POSITION: Grants Accountant
REPORTS TO: Accounting Manager
POSITION TYPE : 12-month
START DATE : July 1, 2019
THE CHALLENGE
Across the nation, only half of all students from low-income communities graduate from high school and only 10% earn a college degree. Even though 85% of our students are economically disadvantaged, YES Prep provides evidence that different outcomes are possible. Eighty-seven (87%) of YES Prep alumni matriculate to college within one year and alumni like Eddie Zapata are earning their college degrees at five times the rate of their peers with similar socioeconomic backgrounds. How do we do this? Each of YES Prep’s 19 campuses serves 6th-12th graders like Monique Bowie . Students typically enter YES Prep one or more grade levels behind, but quickly find themselves on a different life trajectory. This is a result of transformative relationships with teachers and leaders, and access to excellent educational opportunities.
As the first minority-majority city, Houston’s schools cannot keep up with demand from students like Eddie and Monique. Houston is the 4th largest city (on track to become the 3rd), and this booming population translates into 2,000 families on YES Prep’s waitlist. YES Prep’s student enrollment is estimated to grow 31% between now and 2023 (from just over 13,000 students currently to 17,000).
THE OPPORTUNITY
YES Prep needs a dynamic, Grants Accountant, with a diverse set of experiences, to make our mission a reality. As a YES Prep employee, you will achieve jaw-dropping results, create pathways to opportunity for our students, build transformative relationships, and eliminate educational inequities to advance social justice.
To put it simply, you will support the CFO and Accounting Manager in carrying out the accounting and financial services functions for programs funded by grants or special revenue in the Finance Department. In addition, you will relieve the CFO and Accounting Manager of fiscal service and support responsibilities for the home office departments as well as answer inquiries regarding grant information.
THE ROLE
When you join the YES Prep team, some of the exciting work and responsibilities will include:
Serving as the primary contact for all finance requests related to Federal, State, and private grants.
Working closely with program staff and finance leaders to ensure accurate financial reporting and fiscal compliance on all grants.
Monitoring and tracking the status of each grant through its life cycle to ensure compliance and adherence schedule, including the allowable uses of grant funds.
Reviewing grant proposals and reporting for accuracy of financial data and ensuring all budgeted items are identified and correctly accounted for.
Compiling year-end reports, work papers, and analysis necessary for the District’s auditors to complete the yearly audit of the District’s grants.
Maintaining appropriate backup for the Accounting team as it relates to Cash management, Grant reporting, draws and financial reporting.
Preparing and reviewing journal entries and correcting accounting entries as needed, monitoring payroll accounting, and ensuring compliance with non-profit fund accounting, Texas public school accounting and other requirements associated with each grant.
Monitoring financial activities relating to grants and providing School Directors with financial guidance in carrying out grant functions to other individuals charged with grant responsibilities.
Assisting in the development and implementation of grant management financial policies and procedures that provide the platform from which YES Prep will operate with integrity and consistency.
Responsible for maintenance and accuracy of Grants Management/Project Management module of the accounting system.
Staying abreast of the Office of Management and Budget Circulars, EDGAR, TEA regulations and all other applicable federal, state and District laws and policies.
Additional duties as assigned.
THE PERSON
We seek staff with diverse backgrounds, talents, interests, and ideas. Certain traits consistently shine through for our most successful employees: passion for the mission, drive for results, care for students, resilience, and humility . Other traits needed and desired for this role are:
MUST HAVES
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year educational institution or equivalent combination of education and experience.
3+ years in financial accounting and reporting responsibility.
Experience with government grants
Experience with fund reporting.
Knowledge of non-profit accounting and fund accounting, strongly preferred.
Public education finance experience, preferred.
Belief in and commitment to the mission and core value of YES Prep Public Schools.
Openness to giving and receiving frequent feedback.
Demonstrated ability to work on a team.
A dedication to learn, grow, and develop as a professional.
Belief that every student can and will achieve.
Ability to work urgently in a fast-paced and results-oriented environment.
Strong written communication skills.
Ability to juggle multiple tasks and initiatives at once.
Detail-oriented and self-directed.
Initiator, problem-solver, and creative thinker.
Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
Ability to maintain highest level of confidentiality.
Ability to exercise excellent judgement in decision-making.
PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS:
Must have an exceptionally high proficiency in Excel;
Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible;
Participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance knowledge and skills;
Demonstrate knowledge, and support of YES Prep Schools’ mission, values, standards, policies and procedures, confidentiality standards, Employee Field Guide expectations, and code of ethical behavior as stated in the Field Guide;
Ensure compliance with all state and federal laws, local board policies, administrative guidelines, and the Texas Educators’ Code of Ethics;
Serve as appropriate role model for YES Prep colleagues, students, staff, and parents;
Conduct self in a professional manner at all times;
<span ":="" 11.0pt"="">Ability to perform a variety of tasks, often changing assignments on short notice, with little to no direction;
<span ":="" 11.0pt"="">Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with others.
THE TEAM
As the Grants Accountant, you will join a warm and welcoming Finance team at the Home Office.
YES Prep teams understand they are setting the example for how their students experience their YES Prep education and want to make sure it feels like a second home to them. Teams are obsessed with improving themselves because they know that living the core values translates directly into stronger results and college access for all students.
THE PERKS
Compensation – This position is a non-exempt, hourly position; salary offers commensurate with experience.
Health and Supplemental Insurance – A $0.00 medical option that includes $600 towards a Health Savings Account, in addition to a variety of supplemental benefits including Dental, Vision, Short and Long-Term Disability, Pet Insurance, Life, etc.
Retirement Plans – Participation in Teacher Retirement System of Texas and a 457 Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off – 15 days of Paid Time Off in addition to the system closures of our Academic Calendar
P aid Leave Programming – In the event you need to be out due to medical needs (including maternity and paternity leave), YES Prep offers up to 12 weeks of full paid leave
Professional Development - YES Prep values longevity and performance over time through our Commit to Five program. We invest in developing leaders through high-quality programs, effective coaching, and ongoing professional development .
Award Winning Culture – The strong cultures of our campuses and Home Office are just one of many reasons we were named Houston’s Best Place to work in 2018. We won the 2012 Broad Prize for Excellence in Urban Education and were a 2016 finalist as well.
WE ARE DEEPLY COMMITTED TO EQUITY & DIVERSITY
YES Prep strives to recruit a diverse team of leaders. We believe there is a transformative academic and social benefit for students when their teachers and leaders reflect a diversity of backgrounds. Ninety-seven percent (97%) of staff members agree that the organization provides a welcoming environment given their background and identity according to our latest system survey.
YES Prep is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood.
THE NEXT STEPS
If this sounds like your just right job, please apply here .
If you are not sure this opportunity is for you, are simply curious, or know someone who would be perfect, please reach out to our Talent Acquisition team to be connected to a recruiter at
[email protected] .
