Are you ready to take the reins on federal grants and help drive impactful programs at Aspire? As our Government Grants Specialist, you'll be at the heart of our grant administration, working closely with an enthusiastic team and key government partners. Your mission? To ensure seamless implementation and stellar outcomes for our grant-funded initiatives!  

We are seeking a detail-oriented and knowledgeable Government Grants Audit & Compliance Specialist to oversee the compliance and audit requirements of government-funded programs. This position is responsible for ensuring that all federal, state, and local grant funds are utilized effectively and in strict accordance with regulatory requirements, minimizing the risk of non-compliance and protecting our organization from financial and reputational risks.

Key Responsibilities:

Grant Compliance Monitoring

• Oversee grant activities to ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations and compliance with the terms and conditions of each grant.
• Develop, implement, and update internal compliance protocols to ensure grant requirements are met across departments.
• Track grant deadlines, reporting requirements, and compliance documentation for each funding source.

Audit Preparation & Support

• Prepare for grant audits by ensuring all necessary documentation is accurate, current, and organized.
• Act as the primary contact during audits, coordinating responses and documentation for auditors, and providing any necessary explanations for grant-related expenses.
• Review and address any audit findings or recommendations, implementing corrective actions to maintain future compliance.

Financial Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare, review, and submit required financial reports, expense claims, and reimbursement requests on schedule to the appropriate government agencies.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records for each grant, including expenditures, budget modifications, and any communication with grant agencies.

Training & Advisory

• Provide training and guidance to program and finance staff on grant compliance requirements, financial documentation practices, and allowable costs.
• Advise departments on best practices to meet grant-related standards and assist in the development of grant budgets to ensure compliance from the start.

Policy Development & Implementation

• Work with senior management to develop and enforce policies related to grants administration, audit readiness, and compliance.
• Regularly review grant management processes and recommend improvements to enhance compliance and reduce risks.

Reporting to this Position: None 

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field; relevant certifications (such as CPA, CGAP, or similar) are a plus.
• 3-5 years of experience in grants administration, audit, or compliance, preferably in a government or nonprofit environment.
• Strong knowledge of federal grant requirements (such as OMB Circulars, 2 CFR Part 200).
• Experience with audit preparation and familiarity with internal controls.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in financial management software and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.

Additional Licensing/Certifications:

•  Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in reports, documents, and other communications.
• Ethics and Integrity: Adheres to strict ethical and compliance standards, especially when handling government funds.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze complex compliance issues and propose effective solutions.
• Team Collaboration: Works effectively with finance, program, and leadership teams to ensure organization-wide compliance.

Aspire Values (POWER):

P = We believe anything is possible

O = We all own it 

W = We welcome everyone 

E = We evolve and try new things 

R = We build powerful relationships

Voted as one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to work for in Chicago!

We know that Together, We’re Better!

Aspire was founded in 1960 and is recognized as a leader in providing bold, pioneering, and uncompromising services to adults with developmental disabilities, their families and the community. In 2019, we joined forces with NorthPointe Resources to be one of the most recognized and respected disability service providers across the Chicago metropolitan area, Lake County (Illinois), and southeastern Wisconsin areas.

Full-Time Pay and Benefits (regularly scheduled to work more than 37 1/2 hours per week)

• Health Insurance
• Benefit Time (Vacation, Sick, Personal)
• 13 Holidays
• 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan with matching contribution
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Insurances available

Aspire’s priority is keeping our team members and participants healthy and safe. PPE is provided and regular cleaning and disinfecting regiments are followed to maintain a safe work and living environment. Hand sanitizer is available throughout our facilities. 

Aspire is an equal employment opportunity employer 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.

Aspire is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities so that an applicant may complete the essential functions of a position. The essential functions of positions are outlined in a position’s job description. To request an accommodation or if you have a question regarding what the essential functions of a position are please contact the People Team at 708.632.5777.