Accountant I

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages & time off

Tuition assistance

Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy

Job summary

University of Minnesota seeks an Accountant I to support the Financial Operation Center within the Controller's Office. The role handles basic accounting activities and financial reporting for a portfolio of Resource Responsibility Centers, collaborating with colleagues to ensure timely and accurate results.

This hybrid position requires at least a BA/BS, comfort with TeamDynamix (TDx), Google Suite, and Excel, and strong communication.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or equivalent.
• Ability to read, interpret, and compile information.
• Familiarity with standard office technology and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Assist with period closings and review reports for accuracy.
• Prepare journal entries and ledger analyses in EFS.
• Process payroll accounting transactions.
• Process mass requests for new hires, distributions, and retroactive adjustments.
• Support analysis and reporting for portfolio of Resource Responsibility Centers (RRCs).
• Collaborate with accounting staff to ensure timely support.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team player

Verbal & written communication

TDx user

Education

BA/BS degree or equivalent

Tools

TeamDynamix (TDx)

Google Suite

Excel

Job description

About the Job

The University of Minnesota seeks an Accountant I to support our Financial Operation Center department within the Controller's Office. The Accountant I is responsible for performing basic accounting activities and financial reporting transactions in support of a portfolio of Resource Responsibility Centers (RRC) in the Finance Operations Center. Additionally, the Accountant I collaborates with accounting and finance professionals within the Finance Operations Center to ensure appropriate and timely support. To succeed as an Accountant I, you should be professional, a team player, and attentive while being detail-oriented. You must be comfortable with using technology such as TeamDynamix (TDx) and Google Suite and excel at both verbal and written communication. Most importantly, as an Accountant I, you should have a genuine desire to meet the needs of others across the institution. You will report to the Accounting Manager.

Work environment

This hybrid position is based on the Twin Cities campus. For those located in the metro area, a minimum of three days per week in the office is expected. Internal and external applicants located near other UMN system campuses and across the State of Minnesota may also be considered, and we encourage all interested candidates to apply. Occasional travel to the Twin Cities campus may be required for events and all-staff meetings. Out of state candidates must be willing to relocate to Minnesota at their own expense.

Job Responsibilities with % of Time

Accounting (75%)

• Collaborates with finance staff for assigned portfolio of RRCs on accounting period closings, review of reports and related materials to ensure accuracy and reasonableness, identify discrepancies, and resolve errors of a simple nature. It may require consultation with a Supervisor or Subject Matter Expert within the Accounting Team for more complicated transactions.
• Explains, interprets, and applies University accounting policies and procedures.
• Uses the chart of accounts with general understanding, ensures chartfield string integrity by working with accounting professionals to recommend updates and accurate uses.
• Understands technical accounting concepts, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and other guiding concepts with developing proficiency.
• Uses information and requests received from a portfolio of RRCs to prepare analysis, computation, and entry of journal entries into EFS. Requests will be processed following University standard methodologies and procedures in journal entries, ledger/fund analyses, journal corrections, year-end activities, journal uploads, etc. May enter budget journals if requested and approved by the unit.
• Processes payroll accounting transactions based on information provided by HR Ops or finance workstream.
• Processes mass requests for new hires, modified appointments, entering and/or verifying distributions, and processing retroactive adjustments, etc. with guidance from Subject Matter Expert.

Unit Support (10%)

• Supports the unit by generating and reviewing relevant financial data, ensuring compliance and consistency in transaction entries. Assists with analyzing and communicating the impact of activities on the overall financial health of the RRCs.

Professional Development (10%)

• Identifies and participates in opportunities for cross-training across Finance Operations Center to maintain adequate coverage of all functions.
• Completes professional development, education, and training activities, consistent with the position's responsibilities and for the pursuit of individual, unit, and institutional success.
• Participates in staff development based on individual needs, including ongoing skills training, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) development, professional learning, service & scholarly activity, and engagement & well-being.
• As an individual contributor, models UMN's dedication to crafting an inclusive work environment and encouraging a caring culture.
• Partners with Finance Professional 2's and 3's on complex tasks, broadening exposure to critical, high impact transactions, and strengthening understanding of accounting policies, concepts, and procedures.

Other duties as assigned (5%)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications (please document on resume):

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience equal to four years.
• Ability to harmonize with standard technology platforms (e.g. word processing, data entry, email, internet browsing)
• Ability to read, interpret, and compile information according to prescribed methods.

Preferred Qualifications (please document on resume):

• Knowledge of university policies and accounting procedures

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $26.49 - $28.85; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

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), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.