Grants Associate

Job Description Position Summary:

The Grants Associate works independently under the supervision of the CSFS Grants Manager as part of a three-person Grants Team within the Colorado State Forest Service Administrative Division and State Office. This position plays an essential role in overseeing internal CSFS State-funded financial assistance grants and serves the entire agency with a staff of 180. The position is responsible for coordinating post-award oversight of state-funded projects, working closely with Program Specialists, Managers, and Foresters. Core duties include collecting and reviewing supporting documentation, managing the audit function for internal grants, and processing grant reimbursement packets through the Kuali Financial System while maintaining accurate tracking records. Additional responsibilities include supporting program staff in the proper application of cost accounting standards, audit requirements, financial policies, and compliance with CSU and CSFS guidelines. The Grants Associate identifies compliance issues, reports concerns to the Grants Manager, and recommends solutions. Strong attention to detail is essential when reviewing reimbursement documentation and financial records. The Grants Associate uses University financial systems to process accounts payable, post and reconcile transactions, monitor account balances, correct discrepancies, and produce financial reports. The position serves as a technical resource for non-accounting staff and exercises sound judgment while working independently and in close coordination with the Grants Manager. To be considered, please submit all application materials by April 21, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MT. Essential Job Duties Provide primary financial oversight for CSFS state-funded grant programs, ensuring expenditures comply with grant agreements, University fiscal policies, and applicable state and federal requirements; guide Program Specialists and Managers in correct financial practices and resolve compliance issues. Review, authorize, and process state-funded grant payments, verifying budget availability, proper documentation, and accurate use of object codes and accounts to support timely and compliant reimbursement and disbursement of funds. Manage grant accounting transactions within University financial systems, preparing and auditing KFS documents (e.g., DVs, PEs, GLTs, AVs, DIs), managing encumbrances, and ensuring transactions are accurately recorded. Reconcile and monitor grant and departmental accounts, identifying and correcting discrepancies, coordinating adjustments with Finance staff and Program personnel, and maintaining accurate financial records and tracking tools. Analyze financial data and prepare reports to support grant oversight, audits, and decision-making; use data to improve processes, strengthen internal controls, and enhance future grant administration. Serve as a financial and technical resource for CSFS staff statewide, providing technical assistance, supporting After-Action Reviews and process improvements, and acting as a liaison with CSU units, vendors, and partners. Support ancillary financial and administrative functions, including State Land Trust revenue tracking, assistance with general accounting activities, and training or oversight of student employees, as needed. Review expenses to ensure they are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and consistently treated and properly allocated to accounts according to the scope(s) of work. Apply professional interpretation of external grant funding guidelines and requirements to identify and coordinate relevant funding opportunities. Supervision This position does not have any direct reports FTE supervised: 0 Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Background Check for all new employees Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Business, Accounting, Communications or related field. Minimum of two years of professional finance or accounting experience. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as evidenced by application materials and interviews. Demonstrated initiative, reliability, and commitment to quality, detail-oriented work. Demonstrated experience in providing excellent customer service skills, working in a team environment, collaborative approach to work, and building effective professional relationships. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), with experience in financial data entry and document formatting.

Preferred Qualifications:

Proficiency in database management Familiarity with Uniform Guidance 2 CRR Part 200 Ability to evaluate grantee invoice, payroll, and other documentation for allowability, allocability, and reasonableness. Experience with Kuali Financial System (KFS).

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants must submit a current resume and a cover letter outlining how their professional experience and skills align with the required and preferred qualifications for the position. Salary Range $50,000 - $60,000 Required Application Documents To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. Cover Letter, Resume/CV Employee Benefits Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in! Background Check Policy Statement Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so. EEO Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world. Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU's perks and purpose. Current employees will need to apply for jobs in Workday.