Grants and Contracts Accountant

About NYLAG:
Founded in 1990, NYLAG is a leading civil legal services organization combatting economic, racial, and social injustice by advocating for people experiencing poverty or in crisis. Our services include comprehensive, free civil legal services, financial empowerment, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community partnerships. NYLAG exists because wealth should not determine who has access to justice. We aim to disrupt systemic racism by serving individuals and families whose legal and financial crises are often rooted in racial inequality. NYLAG goes to where the need is, providing services in more than 150 community sites (e.g. courts, hospitals, libraries) and on our Mobile Legal Help Center. NYLAG’s staff of over 400 impacted the lives of nearly 129,000 people last year.

Job Description:
The New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) is seeking two dynamic and experienced professionals to join our Fiscal team. We will use the candidate’s years of relevant experience to determine if they come in as an accountant or accounting manager (higher level). The person in these roles will be responsible for the full financial management of an assigned grants portfolio, including budgeting, billing, monitoring receivables and expenditures, managing contracts, and performing grant closeouts. This role plays a key part in ensuring compliance with funder and organizational requirements, while supporting NYLAG’s mission through effective financial stewardship.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage an assigned portfolio of grants and contracts from proposal stage through closeout.
• Prepare detailed grant budgets aligned with funding allocations and staffing plans.

• Monitor budgets throughout the grant lifecycle, including preparing forecasts and budget modifications as needed.
• Record grant-related revenue in the General Ledger in alignment with corresponding expenses.
• Review and reconcile the General Ledger by grant to ensure fiscal accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare and submit invoices to funders in a consistent and timely manner.
• Track accounts receivable and follow up on outstanding payments for assigned grants and contracts.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation for all transactions recorded in the General Ledger.
• Collaborate with colleagues across NYLAG, including the Finance team, Development department, and program areas.
• Assist with annual and program-specific external audits.
• Coordinate and monitor subcontractor compliance, including contract management, invoicing, payments, and reporting.
• Contribute to special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Mentor Grants and Contracts Analyst.

Qualifications:

• Accountant: Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, including at least four years in a non-profit environment managing grants and contracts.
• Accounting Manager: Minimum of 13 years of relevant experience, including at least 6 years in a non-profit environment managing grants and contracts
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required.
• Direct experience with New York City and/or New York State contracts required.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial data with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey financial information to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency with accounting software required; experience with Sage Intacct strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently.

NYLAG’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
NYLAG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, veterans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, and those with lived experiences in the communities we serve are strongly encouraged to apply.

Employment type :
☒ Full-time

Professional Level:
☒ Professional
☒ Managerial

Accountant Salary Range : The annual salary range for this position is between $88,500 and $96,800.

Accounting Manager Salary Range : The annual salary range for this position is between $110,000 - $120,000.

Benefits : Medical, dental, vision, 401k, life insurance, long term disability, commuter benefits, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for Medical and Dependent care.

Application Instructions: Please save resume and cover letter on one pdf.

Covid Vaccination Policy: Please note, to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees and clients, NYLAG requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless a medical or religious exemption is approved.

NYLAG is committed to a hybrid work policy for staff whose work does not require their full-time presence in the office. NYLAG’s current policy is that most staff are required to work in NYLAG’s offices or do other in-person work at least two days each week. This policy is subject to change.