Grant Accountant

The Mellon Foundation ("Foundation") believes that the arts and humanities are where we express our complex humanity, and we believe that everyone deserves the beauty, transcendence, and freedom to be found there. Through our grants, we seek to build just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive. The Foundation makes grants in four core program areas (Higher Learning, Arts and Culture, Public Knowledge, and Humanities in Place). We are seeking applications for an experienced accountant to join the Grant Accounting team.  

Summary:

The Grant Accountant will work closely with the Grants and Data Management team, legal staff, program staff, finance staff, and grantees to provide financial expertise and assistance with grants administration. The Grant Accountant will report to the Director of Grant Accounting and will assist grantees and staff from across the Foundation with reviewing and monitoring grant information, including program grantmaking budgets, grantee budgets and financial reports, grant payments, and ensuring compliance with Foundation policies and legal requirements. 

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities may include, but will not be limited to:

• assisting with the due diligence process for potential grantees;
• advising on the structure of grant budgets and payment schedules;
• reviewing and processing grant payment requests;
• reviewing grant financial reports, particularly for international and endowment grants;
• reviewing and advising on requests for grant modifications;
• analyzing and compiling data into composite reports as needed;
• assisting in the collection, consolidation, and maintenance of data necessary to meet reporting and evaluation requirements;
• refining and documenting policies, processes, and procedures;
• assembling board materials;
• answering calls and emails as a liaison with Foundation staff

Qualifications:

Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications and experience:

• high-energy, self-starter, who can work both independently and as a collaborative member of the grants and data management team;
• bachelor’s degree in accounting or similar field is required, and a CPA-licensed or CPA-track candidate is preferred;
• a minimum of 3 years of experience in accounting or a closely related area is required; public accounting and nonprofit accounting experience is preferred, particularly donor-restricted endowment accounting experience;
• strong understanding of accounting concepts and principles;
• ability to proactively anticipate and solve problems;
• strong work ethic and attention to detail;
• ability to efficiently and effectively handle and complete multiple tasks, assignments, and deadlines;
• excellent analytic, organizational, communication (both written and verbal) and interpersonal skills;
• high degree of competency in the Office suite of products, particularly Excel and Word.

The Mellon Foundation is committed to providing compensation that is competitive and equitable within the philanthropic sector. The estimated salary range for this role is $105,000 - $115,000. The amount of pay offered will be determined by a number of factors, including but not limited to qualifications, unique skills, credentials or experience that is expected to impact the candidate’s contribution to the role. We will also consider market data as well as the Foundation’s internal pay equity framework. Mellon is an equal opportunity employer and offers a generous total reward package that provides base salary as well as a comprehensive benefits program, and an excellent working environment.

Please note that Mellon maintains a hybrid work schedule, with three days/week in person at the Foundation’s Manhattan offices.

Candidates should apply by submitting a thoughtful cover letter describing fit for the position together with a resume and cover letter here: Grant Accountant

The Foundation will consider each response carefully, but only contact those individuals it believes are most qualified for the position.