The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) is the largest college at the University of Minnesota. The CLA Fiscal Administration department which includes key managerial functions (accounting, planning and budget management, college foundation management, grants management, space management) and the Financial Services Cluster, are the centralized accounting and resource management operations for the College supporting 48 academic departments, centers, institutes, and administrative units. The Financial Services Cluster is composed of 17 accountants and is organized into two teams, each led by a Finance Manager. This workgroup coordinates the implementation of accounting and budget management plans and business procedures throughout the college, and is responsible for disseminating, administrating and monitoring compliance with University of Minnesota policies and CLA standards.

This Finance Professional 2 position is within the Financial Services Cluster and will support a portfolio of units assigned by a Financial Manager that may include one or more of the following: academic departments, institutes, centers, or administrative units.

 
A Financial Professional 2 in the CLA Financial Services Cluster is a:

• Self-starter
• Flourishes both in a team and an independent work environment
• Partners effectively to support research, instruction, outreach, and efficient use of resources
• Consistently synthesizes holistic solutions from a wide variety of inputs to affect the most advantageous results
• Applies an integrated approach to decision making
• Demonstrates collegiality and values diversity of thought
• Can work collaboratively, professionally, and effectively across academic departments and business units in the College of Liberal Arts and the University

Much of this position may be performed remotely while specific tasks and some meetings will require on-campus presence. The department retains the right to modify flexible work arrangements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship or any other work visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must have valid authorization to work in the United States without requiring visa sponsorship.

Job Responsibilities:

80% Financial Administration

• Develop financial models and analyze business activities; conduct meetings with department leaders and project partners to review financial outcomes, provide budget analysis, and proactively identify risks and opportunities.
• Meet on a regular basis with administrators, chairs, directors, faculty, principal investigators and other staff requiring financial support.  Initiate planning and provide University policy and College Standards guidance.
• Generate a variety of financial reports; assist with report interpretation, identify trends and craft solutions; identify deficits and work with stakeholders to resolve; project revenue and track commitments.
• Monitor and report on donated funds for designated units; analyze spending and project budgetary needs to coordinate appropriate transfer and expenditure of funds.
• Review and approve all purchases and payroll transactions on sponsored and non-sponsored accounts for policy compliance and budgetary impact; initiate, process, and approve financial transactions for efficient and timely account management; initiate corrective transactions through thorough analysis and substantiation of appropriateness as required by policy.
• Reconcile accounts and analyze monthly financial results for reasonableness according to University and College Standards.
• Communicate and coordinate with college financial administration to facilitate open and timely flow of information; work with unit administration to communicate changes to University and CLA financial standards and procedures.
• Assist with sponsored project budget development; monitor post-award grant expenditures for sponsor and University compliance; work with SPA and SFR to invoice and report on sponsored activity meeting all contractual obligations; closeout awards and assist with final reporting.
• Reconcile accounts receivable activities including ESOs and ISOs, ticket sales, foundation transfers, and external and internal customer billing.
• Work with unit administration on annual budget preparation and fiscal year-end close out; enter annual unit budget into EFS; ensure chart of accounts maintenance; initiate budget journals, combo codes, and item types as appropriate.

10% Payroll/HRMS Administration

• Review payroll documents to verify funding/chartfield string and budgetary impact for hires, distribution changes, terminations, leaves, and retirements.  In coordination with units, complete accountant payroll verification tasks.
• Serve as effort coordinator for the assigned units.
• Report on payroll issues and coordinate solutions with the unit and/or college offices.
• Project payroll balances and report on unfunded payroll conditions as they arise.

10% Other Assigned Duties

• Act as a backup for fellow team members in the Cluster.
• Serve on various team or collegiate committees, special assignments, etc.
• Maintain University policy and College Standards awareness through continuing University education and attending the Financial Services Team Refresh training sessions.
• Special projects as assigned.
  
   

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field, and at least two (2) years of professional accounting experience, or a combination of related education and/or relevant professional accounting experience totaling (6) six years.
• Demonstrated experience managing finances to include forecasting, dynamic analysis, budgeting/budget management, and complex reporting.
• Demonstrated experience with computerized accounting, payroll, and reporting systems.
• Demonstrated experience communicating clearly and effectively to faculty; unit leaders; staff; students; central business units; governmental organizations; and private businesses both verbally and in writing.  Ability to communicate professionally in conflict situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

- NOTE: Training and demonstrated proficiency required for access to university financial, payroll, and human resource systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Highly organized and detail oriented; capable of handling multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadline objectives.
• Demonstrated self-starter able to work independently in a dynamic team environment that requires flexibility, resourcefulness, and exceptional problem-solving skills.
• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Experience with fund accounting or managing finances for units with diverse funding sources.
• Grant management and grant accounting experience (federal, state, local, foundations).
• Knowledge of University of Minnesota policies and procedures.
• Experience working with PeopleSoft Enterprise Systems.
• Experience utilizing the University's Effort Certification system (ECRT).
• Experience working in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota.
   

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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