Dubuque, IA – Engineering Grant Accountant

• Directly consult with stakeholders on the financial administration and budgeting of grants, including interpretation of federal requirements for allowable and unallowable costs based on agency guidelines and grant stipulations.
• Determine grant-specific indirect costs monthly.
• Develop and maintain procedures and processes for accurate and timely financial reporting and monitoring of local, state, and federal grants.
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports required by grant stipulations, City Council documents, project schedules, preliminary budget documents, contract documentation, compliance materials, and research, statistical, and technical reports.
• Coordinate audit work papers as they relate to specific awards.
• Review and direct accounting entries, including transactions and journal entries related to grants.
• Attend professional development training.
• Maintain and update financial databases and reports related to grants.
• Provide ongoing grant requirements, training to City staff and information to coworkers.
• Assist with long-range financial projections for capital projects related to grants and with annual audit work papers.
• Complete special analytical assignments.
• Follow City-wide policies and practices.
• Seek new or additional on-the-job training opportunities to master tasks, expand personal knowledge, and add value to the work group.
• Calculate financial data; compile data and documentation; reconcile records of grant reimbursements and other financial transactions; and check data for recording errors.
• Coordinate operational activities and operate office equipment.
• Prepare memoranda, correspondence, reports, and documents.
• Compose correspondence in accordance with standard policies and general instructions.
• Handle confidential information with discretion.
• Explain policies and procedures.
• Interact with the general public in person, by telephone, by mail, and by email.
• Respond to questions and service requests.
• Participate in the City’s intercultural competency training and program.
• Perform financial forecasting, prepare budget-related projections, conduct cost-control and containment analysis, monitor program delivery, expenditure, and revenue reports, take corrective action, and participate in fund balancing and reconciliation.
• Prepare grant and loan draws and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate grants, including submitting grant draws to state and federal agencies.
• Work to secure approvals from the City Manager’s Office for required quarterly reporting.
• Prepare various financial reports for federal agencies, such as the National Park Service.
• Interpret contract requirements, policies, procedures, applicable laws, rules, and regulations relating to grants.
• Prepare audit work papers.
• Analyze grant agreements.
• Provide guidance and assistance with grant management, timely report submission, and related questions.
• Participate in the grant application process and set up new grants.
• Provide advisory services to departments on grant matters.
• Assist with preparation of the Engineering Department’s annual operating and Capital Improvement Program budgets, including financial and budgetary reports.
• Review and analyze data submitted by departments and divisions for inclusion in the City’s annual budget and five-year capital improvement plan.

• Administrative: Knowledge of modern administrative and office procedures; database and software systems used for bookkeeping, word processing, spreadsheets, file and record management, transcription, forms design, and workplace terminology; and skill in operating standard office equipment.
• Customer Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service, including verbal, written, and interpersonal communication. Ability to assess customer needs, meet quality standards, evaluate customer satisfaction, establish and maintain effective working relationships, work as a team member, and communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
• Accounting and Bookkeeping: Knowledge of public budgeting, accounting and payroll procedures and principles, and governmental accounting and finance practices and procedures. Ability to apply accounting principles to maintain fiscal, accounting, and payroll records.
• Decision Making and Independent Judgment: Ability to perform complex duties involving independent judgment; prioritize a heavy workload; meet deadlines; use resourcefulness and tact in solving problems; independently research, analyze, evaluate, and solve complex analytical problems; and provide consistent, timely, high-quality work that has been self-reviewed for accuracy and completeness.
• Organization: Ability to prioritize a significant workload under the pressure of competing assignments and deadlines.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, or a related field; and
• Experience in budgeting, accounting, and project management; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Possession of a CPA certification.

Posted: 2026-08-05