Grants Cost Accountant

Location: Kingston

Description We are looking for a Grants Cost Accountant to support sponsored program financial operations for a Long-term Contract position based in Kingston, Rhode Island. This role focuses on strengthening grant-related accounting practices, maintaining compliance with applicable regulations, and ensuring accurate billing, reporting, and reconciliations across sponsored awards. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in grant accounting and federal award administration, along with the ability to interpret complex funding requirements and provide dependable financial guidance to university operations.

Responsibilities:

- Guide the application of cost accounting practices across sponsored program expenses to promote consistent financial treatment and policy adherence.

- Evaluate service center and recharge rate methodologies to ensure cost standards are properly reflected in institutional rate development.

- Maintain effective financial controls and provide operational support for grant-related accounting systems and processes.

- Review financial procedures to confirm alignment with federal, state, and university compliance requirements affecting sponsored activity.

- Analyze award and contract terms to determine billing obligations, reporting expectations, and accurate setup within financial systems.

- Manage invoicing and collections for externally funded grants and contracts in accordance with sponsor terms, institutional policy, and applicable uniform guidance.

- Support oversight of sponsored program billing and receivables activities, including issue resolution and ongoing process reliability.

- Assist with month-end and year-end close activities for grants, including reconciliations between subledgers and the general ledger.

- Contribute to audit preparation by assembling documentation and supporting reviews for financial statement audits, single audits, and agency examinations.

- Prepare management reporting, expenditure schedules, survey support, and financial projections that highlight trends, cash flow considerations, risks, and improvement opportunities. Requirements - Experience in grant accounting, grant administration, or sponsored program finance within a regulated environment.

- Working knowledge of federal grant compliance requirements, including Uniform Guidance and Single Audit expectations.

- Ability to interpret grant agreements, contracts, and funding terms for billing, reporting, and financial compliance purposes.

- Proficiency in financial reconciliation, receivables oversight, and preparation of detailed accounting reports.

- Familiarity with government grants and the financial administration of externally sponsored awards.

- Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify variances, assess risk, and recommend practical solutions.

- Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with finance teams, auditors, and operational stakeholders.

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app ()  and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.

All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit  for more information.

© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "Apply Now," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use ()  and Privacy Notice () .