Grant Controller

YMCA of Greater hartford Job Description

Job Title: Grant Controller

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Job Grade: 

Primary Department: Finance 

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Revision Date: 8/31/2026 Leadership Level: Leader 

The YMCA of Greater Hartford is an association open to all committedto helping people reach their potential in spirit, mind, and body. Our commitment is based on the belief that the purpose of this three-fold development is to live out the values of Caring, Honest, Respect and Responsibility.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Grant Controller provides financial leadership and accounting oversight for Greater Hartford YMCA’s portfolio of federal, state, local, foundation, and other restricted grants and contracts. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the position manages the financial lifecycle of grants from proposal development and budget preparation through implementation, accounting, forecasting, financial reporting, compliance, audit support, and closeout. The Grant Controller serves as the primary Finance partner to the Chief Development Officer on grant-related financial matters and works collaboratively with the organizational Controller, Senior Accountant, Program Directors, and program staff. 

Location- This position will be split approximately 25% with the Greater Hartford YMCA and 75% with the Waterbury YMCA. The position is expected to be based in Waterbury, with approximately one day per week in Hartford; however, the schedule may vary based on organizational needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Collaborate with the Chief Development officer and the Chief Financial Officer on new grant opportunities, renewals, amendments, and funding requests.

1. Oversee the financial administration of federal, state, local, foundation, and other grant-funded programs.
2. Establish and maintain grant budgets, financial tracking systems, and internal controls.

1. Evaluate proposed grants for financial viability, cost recovery, matching requirements, funding restrictions, and potential organizational financial exposure; identify costs that may not be fully reimbursed.

1. Provide historical financial information, cost analyses, and financial schedules to support grant applications and funding requests in collaboration with the Chief Development Officer and Chief Operations Officer.

1. Maintain accurate accounting records for assigned grants, contracts, and restricted funding sources and establish appropriate grant, project, cost center, funding source, and reporting structures within the SGA and Daxko Operations.

1. Prepare grant-related journal entries, accruals, revenue recognition, receivables, deferred revenue, and related accounting entries and reconciliations.

1. Prepare or oversee reimbursement requests, grant billings, financial drawdowns, and supporting schedules; monitor outstanding grant receivables and coordinate resolution with Finance and Development staff.

1. Participate in the monthly program financial review process for grant-funded programs in coordination with the Controller and Senior Accountant.

1. Analyze grant spending relative to the approved budget, available award and percentage of the grant period completed.

1. Maintain a comprehensive schedule of grant financial reporting requirements, deadlines, funding periods, and fiscal compliance obligations.

1. Maintain detailed records supporting grant expenditures and ensure documentation is audit-ready.

1. Support internal, external, and grant-specific audits by providing financial schedules, documentation, and explanations.

1. Serve as the primary Finance liaison to the Chief Development Officer for grant budgets, cost assumptions, financial information, reporting requirements, and fiscal analysis.
2. Coordinate with the organizational Controller to ensure grant activity is accurately incorporated into the general ledger, financial statements, organizational budget, forecasts, audit, and internal-control structure.

1. Maintain confidentiality and safeguard financial and organizational information.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, grants management, financial management, or a related area.
• Demonstrated experience managing or monitoring grant-funded budgets.
• Experience interpreting grant agreements and funding requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting or financial management systems.

• Knowledge of fund accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and grant management

• Experience in YMCA or other non-profit program models.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT:

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds in weight.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency