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What is a grant accountant and how to become one
A Grant Accountant oversees the grant and financial services in an organization. He/She gathers and analyzes data. He/She also reviews the financial capabilities of grant recipients and coordinates the budgeting process and detail for assigned grants. Also, he/she identifies and resolves issues relating to awarding grants. As the grant accountant, you are responsible for preparing forecasts and resolving accounting issues. You prepare invoices and requests for payments to funding agencies and reconcile grant expenses. You identify issues relating to the grants and communicate with the grant compliance manager and program officers.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related area with relevant business experience. You must have organization, communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills to succeed as a grant accountant. You must also be conversant with accounting principles, practices, and grants management procedures. An average annual salary of $56,506 is what a grant accountant earns yearly. However, it ranges between the range of $45,000 and $70,000.
What general advice would you give to a grant accountant?
Stephen Moehrle Ph.D.
Professor and Chairman of Accounting, University of Missouri - St. Louis
Most of the above remains true so the only open question is job availability. It would be unrealistic to say things are great. However, it seems that job prospects for accounting majors will be better than for those of virtually every other entry-level profession during difficult times. I have been speaking with firm leaders across the spectrum of firms and most do intend to be on campus in the fall recruiting season. Of course, they have a lot of time to learn more about the economy over the next few months, but we are cautiously optimistic. Again, I am confident that whatever the state of job availability for young CPAs-to-be, prospects will be better for accounting graduates than virtually any other profession.
They will be entering the profession at a fascinating moment in time. Of course, the technological advances assure this regardless of economic conditions. However, there are business disruption-related issues that will provide rich opportunities for making a difference. For example, audit staff will be working with clients to see them through these troubling times. Lamentably, I fear that these young professionals will learn more about the going concern determination than they desire to know. Tax staff will help clients to optimally use the tax loss carrybacks and carryforwards that are arising by the day. Entry level professionals in corporate accounting will get a day-to-day front row seat in business management through crisis. While lamentable times, these are times when young professionals can make a difference that saves jobs.
Avg. Salary $59,472
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.46%
Asian 13.43%
Black or African American 8.45%
Hispanic or Latino 10.78%
Unknown 3.95%
White 62.94%
Genderfemale 62.21%
male 37.79%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Grant accountant career paths
Key steps to become a grant accountant
Explore grant accountant education requirements
Start to develop specific grant accountant skills
Skills Percentages Reconciliations 8.55% Grants Management 5.49% GAAP 4.95% Payroll 4.59% Financial Analysis 4.05% Complete relevant grant accountant training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New grant accountants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a grant accountant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real grant accountant resumes.Research grant accountant duties and responsibilities
- Manage sub-awards to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, and OMB circulars prior to payment process.
- Manage all daily and biweekly payroll processes in accordance within establish deadlines.
- Manage derivative accounting at global level and ensure accounting and economic hedging objectives are align.
- Perform grant-related post-award functions, including budget and expense analysis, financial reporting and reconciliations.
Prepare your grant accountant resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your grant accountant resume.
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Apply for grant accountant jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a grant accountant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first grant accountant job
Are you a grant accountant?
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Average grant accountant salary
The average grant accountant salary in the United States is $59,472 per year or $29 per hour. Grant accountant salaries range between $46,000 and $76,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do grant accountants rate their job?
Grant accountant reviews
Business owners that do not know or understand compliance and GAAP, or the patience to follow the rules... generally common in small companies.
It's an office job.
Everything else. Too much anxiety, debts, low sallary (€700/month).
I like when the numbers fall in to place. I enjoy helping clients reach their financial goals. I am great with client consultations. I appreciate the chance to help plan for a client's needs.
I dislike situations where no planning had been done. I am bothered when a client has an accounting problem that could have been avoided by proper planning.
Updated January 8, 2025
