliance with The Morton Arboretum’s internal policies and procedures and OMB Guidance.
• Manage all requirements of subaward monitoring and maintain subaward records in compliance with OMB Guidance.
• Submit all required financial reporting as required by the award terms of agreement.
• Participate in the inter‑departmental project management process, including federal, foundation, and private funding of specific projects.
• Participate in the annual single audit, providing requested reporting and schedules.
• In compliance with regulatory requirements according to government rules, prepare, file and obtain approval of the indirect cost rate schedule for grant funding.
• Support the project managers in the preparation of subaward agreements.
• Lead restricted funds accounting, coordinating with colleagues in Finance and Development.
• Manage the annual Single Audit and internal and funder audits as needed.
• Support Accountants in the preparation of audit schedules, monthly reconciliations, and tax preparation as needed.
• Participate with the Finance team in reaching goals for improvement of processes.
• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values.
• Other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field required. 2+ years related experience required. Knowledge of Federal Circulars applicable to OMB Guidance for Grants and Agreements or interpretation of similar regulations preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills required. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, and proficiency with Google applications is beneficial. Previous experience with Smartsheets is a plus.

Detail and customer service oriented with effective communication skills with internal customers and vendors. Ability to work independently and handle confidential records with discretion is essential.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Physical Demands:
  May require occasional travel around the Arboretum grounds and to local conferences.
• Work Environment:
  Office environment, with prolonged periods in front of a computer screen.
• Equipment:
  General office equipment.

The expected hiring range for this position is annualized at $58,000-$66,000 based on experience. Experience and qualifications will be evaluated during…