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Grants Accountant

January 16, 2026

Every day, people across Illinois are denied the basic rights to which they are entitled under the law simply because they can’t afford a lawyer. It’s Prairie State Legal Services mission to change that.

PSLS is currently seeking a Grants Accountant. The Grants Accountant will report to the Finance Director and will assist in the financial aspects of grant development and reporting, along with support for all accounting functions. This role requires a highly organized individual with strong attention to detail, a sense of urgency, and the ability to multitask. The principal duties of this position are performed in a general office environment.

Responsibilities
Among other duties as assigned, the Grants Accountant will:

  • Be responsible for setting up and implementing processes to manage, track, and report the staff time and cost allocation to Prairie State grants and offices
  • Identify the specific requirements of grants which require data collection, tracking, and reporting
  • Work with the Finance Director, Grants Accounting Manager, and other Grants Accountants to understand and document the unique features of grants which require special reporting
  • Interact with attorneys in the field offices to understand how they are setting up their time recording/reporting for grant and office purposes
  • Work with the grants department to determine the budget and reporting requirements of any new and existing grants
  • Analyze grants to ascertain if the budgets are accurate for the work we are expected to perform
  • Prepare projections at key time periods in specific grants to ensure fulfilling the grant criteria/obligations
  • Train new staff on grant reporting protocols as related to the financial aspects of the grants
  • Work with the Finance Director, Fiscal Manager, and other Grants Accountants to develop a streamlined process for transferring financial grant data to accounting software
  • Participate in the annual audit as needed
  • Provide back-up on other accounting functions, such as payroll, procurement, accounts payable and receivable, and benefits administration

Salary and Benefits
The Grants Accountant position is full-time, 37.5 hours per week. PSLS offers a salary competitive with similar organizations. The salary range for this position is $60,000 to $84,067 annually. The starting salary for the successful candidate will be determined based on prior relevant experience. PSLS is committed to providing an excellent, comprehensive benefits package to its full-time employees that includes:

  • Health insurance, including the opportunity to qualify for a wellness credit
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • 403b retirement plan, including employer contributions
  • Training and education programs
  • PTO that starts at 3 weeks/year and increases with additional years worked at PSLS
  • Paid sick leave
  • 6 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment
  • 12 paid holidays

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting with 3 years of relevant experience required
  • Strong computer competency is essential, including the ability to use Access and the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel
  • Familiarity with database software and a proven track record of creating and modifying software to produce results
  • Excellent analytical skills and sound understanding of accounting principles
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of organization, time management, and to meet deadlines consistently
  • Strong oral/written communication
  • Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work effectively as a team member
  • Experience in working with state and federal grants and the financial controls related to such grants preferred
  • Some travel is necessary; valid driver's license and/or reliable transportation is required
  • We will give preference to candidates who have experience providing services to low-income individuals

PSLS is an equal opportunity employer that strives to create a welcoming environment. We recruit, employ, pay, and promote qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin or citizenship, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, or other characteristics protected by law.