Grants Manager

About the role

This position is responsible for managing the financial and accounting operations related to grants and government funding across the expanding network of public charter schools operated by Success Academy. The hire will own the oversight of both private and government grant revenue cycles to ensure all funding streams adhere to designed financial controls and compliance standards. They will collaborate directly with senior leadership, program teams, and external auditors to maintain transparency and accuracy in financial reporting. Success Academy operates schools in New York and is actively expanding to Florida, creating opportunities to scale financial processes in new locations. The individual in this role will set priorities, share progress proactively, and ask for help early to keep projects on track. Written communication is critical, as decisions are often recorded and revisited, so documentation must be clear and thorough. Successful professionals will take notes, keep commitments, and make their work easy for others to review and build upon.

Key facts

What you'll do

Provide oversight of private and government grant revenue cycles to ensure all funding streams operate under designed financial controls.

Maintain and update accounting records to accurately reflect all grant activity and ensure data integrity.

Identify opportunities for process simplification and automation to improve efficiency in grant operations.

Re-engineer grant accounting workflows and ensure proper documentation exists for every revenue stream.

Monitor and test the effectiveness of key financial controls for grants on an ongoing basis to mitigate risk.

Manage upfront budget development in collaboration with school and network stakeholders to align funding with program goals.

Implement and train expense coding processes to standardize tagging across the finance team for consistent tracking.

Ensure all grant funds, both private and government, are utilized in alignment with program needs and donor restrictions.

Prepare regular financial reports on tagged funds and utilization for internal stakeholders and oversight bodies.

Analyze eligibility of untagged expenditures to identify additional funding opportunities and improve cost recovery.

Monitor receipt of all grant payments to confirm compliance with terms and conditions of each funder.

Assess complex US GAAP topics, including revenue recognition under ASC 606, to ensure accurate financial reporting.

Provide timely support for month-end close documentation to assist the Accounting team in meeting critical deadlines.

Respond to financial inquiries related to grants and develop budget narratives and spend documentation for funder reviews.

Deliver timely responses to year-end audit requests related to grant financials in partnership with external auditors.

Requirements

You bring 6+ years of professional experience, including at least 3 years focused on accounting or finance for grants and government funding.

A Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, or Finance is required for this role.

Charter school experience is viewed as a bonus but is not mandatory for consideration.

You must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, regulated environment focused on public education funding.

This position is not bonus eligible, and compensation is provided as a fixed range based on experience.

Strong written communication skills are essential, as documentation and decision records are regularly revisited by teams.

Ability to interpret and apply complex US GAAP standards to ensure compliance and accuracy in financial reporting.

Experience with process automation and documentation is highly valued to support effective financial controls in growing schools.

Nice to have

Preferred experience working within charter school funding structures to better navigate priorities and compliance requirements.

Familiarity with nonprofit accounting standards and their application in public education contexts.

Background in process automation tools or systems that support financial documentation and reporting efficiency.

Practical notes

This role operates in a fast-paced, regulated environment focused on public education funding and requires strong attention to detail and compliance awareness. The position is based in New York and operates on a full-time schedule. Typical interview steps in this field test judgment, communication, and fit as much as technical skill, so candidates should be prepared to discuss real-world challenges and lessons learned. Most companies value honest answers over polished responses, making authenticity an asset during the hiring process. Preparation is visible, and reviewing the company's product, the job description, and your own past work before conversations is the strongest step you can take.