Grants Accounting Manager

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 Manager will…

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee all accounting functions related to grants and restricted funds;

• Prepare internal and external financial grant reports;

• Monitor grant revenues and expenditures to ensure compliance with funding guidelines and budgetary limits;

• Reconcile grant-related accounts and ensure proper allocation of expenses, including payroll and benefit costs.

Grant Compliance & Audit

• Ensure compliance with grant agreements;

• Organize and maintain documentation for all grant related activities;

• Serve as the main contact for auditors regarding grants and restricted funds;

• Implement and monitor internal controls to safeguard grant assets.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Work with program staff to develop grant budgets for proposals and renewals;

• Track budget-to-actual performance and provide variance analysis;

• Assist CFO with financial forecasting and resource planning;

• Prepare and review grant-related journal entries and adjustments.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Supervise grants accountant and coordinate training and development;

• Partner with program managers to provide financial guidance and support in grants management;

• Communicate financial information and compliance guidelines clearly to non-financial staff;

• Support strategic decision-making through financial analysis and reporting.

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Salary Range: $115,000 - $130,000, 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:

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Strong organizational skills

• Time management skills

• Proficiency in Excel

• Effective communication and leadership capabilities

This might be the job for you, if you:

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in grants management;

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting;

• Prior supervisory experience;

• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and the treatment of GAAP restricted grants;

• Experience with Sage Intacct or similar accounting systems.

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.