Bilingual Fiscal Consultant
Description
DLH Corp., the prime contractor for the Head Start Monitoring Project, is responsible for facilitating all facets of the federal monitoring process on behalf of the Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF) Office of Head Start. DLH Corp. is seeking bilingual Fiscal Consultants to join a team responsible for gathering and understanding data from Head Start programs across the country. Qualified applicants will have strong communication and narrative writing skills, the ability to collect relevant data as well as synthesize and analyze information that evaluates the quality of grantees’ administrative, fiscal, management and governance systems that supports the needs of children and families in their community.
The bilingual Fiscal Consultant is responsible for conducting fiscal reviews for Early Head Start, Head Start and Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships across the country in support of the Office of Head Start’s (OHS) monitoring program. All data is collected using an automated, standardized instrument. Consultants are supported by the Review Lead, and a Fiscal Subject Matter Expert (SME) is available as needed. Consultants are required to travel independently for review events lasting up to one week.
Major Responsibilities
- Complete all required virtual training before participating in reviews to become familiar with the monitoring processes, protocols, reporting database systems, and related resources
- Evaluate programs for compliance with HS Act, HS Program Performance Standards and Uniform Guidance Requirements
- Obtain, synthesize, and critically evaluate complex information about a program’s performance to understand the root of program challenges
- Work with the review team to conduct Fiscal monitoring reviews, under the leadership of the DLH Review Lead, to include input of data, collection of evidence, interviewing and reporting results of the review in a narrative format
- Have knowledge of the functions and systems that support quality fiscal operations such as: non-profit, single purpose, Local Educational Associations, community action agencies, etc.
- Have knowledge of the OMB Uniformed Administrative Guidance, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements
- Understand data from audit reports and compliance reports from outside entities and the impact on fiscal operations
- Understand how grantees and delegates manage equipment and real property purchased, leased, or renovated with Head Start funds
- Develop an understanding of how grantees have created an awareness of their community and have used this information to determine their program design that meets the needs of children and families they serve as well as understand how grantees use data and direct financial resources to support continuous improvement and align with the programs service needs
- Develop an understanding of the grantee’s fiscal, administrative, and management areas as well as how activities incorporate the governing body and policy group in the development of administrative, fiscal and program improvements in a comprehensive and holistic manner
- Conduct analysis of grantee fiscal complexity including multiple funding streams, different entities, functions, and capacities
- Review financial reports and source documents to provide assurances that transactions are documented accurately, are reflected in financial reports, and compliant with laws, regulations, and other requirements
- Collect information about how grantees and delegates use Early Head Start/Head Start grant funds to support program operations and developing a clear understanding of a grantee’s system of internal controls
- Collect and enter all information from data collection, interviews and document reviews into the monitoring software system and write a summary of each area synthesizing data that was collected and analyzed during the review
- Write narrative summaries describing the concerns and/or issues as prescribed by the current monitoring process and review activities
- Keep current with any changes affecting federal rules, regulations, and guidelines regarding Head Start and Early Head Start programs
Required Skills
- Proficiency in understanding and speaking the Spanish language
- Effective oral, report writing including writing fiscal narratives in plain language and interviewing skills
- Ability to synthesize complex information using critical thinking and analytical skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive data and information
- Ability to use a variety of technology systems, Internet, virtual meetings software and other related online systems to support all monitoring review activities
- Ability to interact with a customer-friendly focus and in a professional manner
- Ability to work collaboratively with DLH Danya staff and grantee staff in alignment with the Office of Head Start, ACF Regional Offices and external stakeholders
- Ability to complete work within the specified deadlines and timeframes
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to travel using air, rail, other means independently
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in Accounting or Finance with at least 12 credits in Accounting
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in financial management or in auditing Federal programs
- Demonstrated understanding of Federal financial management requirements, general accepted accounting principles, and analytical processes
- Documented work experience that includes effective integration of management systems and program services
- Knowledge of the mechanics of writing a narrative to support evidence collected; organizing ideas that effectively communicate details of data collected during a review
Additional Desired Knowledge/Skills (Not Required)
- Knowledge of or experience with indicators of high-quality Early Head Start/Head Start programs/School Facilities
- Past experience as a Comptroller, Chief Financial Officer, CPA, or certified auditor