Finance Manager

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Tuition benefits

Excellent retirement plans

Job summary

University of Minnesota's Department of Computer Science & Engineering seeks a Finance Manager to oversee financial operations, including research accounting, payroll, purchasing, and non-sponsored funds. You will lead a finance team, ensure internal controls, and liaise with central offices to manage risk.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, budget development, and collaboration across university partners. A strong background in higher education finance is preferred.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field and at least six (6) years of professional accounting experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and develop the department finance team, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, coaching, and professional development.
• Establish team priorities, assign work, balance workloads, and ensure timely and consistent financial services.
• Oversee sponsored project financial administration, including award setup and financial reporting.
• Partner with research accountants to ensure faculty receive accurate financial information.
• Serve as the department’s senior financial resource for complex questions on policy and account management.
• Coordinate department responses to audits and financial reviews.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Financial management

Governance & compliance

Education

BA/BS in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Effort Certification

Job description

Finance Manager

Department of Computer Science & Engineering

9341FG

Position OverviewThe CS&E Finance Manager is a key member of the department’s leadership team, responsible for oversight of financial operations, including research accounting, non-sponsored accounting, payroll, and purchasing. The position provides expertise in financial management, compliance, and internal controls; supervises and develops finance staff; and improves processes to increase efficiency and service quality. The Finance Manager also serves as a primary liaison to collegiate and central University offices and advises department leadership on financial risks and opportunities. This position reports to the Chief of Staff.

About The Job

Finance Manager

Department of Computer Science & Engineering

9341FG

Position OverviewThe CS&E Finance Manager is a key member of the department’s leadership team, responsible for oversight of financial operations, including research accounting, non-sponsored accounting, payroll, and purchasing. The position provides expertise in financial management, compliance, and internal controls; supervises and develops finance staff; and improves processes to increase efficiency and service quality. The Finance Manager also serves as a primary liaison to collegiate and central University offices and advises department leadership on financial risks and opportunities. This position reports to the Chief of Staff.

Team Leadership and Management — 30%

• Lead, supervise, and develop the department finance team, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, coaching, and professional development.
• Establish team priorities, assign work, balance workloads, and ensure timely and consistent financial services.
• Develop cross-training and business continuity practices to maintain effective operations.
• Establish expectations for quality and service; review work and provide guidance on complex or escalated issues.
• Engage staff in identifying and implementing improvements to financial processes, policies, and services. Financial

Management, Compliance, and Research Administration — 40%

• Direct and oversee the department’s financial operations, including sponsored and non-sponsored funds, payroll, purchasing, and research financial administration.
• Establish and maintain effective financial controls, procedures, and practices consistent with University, sponsor, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee sponsored project financial administration, including award setup, rebudgeting, effort certification, subawards, financial reporting, and resolution of complex post-award issues.
• Partner with research accountants and other finance staff to ensure faculty receive accurate and timely sponsored and non-sponsored financial information.
• Serve as the department’s senior financial resource and escalation point for complex questions involving allowability, sponsor requirements, financial policy, and account management.
• Serve as Certified Approver, as needed, and provide oversight of departmental financial approvals to ensure compliance with University requirements.
• Oversee account reconciliation and review processes, identify financial discrepancies or control issues, and ensure corrective actions are completed.
• Coordinate department responses to internal and external audits and other formal financial reviews.
• Serve as primary departmental liaison with central University offices and external partners on complex financial and research administration matters.

Strategic Financial Planning and Projects — 20%

• Partner with the Department Head, Chief of Staff, and Department Accountant to develop the annual budget, multi-year financial plans, forecasts, and financial strategies.
• Assess the department’s financial position, trends, risks, and opportunities; develop and present financial analyses and recommendations to support leadership decision-making and short- and long-term financial sustainability.
• Lead financial planning and coordination for complex departmental initiatives and large, multi-investigator proposal submissions.
• Evaluate financial processes, systems, and reporting practices and lead improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, transparency, and internal control.
• Lead special financial analyses and strategic projects as assigned.

University, Collegiate, and Department Service — 10%

• Build and maintain effective relationships with collegiate and central University partners, including the CSE Dean’s Office, SPA, Sponsored Financial Reporting, the Controller’s Office, and other financial and research administration units.
• Represent the department on University and collegiate committees, working groups, and professional networks related to financial management and research administration.
• Maintain knowledge of emerging financial, research administration, and compliance practices through professional development and engagement with relevant professional organizations.
• Perform other duties necessary to support effective management of the department’s financial operations.

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

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field and at least six (6) years of professional accounting experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience supervising and developing staff and collaborating effectively across teams.
• Experience managing large, complex budgets with diverse funding and revenue sources.
• University of Minnesota Certified Approver, or ability to obtain certification within 4–6 months of hire.
• Experience with University financial and research administration policies, procedures, and systems, including Effort Certification.
• Experience working in higher education and understanding academic culture; experience in an engineering or similarly complex academic environment preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with a high degree of independence, initiative, and sound judgment.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

About The Department

The Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Minnesota has a longstanding tradition of excellence and innovation in education, research, and outreach. The department continues to advance its impact through a broad and evolving curriculum, nationally and internationally recognized research, and engagement with University, industry, and community partners.

Pay And Benefits

Pay Range: $110,000 - $125,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

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) 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.