Grant Accountant

Organization Overview

Colorado Legal Services (CLS) is Colorado's statewide nonprofit legal aid program, with thirteen offices providing civil legal assistance to low-income Coloradans throughout the state. CLS provides free legal assistance in a broad variety of legal areas, including family law, public benefits, eviction defense, consumer protection, services to survivors of serious crime and human trafficking, and many others.

CLS has strengthened lives, assisted families, and supported communities–one person at a time for over 100 years. We are committed to providing high-quality, free legal advice and representation to eligible individuals throughout Colorado. We have a long history of successful impact and advocacy. CLS strives to bring about substantive, transformational change in the lives of those we serve.

We value representation. At CLS, we value and respect our staff's wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. We ensure representation of our client communities in our staff, Board of Directors and leadership teams. We also envision a fair, just, trusted, and harm reductionist legal system which emphasizes access to and implementation of true justice for every Coloradan.

Position Summary

The Grant Accountant is responsible for the financial management, accounting, compliance, and monitoring of CLS grants. This position ensures that revenue and expenditures are accurately recorded, allocated, and reconciled in accordance with federal law, state/local requirements, and LSC Financial Guide standards. The Grant Accountant works collaboratively across Finance, Programs, Operations, and Grant Management to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant grant accounting operations. This position will be located in downtown Denver at CLS's new location at 1560 Broadway.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Accounting & Financial Management

• Maintain the general ledger for all grants, ensuring accurate coding of revenues, expenditures, indirect costs, and allocations.

• Reconcile grant accounts monthly, including bank cash transactions, deferred revenue, receivables, and other areas.

• Prepare and record journal entries related to grant transactions, allocations, indirect costs, and adjusting entries.

• Along with the Grants Management team, monitor grant spending alignment with approved budgets and funding restrictions.

• Track cost-sharing/match requirements, allowable vs. unallowable costs, and derivative income.

• Reconcile the Operating bank account.

• Track timesheets and allocations to grants.

• Work closely with the Grants Assistant tracking balances and supporting documentation.

• Prepare payroll and allocations of salaries to specific grants according to awards

• Other duties as assigned.

Grant Billing, Drawdowns & Revenue Recognition

• Prepare and submit grant invoices, reimbursement requests, and cash drawdowns.

• Calculate revenue recognition and deferred revenue in compliance with ASC

• Track receivables and follow up with funders regarding outstanding payments or discrepancies.

• Other duties as assigned.

Grant Compliance & Audit Support

• Ensure compliance with federal law, LSC Financial Guide, cost principles, procurement rules, and internal policies including the CLS Accounting Manual.

• Maintain organized, audit‑ready supporting documentation.

• Support annual Single Audits / LSC audit by preparing schedules and documentation supporting the Director of Finance.

• Other duties as assigned.

Budgeting & Financial Reporting

• Assist in developing grant budgets, revisions, and expenditure forecasts.

• Assist Grant Management team with monthly/quarterly financial reports for program managers, leadership, and funders.

• Support the Director of Finance during the annual budget process through grant revenue projections, staffing allocations, and indirect cost calculations.

• Other duties as assigned.

Collaboration with Program & Operations Teams

• Meet regularly with the Grant Management team to reconcile balances, coordinate allocations and other mutual activities.

• Work with Managing/Supervising Attorneys and other staff related to grants in different locations.

• Other duties as assigned.

Systems, Documentation & Process Improvement

• Maintain accurate grant records within the accounting system.

• Update internal grant accounting procedures and compliance checklists.

• Support system improvements and internal control enhancements.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.

• 3–5 years of nonprofit accounting experience preferred.

• Experience with federal grants or LSC‑funded programs preferred.

• Familiarity with 2 CFR 200, LSC Financial Guide, and restricted funds preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with accounting systems (Intacct, MIP, Blackbaud, QuickBooks).

• Knowledge of nonprofit GAAP (ASC 958).

• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, XLOOKUP, formulas).

• Experience with grant budgeting and reporting portals.

Core Competencies

• Attention to detail and accuracy.

• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.

• Ability to interpret grant agreements and financial regulations.

• Strong communication and cross‑department collaboration skills.

To Apply

This position is only open to all. Please use the "Apply for This Job" link on our

careers page no later than Friday, December 12, however applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. If you have questions about this position, please contact Karen Vilner, Director of People and Culture. Applications should include a resume and cover letter detailing your specific interest and experience as it relates to the position.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a generous plan that includes 100% employer paid premiums for employee health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, as well as partial employer paid premiums for spouses/dependents, based on a sliding scale. We also offer Dependent Care and Medical Flexible spending accounts, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). CLS contributes $200/month to each employee's 403(b) retirement account and matches 100% of employee contributions up to 3% of employee salary; vesting occurs gradually will full vesting after 3 years of employment. Additionally, CLS offers generous paid time-off and 13 paid holidays per year.

CLS values its employees' commitment to working hard for the population it serves and recognizes the importance of work/life balance. We promote and foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically safe work environment, striving to be a "Best Place to Work" in Colorado.