Finance Director

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Retirement plans

Continuing education benefits

PSLF opportunity

Job summary

University of Minnesota Finance Director for the Department of Medicine provides strategic and operational leadership for finance and accounting of clinical and academic activities across 11 divisions with ~180M revenue. Serves as key advisor to the Department Chair and leadership team, directing forecasting, budgeting, contracting, and financial planning while ensuring compliance with policies and regulations.

This role operates in a hybrid work environment with cross-unit partnerships.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree with ten or more years of experience in a comparably large and complex healthcare or academic organization.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience translating financial concepts for non-financial partners and leading process improvements.
• Proficiency with Excel, Access and BI software.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee finance and accounting for the Department of Medicine’s academic and clinical units.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial proformas for recruiting, retention, and compensation.
• Oversee compliance with federal and university policies and manage financial transactions.
• Partner with department leadership to implement financial strategies and process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Process improvement

Financial acumen

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Excel

Access

BI tools

Education

BA/BS degree + 10+ years experience

Tools

Excel

Access

BI tools

Job description

About the Job

The Finance Director for the Department of Medicine within the University of Minnesota Medical School provides strategic and operational leadership for the department's finance and accounting of clinical and academic activities. Collectively, this department is comprised of 11 separate divisions which are managed as separate financial units. The department generates ~$180 million in annual revenue, including $30M in sponsored grants and contracts. There are over 350 paid faculty, 540 community physicians, 190 graduate medical trainees, and 300 staff in the department.

Duties/Responsibilities:

This position is responsible for directing and overseeing the finance and accounting functions supporting the Department of Medicine academic department and clinical service unit; leading a collaborative and productive work team based in respect, accountability and service; developing and/or coordinating complex financial forecasting, productivity analyses, business plans and compensation models; and providing strategic financial guidance for implementing identified goals and priorities. This position reports directly to the Medical School Director of Finance and Accounting and is a key partner to the Department Chair and Department of Medicine Leadership team.

40%: Finance and Accounting

• Coordination of financial analysis and forecast of all funds for the Department of Medicine, including long-term strategic planning. Oversee the development and accuracy of financial proformas used for faculty recruiting, retention and assessment.
• Development and management of departmental budgets, both University of Minnesota and UMPhysicians. Identify risks and opportunities. Prepare special analysis and advocate for special funding as appropriate.
• Engage in the contracting process for both the University of Minnesota and UMPhysicians. Provide expertise in professional service agreements. Advocate for fair and appropriate payment of services.
• Provide oversight of all financial transactions to ensure compliance with Federal, University, Medical School, and UMPhysicians' regulations and policies.
• Works with a variety of partners to address unique financial and accounting arrangements in order to establish formal memorandums of understanding; key partnerships include but are not limited to: Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis Veterans Association, Office of Academic Clinical Affairs, and others.
• Partner with Department of Medicine Compensation Manager to align division and subspeciality compensation plans and incentives with financials.

40%: Strategic Leadership

• Act as a key financial advisor to the Department Chair, 11 Division Directors and 5 Vice Chairs. Provide timely financial information and recommendations to support decision-making and special initiatives. Proactively identify, assess and communicate potential financial challenges and opportunities.
• Present financial information to several key stakeholders, such as the CSU Board of Governors, Clinical Operations Committee and Department Leadership Council.
• Co-leader of the Department of Medicine's Finance Committee, and serves as a member of the Medicine Clinical Service Unit Board of Governors
• Provide leadership and represent the department on financial initiatives across the Medical School and UMPhysicians.
• Develop and implement procedures and processes for the department in conjunction with the Dean's Office, UMPhysicians senior staff, and the other Finance Directors
• Identify and implement financial and accounting process improvements when identified

20%: Supervision

• Manage the Department of Medicine Finance and Accounting team comprising of XX FTE. Direct supervision of five (5) team leaders. Responsible for overseeing the recruiting, hiring, training and professional development of staff.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree with ten or more years of experience in a comparably large and complex healthcare or academic organization, including management or supervisory experience.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to foster a professional and positive working environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal/external stakeholders in a highly collaborative manner.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in leading and implementing process improvement.
• Ability to translate financial concepts to and effectively collaborate with programmatic colleagues who may not have financial backgrounds.
• A successful track record in setting priorities and demonstrating keen analytic, organizational and problem solving skills to support and enable sound decision making.
• Excellent technical skills with high proficiency in the analytical application of relevant computer software packages (e.g. Excel, Access, and BI).
• Demonstrated ability and experience developing, supporting and implementing financial improvement initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree or certification.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the financial management of a Medical School and/or health care organization or physician group.
• Knowledge of managing and implementing physician compensation plans, and analyzing physician and Principal Investigator productivity.
• Experience in the financial management of research grants, philanthropic accounts, and clinical trials.
• Extensive experience in short-term and long-term financial business planning and contracting.
• Management experience requiring executive level interaction.
• Leading teams in a hybrid remote-work environment.

About the Department

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $170,000 - $175,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Work Location: Hybrid

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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, 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.