Accountant II

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota seeks an Accountant II to support our Financial Operations Center within the Controller's Office. The Accountant II handles moderately sophisticated accounting activities and reporting for a portfolio of RRCs, collaborating with accounting and finance professionals to ensure timely support.

This hybrid role is based on the Twin Cities campus, with a three-day in-office expectation for metro staff. Occasional travel and relocation may be required for some candidates.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of professional work experience.
• Ability to interact with standard technology platforms (word processing, data entry, email, internet browsing).
• Ability to read, interpret, and compile information; apply logic to problem solve.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with finance staff at RRCs on period closings and review reports to ensure accuracy.
• Explain, interpret, and apply University accounting policies and procedures.
• Prepare analysis, computations, and journal entries in the Enterprise Financial System (EFS).
• Lead specific project-based accounting tasks under supervision.
• Assist with training and guidance to teammates.

Skills

Team player

Detail-oriented

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

BA/BS degree

Tools

TeamDynamix (TDx)

Google Suite

Excel

Job description

About the Job

The University of Minnesota seeks an Accountant II to support our Financial Operations Center department within the Controller's Office. The Accountant II is responsible for performing moderately sophisticated accounting activities and financial reporting transactions in support of a portfolio of RRCs in the Finance Operations Center. Additionally, the Accountant II collaborates with accounting and finance professionals within the Finance Operations Center and the Resource Responsibility Centers (RRC) to ensure appropriate and timely support. To succeed as an Accountant II, 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 II, you should have a genuine desire to meet the needs of others across the institution. You will report to the Accounting Manager.

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 at RRCs on accounting period closings, review of reports and related materials to ensure accuracy and reasonableness and identify and resolve errors of a moderately sophisticated 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. May require analysis of applicability to moderately sophisticated transactions.
• Ability to identify activity that may not be following best practice and work with the Manager or Supervisor(s) to develop a plan for corrective action.
• Uses the chart of accounts with expertise and understanding, ensures chartfield string integrity by working with other accounting professionals to recommend updates based on analysis and review of existing transactions and accurate uses.
• Understands and independently applies technical accounting functions, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and other guiding concepts with proficiency.
• Uses information and requests received from a portfolio of RRCs to prepare analysis, computation, and entry of journal entries into the Enterprise Financial System (EFS). Requests will be processed following University standard processes and procedures in journal entries, ledger/fund analyses, journal corrections, year-end activities, journal uploads, as well as independent review and research of moderately sophisticated transactional support to ensure accurate reporting.
• May lead specific project-based tasks defined within accounting and at the direction of Manager or supervisor(s).
• Assists with providing training and guidance to teammates.
• Processes payroll accounting transactions based on information provided by HR Ops or finance workstream.
• Processes moderately complex mass requests for new hires, modified appointments, entering and/or verifying distributions, verifying funding, validating additional pay entry, and processing retroactive adjustments, including work-study retros, etc.
• Proactively analyzes and monitors payroll activity to ensure timely payroll distributions and process changes based on departmental communications, funding sources, and upcoming changes. Performs or verifies calculations as necessary to ensure accuracy.
• Collaborates with HR Ops and unit contacts to determine the necessary payroll actions.

Unit Support (10%)

• Supports the unit by generating and reviewing relevant financial data, ensuring compliance and consistency in transaction entries.
• Independently analyzes and communicates the impact of activities on the overall financial health of the RRCs.

Professional Development (10%)

• Contributes to training manuals and procedures for the Finance Operations Center.
• Completes professional development, education, and training activities, consistent with the position's responsibilities and for the pursuit of individual, unit, and institutional success.
• Participate in staff development based on individual needs, including ongoing skills training, DEI development, professional learning, service & scholarly activity, and engagement & well-being.
• As an individual contributor, role models UMN's dedication to crafting an inclusive work environment and encouraging a caring culture.
• Partners with Finance Professional 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 plus at least two years of professional work experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years.
• Ability to interact with standard technology platforms (e.g., word processing, data entry, email, internet browsing)
• Ability to read, interpret, and compile information according to prescribed methods.
• Ability to apply logic to problem solve and find solutions.

Preferred Qualifications (please document on resume):

• Knowledge of university policies and accounting procedures

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $30.21 - $32.59; 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 servicesEmployee 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.