Career Opportunities

Manager, Compliance & Grants Administration

Description

USA Rice is a nonprofit trade association with programs that include the promotion of U.S. rice domestically and abroad. USA Rice also represents industry interests in federal legislative and regulatory matters, industry quality standards, education, research, and policy.

Industry Overview

U.S. grown rice and rice products are a $30+ billion industry. Approximately 18 million tons of rice is grown annually in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Missouri.  About half of the U.S. crop is exported to more than 120 countries worldwide. Eighty-five percent of the rice consumed in the U.S. is grown here.

Position Summary

USA Rice is recruiting for a Manager, Compliance & Grants Administration to serve as USA Rice’s compliance and grant administrator for all USA Rice Federal and State agreements/grants including but not limited to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Ducks Unlimited, and any other partnership grants. Ensure program compliance with all regulations, policies, and practices of partnership agencies and organizations and manage all financial records, accounting, and program requirements for all programs. This position would report to the COO.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Working knowledge of FAS cooperator program requirements and International Promotion (IP) department goals as described in the Unified Export Strategy (UES) document.
  
• Oversee financial and program compliance with FAS, NRCS regulations, USA Rice Federation policies and procedures and any new funds that USA Rice receives from either Federal, State, or private sector entities.
• Serve as internal help desk for compliance questions. Take proactive steps to resolve questions and issues related to compliance requirements, claims processing, and periodic compliance reviews.
  Review and approve all incoming IP vendor invoices and backup documentation.
• Collaboratively work with IP Directors to streamline invoicing. Troubleshoot to ensure accurate coding and compliance.
• Assist with preparation and submission of detailed program budgets. Maintain IP budget in accounting program and update and distribute as needed. Assist IP directors to monitor budgets and report variances.
• Serve as the lead for compliance reviews and assist the Finance Department in the annual USA Rice audit including document submissions.
  
• Ensure corporate policies are accurate, current and in compliance with federal and state regulations and ensure compliance of all members and staff with USA Rice policies and procedures; conduct training, including anti-fraud, as appropriate.
  
• Ensure vendor compliance with USDA and USA Rice program policies and regulations by conducting periodic audits of overseas contactors and/or offices.
  
• Provide feedback to vendors and subcontractors to assist in their understanding and familiarity with the rules and regulations and reporting requirements of FAS and USA Rice.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Position requires a self-directed individual with excellent:

• Organization
• Ability for flexibility and attention to detail
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Teamwork
  

Technical Skills:

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience with USDA’s eAuthentication or similar databases
• Experience with Sage Intacct or similar accounting software
• Experience with PN3, CRM or CRM-type databases a plus
  

Qualifications:

• B.A./B.S., in accounting or finance; at least five years’ experience in compliance, accounting, or finance.
• Position requires a high-energy, self-motivated, detail-oriented individual with strong organizational skills.
• An interest in agriculture, and knowledge of USDA export promotion programs is highly desirable.
  

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements

• Attendance at meetings in the office, in Washington, DC, and occasionally internationally.
• Physical ability to work on a computer at a desk for long periods.

To apply:

Send cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to: careers@usarice.com. Competitive benefits package; Principals only; No Phone Calls; EEO.

Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal and financial background check, including a soft credit pull.

Grant Accounting Coordinator

USA Rice announces an immediate opening for a Grant Accounting Coordinator at our Arkansas Office located in Little Rock, AR.

Position Description

The Grant Accounting Coordinator will provide essential budget management, operational assistance, and general support to the Rice Stewardship Partnership’s (RSP) ongoing grant programs and other USA Rice programming. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for conservation.

Position Requirements

Must understand standard accounting procedures and have a working knowledge of accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite. At least one year of experience in non-profit accounting, or grant administration and support, and 6+ credits of college-level accounting coursework. Excellent organization and communication skills. Bachelor’s degree preferred with experience maintaining electronic financial records.

Position Relationships

Interact daily with the Senior Manager of Rice Conservation Services and the Director of Grower Relations & Rice Stewardship Partnership. Maintain relationships with Rice Stewardship Partnership staff, USA Rice COO, contractors, vendors, federal and state agencies, and rice producers.

Position Responsibilities

Grant Management and Reporting
Track grant deadlines, deliverables, and requirements to ensure timely and accurate reporting. Support the preparation of progress reports, financial documents, and other grant-related materials. Monitor grant expenditures and budgets, ensuring alignment with funding guidelines and financial regulations.

Documentation and Recordkeeping
Maintain accurate records of all grant-related documents, contracts, and communications. Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and grant requirements. Develop and maintain a centralized grant database to track funding sources, applications, and outcomes.

Collaboration and Communication
Work closely with RSP’s conservation team and partners to ensure effective communication and collaboration related to grants. Serve as a point of contact for grant-related queries from internal and external stakeholders. Assist in the coordination of meetings, workshops, and other events related to grant-funded projects.

Research and Resource Development
Research potential funding sources and stay informed about trends and changes in conservation funding. Assist in the development of new resources, tools, or guides related to grant writing and management for internal use.

Grant Application Support
Assist with the preparation and submission of grant proposals and applications. Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to gather necessary information for grant proposals. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of available funding opportunities and provide recommendations to support the Partnership’s objectives.

Additional Information

Compensation – Full/Part-time position, equivalent to GS-Salary 6/7/8, excellent benefits package. EEO.

Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal and financial background check, including a soft credit pull.

Please send resume and cover letter with salary requirements to: Emily Woodall, ewoodall@usarice.com.