Grants Accountant

Third Way is a national think tank and advocacy organization that champions moderate policy and political ideas. Since our founding in 2005, we have served as a critical bulwark against political extremism by advancing values-driven, reform-oriented solutions on the defining issues of our time. Our work is grounded in the mainstream American values of opportunity, freedom, security, and democratic capitalism, and we advocate for the vital center across seven major areas: climate and energy, economy, education, health care, national security, politics, and social policy.

The Grants Accountant is responsible for managing financial aspects of grants received by the organization. This includes tracking grant expenditures, preparing financial reports, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, supporting audits, and working closely with program and development staff. The ideal candidate has a strong background in nonprofit accounting, grants management, and general ledger/financial reporting.

The Grants Accountant will…

• Maintain accurate financial records for grants;

• Monitor and track grant expenditures to ensure compliance with donor requirements and grant budgets;

• Prepare and submit timely and accurate financial reports to donors and program staff;

• Work closely with program staff to develop grant budgets and monitor budget-to-actual performance;

• Assist with grant proposal development by providing financial information (such as pro-forma budgets) and budget narratives;

• Support external audits by providing requested documentation and analysis;

• Reconcile grant-related accounts and prepare journal entries as needed;

• Maintain grant files, including contracts, budgets, amendments, and correspondence;

• Collaborate with the development and program teams to ensure smooth communication and reporting of grant-related matters;

• Support the Senior Grants Accountant where needed;

• Cross train with Senior Staff Accountant to become proficient with other accounting processes such as accounts payable and accounts receivable to help manage finance team workload.

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Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000, annually

At Third Way, we are committed to non-discrimination and fair pay practices. The final starting salary offer will be determined based on your experience and qualifications.

Competencies:

• Customer Focus

• Detail Orientation

• Accountability

• Problem Solving

This might be the job for you, if you:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in accounting;

• Have 2–4 years of accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit or grants-related role;

• Have strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards;

• Have experience with grant compliance and reporting requirements;

• Have proficiency with Microsoft Excel;

• Have an excellent attention to detail, organizational, and analytical skills.

It would be helpful if you…

• Have experience with Sage Intacct;

• Have experience with bill.com (accounts payable platform) and bill spend and expense (credit card platform).

In the Third Way Culture, we are looking for:

• Self-starters: People who see and seize opportunities, take risks, learn from failure, and will bring a sustained passion for our mission.

•  Collaborators: People who work in teams, sharing ideas, brainstorming, co-authoring products, and advancing its shared priorities.

• Creators: People who foster divergent thinking; that aren’t afraid to take on the orthodoxies of the left or the right. Team members come up with original insights, find unique ways to look at data, and challenge their preconceptions.

• Results-oriented: People who function with an organizational commitment to clear objectives, ambitious timelines, accountability for results, and a focus on impact.

• Respectful: People who embrace the diverse perspectives of everyone and fosters the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness at all times.

WITHIN 1 MONTH, YOU'LL...

• Participate in Third Way’s comprehensive onboarding program. You’ll learn about all aspects of Business Operations, which includes HR, Benefits, IT, Finance, and office operations.

• Meet your Third Way Buddy, be introduced to the entire staff, and start to learn the TW’s culture.

• Learn our current processes for payroll, compliance, and labor tracking, and how you will partner with Finance and the rest of the Business Operations team on these processes.

• Participate in weekly one-on-ones with your manager to ensure you fully understand the expectations of the job.

• Attend weekly team meetings. You’ll learn about the key goals of each program, how they’re doing, what challenges they face, and how you will contribute.

• Learn about Third Way’s grant processes and systems.

• Begin to forge relationships with grant stakeholders at Third Way.

WITHIN 2 MONTHS, YOU'LL...

• Gain an understanding each employee’s role and their contribution to the organization.

• Attend program overview sessions to learn more about each team’s contribution to TW’s mission.

• Incorporate TW’s Style Guide and Production process into your work products.

• Participate in, at least, one of our internal Professional Development trainings or a Center for Fun activity.

• Begin to take ownership of grant management for your portfolio of grants.

WITHIN 3 MONTHS, YOU'LL…

• Feel a sense of comfort and familiarity with the staff, your team, and your work.

• Continue to attend weekly departmental meetings with a stronger understanding of your team’s strategic goal.

• Bring new ideas and suggestions to your weekly one-on-ones with your manager.

• Attend and participate in external functions with other members of your team.

• Complete your 90-day self-evaluation and performance review with your manager.

• Partner with your manager to establish your long-term goals for the remainder of the year

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In addition to competitive salaries, your health and wellness is our priority. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance; Health Reimbursement Account (HRA); and Flexible Spending Account (FSA, DCA, Parking, and Transit); Life Insurance; Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance; Retirement plan; Accrued Paid Sick and Vacation leave; Long-term Disability, Employee Assistant Program (EAP).

Third Way is committed to the health, safety, and wellness of all employees, candidates, stakeholders, and communities. To support that commitment, all current and newly hired employees must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Proof of full vaccination status will be required after an offer of employment is extended and accepted. Failure to provide proof of full vaccination before the start date will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.

Third Way offers a hybrid work environment to support our employees’ healthy work-life balance. This position is based in Washington, DC, and Third Way’s in-office days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Third Way is an equal-opportunity employer committed to non-discrimination. We will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable laws.