Lena S. Brown
Reston,USA
Summary
Results-driven Grants and Contracts Management Specialist with a proven track record of successfully managing federal and non-federal awards exceeding $30 million, ensuring strict compliance with budgeting, reporting, and closeout requirements. Expert in regulatory and accounting standards, including 2 CFR Part 200, GAAP, CAS, and FAR, with a strong ability to navigate complex compliance landscapes and mitigate risk. Adept at delivering insightful financial analysis, leading audit coordination, and implementing process improvements that drive operational excellence, and maximize funding effectiveness.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Grants Manager
Urban Strategies
Arlington, Virginia
11.2021 - Current
- Manage over $30 million in federal grants annually, ensuring compliance with regulations and contractual obligations from initiation through closeout.
- Conduct detailed cost analyses, verifying allowability and accuracy of direct costs while monitoring expenditures against budgets.
- Lead audit support activities, preparing final closeout documentation and delivering comprehensive reports to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
- Coordinate all phases of pricing and cost proposal development, ensuring timely submission of grant applications.
- Act as liaison between operations and support departments, overseeing billing processes and driving efficiency improvements.
- Manage budget modifications and funding adjustments in response to changes in project scope or timeline.
Financial Analyst
Acuity International
Reston, Virginia
01.2019 - 11.2021
- Managed annual budgets ranging from $150 million to $180 million for grants and agreements, ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Developed financial forecasts and conducted variance analysis to control expenditures.
- Prepared comprehensive financial reports and presented findings to senior leadership.
- Oversaw procurement processes, billing, and invoice processing through cross-department collaboration.
- Supported audit processes and contributed to proposal pricing strategies for improved accuracy.
- Led initiatives for process improvements, enhancing efficiency and achieving cost savings.
Jr. Financial Analyst
American Type Culture Collection ATCC
Manassas, Virginia
02.2015 - 12.2018
- Conduct comprehensive financial analysis and forecasting for federal contracts and grants from agencies such as the NIH, the CDC, the DoD, and the NCI.
- Single financial point of contact for five program managers and one contracts manager.
- Act as the primary financial contact for program and contract managers, supporting project planning and Work Breakdown Structure development.
- Develop and present Estimates-at-Completion (EACs) to improve financial management.
- Prepare compliant invoices for various government contract types, and maintain required documentation.
- Lead invoice standardization efforts and support financial and government audits, including contract closeout processes.
Education
Certificate - Financial Accounting
Harvard Business School Online
Online09.2021
Certificate - Grants Management
MyFedTrainer.com
Online07.2019
Certificate - Government Contracts Accounting
George Mason University
Arlington, Virginia05.2019
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Strayer University
Washington, DC12.2014
Skills
- GAAP and CAS compliance
- FAR and 2 CFR Part 200 knowledge
- Grant reporting and cost analysis
- Budget monitoring and financial modeling
- Communication skills (written, verbal, listening)
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Accounting software expertise (Deltek Costpoint, MS Dynamics AX, Cognos, Sage, QuickBooks)
- Analytical skills and problem-solving
- Team collaboration and adaptability
References
References Available upon request.
Timeline
Grants Manager
Urban Strategies
11.2021 - Current
Financial Analyst
Acuity International
01.2019 - 11.2021
Jr. Financial Analyst
American Type Culture Collection ATCC
02.2015 - 12.2018
Certificate - Financial Accounting
Harvard Business School Online
Certificate - Grants Management
MyFedTrainer.com
Certificate - Government Contracts Accounting
George Mason University
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Strayer University
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