Accounting Supervisor

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a functional supervisor in the Finance Operations Center to lead accounting professionals handling journal entries and payroll. This hybrid role requires coordinating with Resource Responsibility Centers and guiding staff toward planned goals.

Responsibilities include advising on hiring and training, ensuring policy adherence, and collaborating with the Accounting Manager to meet service levels.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree with four years of related experience or eight years total across education and work.
• Experience with PeopleSoft Financials and understanding of university policies.
• Ability to analyze data, verify reports, and prepare journal entries.
• Supervisory experience and strong accounting knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise accounting professionals responsible for journal entry and payroll functions.
• Collaborate with Accounting Manager to monitor and meet service level expectations.
• Provide guidance on hiring, coaching, development, and staff training.
• Explain and apply University accounting policies and ensure chart of accounts integrity.
• Coordinate with unit contacts to process retro payroll distributions and close activities.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Accounting proficiency

Payroll accounting

Analytical skills

Education

BA/BS + 4+ yrs

Tools

PeopleSoft Financials

Job description

Position Overview

This position serves as a functional supervisor for assigned Accounting professionals in the Finance Operations Center. They will supervise and assign work, provide guidance and direction for moderately complex financial and technical issues, and serve as the primary liaison to supported Resource Responsibility Centers (RRCs) in their assigned portfolio. Work environment: Hybrid (minimum three days in the office) Anticipated start date: October 5, 2026

Job Responsibilities with % of time

Supervising (60%)

• Directly supervises accounting professionals responsible for the journal entry and payroll accounting functions of the University.
• Provides recommendations for employment matters related to hiring, coaching, development, dismissal, promotion, and staff training.
• Assists with building administrative materials in support of accounting activities (for example, roles & responsibilities, key tasks) and aligns staff to the accomplishment of plans and goals.
• Collaborates with the Accounting Manager to ensure service level expectations are monitored and met.
• Cultivates a collaborative community to build a sense of belonging for all. Provides service with an equitable and inclusive lens.

Accounting (20%)

• Uses information and requests received from a portfolio of RRCs to analyze and prepare chart field requests into PeopleSoft Financials (also known as the Enterprise Financial System, or EFS), prepares journal entry analysis and computation and completes the entry of journal entries into EFS. Requests will be processed following University standard practices and procedures in journal entries, ledger/fund analyses, journal corrections, year-end activities, journal uploads, as well as independent review and research of complex transactional support to ensure accurate reporting.
• Collaborates with finance staff at RRCs on accounting period closings, reviewing reports and other materials to ensure reasonableness and identifying and resolving errors of a complex nature.
• Facilitates standard and non-standard capital asset transactions, including fabrications and assets purchased and collaborates with Accounting Services to ensure accurate account code use.
• Explains, interprets, and applies University accounting policies and procedures.
• Uses the chart of accounts with expertise and understanding, ensures ChartField string integrity by working with other accounting professionals to recommend updates and accurate uses.
• Identifies data needs to accomplish goals and initiatives, compiles data and reports as needed, and reviews reports compiled by others for accuracy. May require the use of compiling information from multiple reporting resources.
• Understands key accounting functions, Generally Accepted Accounting principles, and other guiding concepts with developing expertise. May require analysis of applicability to complex transactions.
• Processes payroll accounting transactions initiated by HR requests such as new hire, additional pay, etc. or funding changes initiated by a finance request (enters payroll distribution ChartField strings, verifies funding, validates additional pay entry, processes retroactive adjustments, etc.)
• Proactively analyzes and tracks payroll activity to complete payroll distributions and process changes based on communication with departments, understanding of funding sources and upcoming changes.
• Collaborate closely with unit contacts (including finance staff, as well as academic and research staff) to process retro payroll distributions.

Professional Development (10%)

• Supplies knowledge for training manuals and procedures for the Finance Operations Center.
• Completes professional development, learning and development, education, and training activities appropriate to work duties and for the pursuit of individual, unit, and institutional success.
• Participates in staff development based on individual need including ongoing skills training, DEI development, professional learning, service & scholarly activity, and engagement & well-being.
• Supports direct reports as needed in professional development and models dedication to crafting an inclusive work environment and encouraging a caring culture.

Unit Support (5%)

• Serves as primary liaison for Chief Financial Manager (CFM), business partners, and units contained within supported RRCs for accounting and payroll accounting activity.

Other duties as assigned 5%

Qualifications

Required Qualifications (please document on resume)

• BA/BS degree plus at least four years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal eight years.

Preferred Qualifications (please document on resume)

• Experience with PeopleSoft Financials
• Knowledge and understanding of University of Minnesota financial policies
• Ability to use data to make comparisons, perform verification and reconciliations, and compile reports
• Proven expertise in accounting
• 2 years supervisory experience

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $80,489.97 - $88,845.33 per year; 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 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.