Sponsored Programs Accountant

Job Description

Position Number: H24-025
Status: Full-Time (Exempt)
Reports to: Controller
Location: Bloomington, IN; Indianapolis, IN; USA-based Remote (reside in Indiana or Midwest preferred)

What you’ll do:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and knowledgeable Sponsored Programs Accountant with expertise in federal grant compliance, specifically with 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards). The ideal candidate will coordinate accounting functions related to federal awards, ensuring full compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. The Sponsored Programs Accountant will support the organization’s financial operations, focusing on grant management, budgeting, reporting, and audits in line with 2 CFR 200 guidelines.

Key Responsibilities:

Grant Compliance Management:

  • Ensure the organization adheres to all federal regulations, including the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
  • Review, interpret, and apply cost principles and administrative requirements for federal awards
  • Maintain records and documentation to support compliance with federal and state regulations

Financial Reporting:

  • Prepare, review, and submit financial reports in accordance with grant agreements and federal regulations
  • Maintain accurate records of grant expenditures, ensuring that all costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable
  • Assist in the preparation of indirect cost proposals, ensuring consistency with 2 CFR 200 guidelines

Budgeting & Forecasting:

  • Assist in the development and monitoring of grant budgets, ensuring alignment with award stipulations
  • Monitor the financial performance of grants, tracking expenses against the approved budget
  • Provide regular financial updates and forecasts to program managers and leadership teams

Audit Support:

  • Coordinate and assist with audits, including the preparation of required schedules and documents for the annual Single Audit
  • Implement corrective actions to resolve any findings from audits or financial reviews.
  • Ensure the organization’s systems and controls comply with all federal requirements for internal controls over compliance with 2 CFR 200

General Accounting:

  • Reconcile general ledger accounts related to grants and federal awards
  • Support month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy in financial statements and reports
  • Collaborate with the broader finance team to improve financial processes and reporting

Required Qualifications to Apply:

  • United States citizen; ability to obtain a security clearance if necessary
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
    • Certified Financial Research Administrator certification is a plus. Required to be able to be eligible for this certification within one year of starting employment
  • Experience: Minimum of 3 years of accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit, education, or governmental organization
  • Proven experience managing federal grants and complying with 2 CFR 200 regulations
  • Skills & Competencies:
    • Strong knowledge of federal grant management, accounting principles, and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
    • Proficiency in financial software and accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, or similar). Experience with Deltek Costpoint is a plus.
    • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
    • Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Single Audits and indirect cost rate calculations is a plus
  • Prior experience working with federal agencies or large-scale grant programs
  • Familiarity with financial reporting for nonprofit organizations or institutions of higher education
  • CPA or CMA certification is a plus

Who we are:

ARI (Applied Research Institute, Inc.) works with academia, industry, and government to create a hub of national security innovation that helps solve critical defense priorities. ARI connects regional, state and national partners through a variety of means including convening research and business teams to solve emerging technical challenges for the U.S. Department of Defense. ARI is focused on hypersonics, cyber-physical systems, trusted microelectronics, artificial intelligence and 5G. Learn more at www.theari.us.

Salary: $60,000 – $110,000/year depending on individual experience and qualifications

Benefits:

  • 401k (ARI provides 5% non-elective Employee Eligible Compensation, as well as providing an elective Safe Harbor match of up to 4% of Employee Contribution)
  • Health, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage. IN3 pays 90% of plan costs for individuals and 80% for families
  • Employer-provided short-term, long-term disability, and life insurance
  • 4 weeks PTO to start, 5 weeks after 2 years consecutive employment; 10 sick days in addition to PTO
  • 14 company holidays
  • Flexible schedule, including the possibility of a full-remote position for highly qualified candidates

To apply: Please email your resume to hr@theari.us and reference job number H24-025 and position title (Sponsored Research Accountant).