Senior Accounting and Grants Specialist
A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!
Job Description
The Senior Accounting and Grants Specialist is a non-exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that serves the citizens of Johnson County and reports to the Finance Manager. This position provides accounting, grant support, and compliance assistance within the Sheriff’s Office to help maintain accurate financial records and support compliance with federal, state, and local grant requirements.
Primary responsibilities include assisting with the administration of grant funding, monitoring expenditures, maintaining financial records, processing payroll and accounts payable transactions, and supporting contract tracking activities. This role works under general supervision and follows established procedures to support financial operations.
The position requires strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication to ensure tasks are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
Grant Administration & Compliance
- Administer financial aspects of federal, state, and local grants, including assisting with grant applications and related budget development.
- Monitor grant expenditures and financial activity to ensure compliance with award terms, allowable cost requirements, and approved budgets.
- Maintain grant records and documentation and prepare required financial reports, reimbursement requests, and submissions to grant agencies.
- Monitor grant timelines, budget balances, and closeout requirements; reconcile grant activity to the general ledger and resolve discrepancies.
- Serve as liaison to grant project managers, County Finance staff, and funding agencies, and review cooperative agreements, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and related grant contracts for financial compliance.
Accounting & Budget Support
- Prepare journal entries for revenue/expense corrections and reimbursement.
- Maintain financial spreadsheets and reports to support trend analysis and management review.
- Provide support through financial reporting to assist management decision-making and budget development.
Payroll & Personnel Support
- Process and review payroll transactions for accuracy and completeness.
- Ensure proper labor distribution and coding within the County’s financial system.
- Maintain confidentiality of payroll and personnel records.
- Serve as a resource to employees regarding payroll and benefit-related inquiries.
Accounts Payable & Purchasing
- Review and process accounts payable transactions in compliance with County policies.
- Audit invoices and purchasing documentation for accuracy and proper authorization.
- Reconcile purchasing card transactions and expense reports.
- Maintain vendor records and supporting documentation.
- Support purchasing and requisition processes.
Contract Management
- Maintain records for Sheriff's Office contracts
- Track contract terms, renewal dates, and scheduled cost increase
- Review invoices to ensure alignment with contract terms.
- Coordinate with Sheriff's Office divisions to verify adherence with contract terms and requirements.
- Provide administrative support related to contract tracking and recordkeeping.
Job Requirements
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Minimum of two years of experience in accounting.
- Associate’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted. Experience in public-sector administration is preferred.
- Grant management experience.
- Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) and/or Grant Professional Certified (GPC) is preferred.
Key Skills:
- Attention to detail.
- Analytical skills.
- Basic mathematical and accounting skills.
- Computer software: MS Office Suite
- Human relations/ interpersonal skills.
- Written communication skills, including business writing, report writing, summarizing and editing skills.
- Oral communication skills, including presentations to individuals and small groups.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines.
- General knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Project management skills, including organization, coordination of duties, and/or completion of objectives.
Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions. Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.
Preferred Job Requirements:
- Experience with Computer software – database creation/maintenance skills (beginner), Outlook or similar application (beginner); Oral communication skills, including presentations to individuals and small groups.
Education/Experience Substitutions:
- Experience may be substituted for degree. Education may be substituted for experience.
Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:
- The conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
- Work in an indoor professional office environment and exposed to moderate noise levels.
- Operate a computer and other office machinery.
- Frequently remain in a stationary position.
- Occasionally move office materials weighing up to 10 pounds.
- All county employees may be called upon to assist other departments in a declared emergency situation.
This position is classified as an Individual Contributor and does not have regular supervisory responsibility.
Disclaimer: This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. This position exists to provide services through public funding. Regular, reliable, predictable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of every position with the County. Duties and responsibilities, as required by business need may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Scheduling, shift assignments and work location may be changed at any time, as required by business need.
All County employees are expected to demonstrate our behavioral and operational values. These expectations are considered an essential function of every position within Johnson County Government: to collaborate with coworkers and leadership; participate constructively in conversations with department, agency, office, or organizational leadership, receive constructive feedback and adjust or improve to support our values of professionalism, respect, humility, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
