Accountant (Financial Specialist & Program Assistant)

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota invites applications for the Executive Accounts Specialist, a 75% appointment in the MAST International Program. The role blends core accounting with program support, reporting to the MAST International Program Manager on the St.

Paul campus with hybrid in-person/remote options. Responsibilities include financial management, billing, AR, vendor payments, and visa paperwork, plus administrative duties such as document tracking and health insurance oversight for

Qualifications

• Required: High school diploma/GED with four years of accounts transaction experience; training may substitute some years.
• Experience in double-entry bookkeeping and accounting practices.
• Experience using accounting software.
• Experience in customer service.
• Experience managing databases and spreadsheets.
• Strong intercultural empathy and passion for supporting international exchange programs.
• Good organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Citizenship or permanent residency in the United States is required.

Responsibilities

• Financial Management (60%): Adhere to the University's financial procedures; manage billing for hosts and trainees; manage accounts receivable and paying invoices; reconcile accounts, prepare reports; communicate with program stakeholders.

Skills

Accounts transactions

Double-entry bookkeeping

Accounting software

Customer service

Databases & spreadsheets

Intercultural empathy

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication

US citizenship or permanent residency

Education

High school diploma/GED

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

Job ID 376846

Location Twin Cities

Job Family LR-Clerical

Full/Part Time Part-Time

Regular/Temporary Regular

Job Code 1888

Employee Class AFSCME Unit 6 - Clerical

About the Job

Bargaining unit consideration begins on Monday, November 2, 2026 and ends on Monday, November 9, 2026.

The Executive Accounts Specialist is a 75%-time position, reporting to the MAST International Program Manager. This position is a labor-represented position governed by the AFSCME Locals 3800 agreement The office is based on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. There is flexibility for this position to be a hybrid of in-person and remote work. As part of a small, dedicated team that relies on a collaborative, "all-hands-on-deck" approach to support international participants, the ideal candidate brings a versatile mindset; balancing core accounting duties with cross-functional program and office support.

There is flexibility for this position to be a hybrid of in-person and remote work. 30 hours per week, typically consisting of 4-5 shifts per week. Hours will vary, but typically 8-5. Consecutive Sunday and overtime work are not conditions of employment.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Responsibilities

Financial Management (60%)

• Adhere to the University's financial procedures and systems
• Manage billing for hosts and trainees
• Manage accounts receivable and paying invoices
• Reconcile accounts, prepare reports
• Corresponds with program stakeholders (participants, host trainers, international partners, and University financial staff)

Administrative Duties Related to Program and Office Support (40%)

• Sending, monitoring and tracking documents to/from program participants
• Enrolling and overseeing health insurance requirements for trainees
• Preparing and sending visa paperwork
• Sending and tracking host and trainee evaluations
• Maintaining database and information tracking systems

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma/GED and four years general accounts transaction experience. Training or education may be substituted for some of the years of experience.
• Experience in double-entry bookkeeping and accounting practices.
• Experience using accounting software.
• Experience in customer service.
• Experience managing databases and spreadsheets.
• Strong intercultural empathy and a passion for supporting international exchange programs.
• Good organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Due to the possible role of Alternate Responsible Officer, must be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States

Preferred

• Previous University of Minnesota financial experience.
• Business training or university level education.
• Experience working with international students or in an international setting.
• Thrives in a small-office environment with a proactive, team-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.

About the Department

College Overview

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 27 programs: 14 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs in disciplines involving food, agricultural, and natural resource sciences. CFANS also has 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, plus the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers that span the college, the university, and the globe. Undergraduate enrollment in the college is about 2000 students. CFANS students are well-prepared for a diverse, multicultural workforce through the college's emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning; internships and global perspectives.

Department Overview

At CFANS, we aim to inspire minds, nourish people, and enhance the natural environment, and we believe that's only possible if everyone feels seen, heard and respected. Our College embraces equity and diversity and prioritizes purpose-driven scientific discovery in order for us to build a better tomorrow, together. We align with the University of Minnesota in providing equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

MAST is an international exchange program that combines a practical, hands-on, educational experience in agriculture with a classroom experience through the University of Minnesota. The mission is to improve global understanding by providing educational and cultural enrichment through international exchange. MAST International began in 1949 - one of the first programs of its type. Over 9500 trainees from more than 80 countries have participated in the MAST International program. The program is based on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $24.99 - $26.98 per hour (Step 1 to Step 5); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75% Appointment

Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff (AFSCME Unit 6 - Clerical)

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.