Manager, Grants Controlling

MANAGER, GRANTS CONTROLLING (US)

REPORTS TO

Head of Global Grants Management

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

May mentor junior staff members

LOCATION

Remote in the United States, with option for hybrid attendance in Washington, DC office location. Some domestic and/or international travel may be expected

JOB SUMMARY

The Manager, Grants Controlling, US works closely with the US program team, funders, Finance and Accounting, external partners, service providers, and auditors to manage the financial aspects of grants throughout their lifecycle.

They are responsible for grant budgeting and forecasting, resource and labor allocation, expenditure monitoring, cost recovery, financial reporting, and grant-level financial compliance. The role serves as a key link between Grants Management, program teams, and Finance and Accounting, ensuring that grant financial activity accurately reflects program implementation, funding agreements, and organizational policies.

The Manager provides grant-level financial oversight while partnering closely with Finance and Accounting, which retains responsibility for the general ledger, accounting treatment, financial close, statutory and tax compliance, and organizational financial reporting.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented finance professional who can balance day-to-day financial management with the broader financial picture, identify risks and trends, and translate complex financial and funder requirements into practical guidance for program teams.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop grant budgets in collaboration with program team taking into account relevant guidelines and funder requirements
• Plan, track and analyze expenditures ensuring their proper allocation across grants
• Prepare financial reports for funders, internal and external stakeholders in accordance with the applicable policies and funding agreements
• Regularly communicate with funders, external service providers, program teams and partner organizations
• Perform monthly reconciliations of grant-related transactions with the accounting records, ensuring costs are accurately recorded, properly allocated, and consistent with grant budgets and funder requirements.
• Provide documentation and support during external audits
• Support annual audit and tax preparation processes and responses to auditor inquiries.
• Coordinate and monitor the timely receipt of grant funds in accordance with funding agreements
• Ensure adherence to established internal controls, financial policies, and approval processes, supporting appropriate oversight and accountability across grant and financial activities.
• Manage labor cost allocation and ensure that employee time and payroll costs are properly allocated, recorded and charged to grants in accordance with applicable funder requirements and regulations
• Conduct onboarding sessions and advise colleagues from other teams on financial and grant compliance matters,
• Participate in process improvements and documentation of financial and grant management workflows.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Team-oriented with a willingness to learn and adapt.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work autonomously
• Strong analytical judgment
• Systems and process orientation
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and evolving environments
• Cross-cultural collaboration skills
• High degree of discretion and professionalism

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Experience in nonprofit, international NGO, consulting, or professional services environments strongly preferred
• Experience with grants accounting or funder reporting in a nonprofit or similar environment
• Proficiency in accounting software (Sage Intacct strongly preferred) and advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP).
• Experience with international finance and accounting principles and compliance (e.g., US, UK, EU).
• Professional fluency in English required, fluency in German, French, Dutch and/or other global languages advantageous

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Regular, Full-Time

RAP offers a generous benefits package, including healthcare benefits, home office support, a 5% employer retirement contribution, flexible work arrangements, and above-average paid time off.

Professional fluency in English required, fluency in German, French, Dutch and/or other global languages advantageous