Grant Accountant

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation (formerly the Center for Court Innovation) is a non-profit organization that works with communities and justice systems to advance equity, increase safety, and help individuals and communities thrive. The Center's goal is to identify and resolve as early as possible the challenges that bring people into the criminal and civil legal systems. It does this in a number of ways—by developing and running programs that reduce the need for incarceration and enhance economic opportunity, conducting original research to identify what works, and sharing what we learn from our programming and research with those seeking to transform the justice system around the world.

The Center is an 800-employee, $100 million nonprofit that accomplishes its vision through three pillars of work: creating and scaling operating programs to test new ideas and solve problems, performing original research to determine what works (and what doesn’t), and providing expert assistance and policy guidance to justice reformers around the world.

Operating Programs

The Center’s operating programs, including the award-winning Red Hook Community Justice Center and Midtown Community Court, test new ideas, solve difficult problems, and attempt to achieve systemic change within the justice system. Our projects include community-based violence prevention programs, alternatives to incarceration, reentry initiatives, and court-based initiatives that reduce the use of unnecessary incarceration and promote positive individual and family change. Through this programming, we have produced tangible results like safer streets, reduced incarceration, and improved neighborhood perceptions of justice.

Research

The Center's research teams are staffed with social scientists, data analysts, and lawyers who are academically-trained or have lived experience and who conduct research in the U.S. and globally on diverse criminal-legal system and justice issues. Their work includes evaluating programs and policies; conducting exploratory, community-based studies; and providing research translation and strategic planning for system actors. The Center has published studies on topics including court and jail reform, intimate partner violence, restorative justice, gun violence, reentry, sixth amendment rights, and progressive prosecution. The research teams strive to make their work meaningful and actionable to the communities they work with, policymakers, and practitioners.

Policy & Expert Assistance

The Center provides hands-on, planning and implementation assistance to a wide range of jurisdictions in areas of reform such as problem-solving courts (e.g., community courts, treatment courts, domestic violence courts), tribal justice, reducing incarceration and the use of fines/fees and reducing crime and violence. Our current expert assistance takes many forms, including help with analyzing data, strategic planning and consultation, policy guidance, and hosting site visits to its operating programs in the New York City area. 

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Grant Accountant will manage a portfolio of government grants and contracts and reports to the Accounts Receivable Manager. Working closely with the Financial Planning & Analysis team, the Grant Accountant is responsible for the complete, timely and accurate invoicing and collection of the Center’s grants and contracts. Strong communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships across the organization and with outside vendors and partners required.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Timely and compliant invoicing and collection of a portfolio of the Center’s 200+ federal, state, city, and local government grants and contracts;
• Review monthly accounting close and flag discrepancies as needed;
• Review grants and contracts for reporting deadlines and requirements;
• Record receivable and cash receipts in financial system;
• Reconcile receivable monthly;
• Interact with vendors and other external partners, maximizing contract terms and satisfying requests for information;
• Assist with various audit functions;
• Other relevant duties, as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field;
• 2-4 years of experience in nonprofit and/or government accounting, including grant and contract accounting, compliance, and reporting;
• Working knowledge of NetSuite and Vena Solutions a plus.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $67,000 - $82,000 and is commensurate with experience. The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.