Position: Grants Accountant

Reports to: Assistant Finance Director

Emergency Classification: Essential

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Pay Grade: 110

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Grants Accountant to join our Finance team. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the Town's grant-funded programs are managed with fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, and transparency. The ideal candidate will bring strong governmental accounting experience, deep knowledge of grant compliance, and a passion for supporting public-sector operations through accurate financial stewardship.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach Offers a Competitive Benefits Package!

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance with low deductibles and annual maximums. The Town covers 100% of employee premiums and 50% of dependent premiums. Benefits also include employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, gym membership reimbursement, and more.

Work/Life Balance: Employees accrue 16 hours of paid leave monthly, plus 1 sick day and a birthday holiday annually. The Town observes 14 paid holidays and offers flexible scheduling options to promote work-life balance.

Retirement Planning: Immediate vesting in a 401(a)/457(b) pension plan with employer contributions-employees are vested from day one of employment.

And More!

If this opportunity aligns with your qualifications and career goals, we invite you to review the position description below and apply today to be part of the Town of Fort Myers Beach team!

Position Summary

The Grants Accountant is responsible for the financial management, compliance, and reporting of all grant-funded programs for the Town. This position oversees grant accounting activities including budgeting, reimbursement, financial reporting, audit support, and regulatory compliance. The role ensures all grant funds are properly tracked, documented, and reconciled in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements. The Grants Accountant works closely with departments, funding agencies, and external auditors to ensure fiscal accountability and maximize grant recovery for the Town.

Responsibilities and Reporting During an Emergency Situation: If assigned, employees in this classification will be required to report and carry out duties as directed for the duration of an emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.

Examples of Essential Duties

• Establish, monitor, and manage grant budgets in coordination with department directors and finance leadership.
• Track grant expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets and funding requirements.
• Prepare, review, and submit accurate grant reimbursement requests to federal, state, and other funding agencies.
• Maintain detailed financial records for all grant-funded programs, ensuring audit-ready documentation at all times.
• Reconcile grant accounts to the general ledger and resolve discrepancies as needed.
• Ensure compliance with grant agreements, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and all applicable regulations.
• Prepare and submit financial reports required by funding agencies in a timely and accurate manner.
• Monitor grant spending deadlines and funding periods to maximize reimbursement and prevent loss of funds.
• Coordinate with departments to verify allowable costs, proper documentation, and accurate coding of grant expenditures.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules, documentation, and responses related to grant activity.
• Assist with development of financial components of grant applications, including budget development and cost projections.
• Serve as the primary financial point of contact for grant-related inquiries from departments, auditors, and funding agencies.
• Develop and maintain standardized grant tracking tools and reporting systems.
• Review grant contracts and award documents to interpret financial and compliance requirements.
• Maintain organized electronic grant files including award letters, budgets, reports, reimbursements, and correspondence.
• Attend assigned meetings and events.
• Performs emergency response tasks and assignments as directed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required.)

REQUIREMENTS:

Education, Certification, and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in grant accounting, governmental accounting, or public sector finance.
• Experience managing federal and state grant compliance and reimbursement processes strongly preferred.

***Relevant work experience may substitute on a year for year basis for the required education

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of governmental accounting principles and practices.
• Knowledge of grant financial management, reimbursement procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), FEMA, state, and other applicable grant regulations.
• Knowledge of audit standards related to grant-funded programs.
• Knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls.
• Familiarity with municipal finance systems, chart of accounts, and fund accounting.

Skills:

• Skill in preparing accurate financial reports, reconciliations, and reimbursement requests.
• Skill in analyzing financial data and identifying discrepancies.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills to maintain audit-ready grant files.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial systems.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to explain financial information clearly.
• Skill in managing multiple grants, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.

Abilities:

• Ability to interpret complex grant regulations and apply them accurately to financial processes.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accountability.
• Ability to collaborate with multiple departments and external agencies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in financial matters.
• Ability to adapt to changing regulations, deadlines, and funding requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• Task involves some physical effort in standing, bending, stooping, stretching and walking, or frequent moderate lifting (20 pounds); and standard dexterity in the use of fingers, limbs, or body in the operation of shop or office equipment.
• Tasks may involve extended periods of time working at a desk in front of a computer.

Environmental Requirements:

• Task is regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Sensory Requirements:

• Task requires sound perception and discrimination.
• Task requires visual perception and discrimination.
• Task requires oral communications ability.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drugfree Workplace.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach provides Veterans' Preference in employment for eligible veterans, spouses of veterans, and qualifying family members, in accordance with the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs guidelines.

How to Claim Veterans' Preference:

1. Notify Human Resources at [email protected] to request Veterans' Preference at the time of application.
2. Obtain the Veterans' Preference Form, which will be provided by Human Resources, and indicate your eligibility.
3. Submit the required documentation (e.g., DD-214 form, VA disability letter, or applicable spouse documentation) along with your completed application.

If you require assistance or have questions about this process, please contact Human Resources at (239) 896-4284 or [email protected].

Employment at the Town of Fort Myers Beach is contingent upon your successful completion of the following:

1. Pre-employment drug screening, pursuant to the Drug-Free /Alcohol-Free Employment Policy as outlined in the Town's Employee Handbook adopted by Council effective January 2022.

2. General background verification.