Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Policy, or a related field
Federal grants compliance experience, including leading recipient reviews or audits
Knowledge of full federal grants lifecycle
Working knowledge of 2 CFR 200 grants requirements
Strong knowledge of auditing standards and financial regulations
Internal controls expertise to prevent fraud and improper payments
Excellent document review and analytical skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
High attention to detail and ethical standards
Responsibilities
Plan and execute desk reviews of federal grant recipients
Serve as lead reviewer for audits, interfacing with recipient personnel
Conduct reviews of financial statements and operational processes
Interpret 2 CFR 200 and program-specific requirements for compliance
Draft formal reports detailing audit findings and recommendations
Review work products of compliance specialists to ensure quality
Collaborate with engagement manager to improve operational excellence
Benefits
Flexible work location with consideration for remote candidates
Opportunity to work closely with senior subject-matter experts
Engagement in a multi-billion dollar federal grants program
Professional development opportunities in grants management
Collaborative team environment focused on client success initiatives
Full Job Description
The Grants Compliance Audit Lead will be responsible for planning, conducting, and leading recipient desk reviews and/or audits for a multi-billion dollar federal grants program. This position will also be responsible for reviewing and overseeing the work of several compliance specialists and testers. This role will entail examining financial records, assessing allowable costs, and ensuring compliance with 2 CFR 200 and program-specific rules and regulations. This role requires experience communicating with senior leaders, engaging directly with program recipients, experience planning and executing audits and/or desk reviews, strong analytical skills, experience overseeing the work of others, and the ability to communicate findings professionally and effectively.
The Grants Compliance Audit Lead will also work closely with senior subject-matter experts and executives at Federal Management Systems, Inc. (FMS) to help advise on matters related to FMS' grants management practice as a whole and on client success initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Planning and executing desk reviews of federal grant recipients
Serving as lead reviewer for desk review and/or audit engagement with direct responsibility for interfacing with recipient personnel and presenting findings to senior agency officials
Conduct reviews and/or audits of financial statements, accounting records, supporting financial and transaction documents and operational processes
Reviewing and interpreting 2 CFR 200 and program-specific requirements to assess compliance with program requirements and cost allowability
Drafting formal reports, memoranda and other documentation for agency review, detailing desk review and/or audit findings in a professional and objective manner
Prepare audit reports detailing findings, risks, and recommendations
Drafting formal reports, memoranda and other documentation for agency review, detailing desk review and/or audit findings in a professional and objective manner
Review the work product of other team members, including compliance specialists and testers to ensure quality of work product and provide guidance on strengthening analysis and documentation
Review and analyze review processes to identify and propose efficiencies
Collaborate with engagement manager to continuously improve operational excellence for the FMS team
Minimum Qualifications
U.S. Citizenship required
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Policy, or a related field
Federal grants compliance experience, including leading recipient reviews or audits.
Knowledge of full federal grants lifecycle.
Working knowledge of 2 CFR 200 grants requirements, including work analyzing eligibility, subrecipient, and allowable costs
Strong knowledge of auditing standards, financial regulations, and accounting principles
Internal controls expertise, including evaluation of whether internal controls are adequate to prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and improper payments
Ability to interpret financial records, payment documentation, reconciliations, and expenditure reports
Excellent document review and analytical skills to assess policies, procedures, transaction files, supporting documentation, and recipient responses.
Ability to distinguish between technical findings, significant deficiencies, and best practice recommendations
Proficiency using Microsoft Excel
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience providing written and verbal presentations, summaries, and memoranda to senior officials and/or executives
High attention to detail and ethical standards
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
Preferred Skills
Professional Accounting or Audit Certification (e.g, CPA, CFE, CIA, ACCA)
Experience using Power BI, SQL, Tableau, or similar tools to analyze expenditures, identify trends, and select samples improves review quality.
Location
Washington, DC, metro-area preferred, but will consider fully remote candidates located within the United States.
