Finance Professional 1

University of Minnesota; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 54,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota, Duluth is seeking a professional accountant to provide financial support for assigned portfolios, primarily academic departments. Responsibilities include reconciling expenditures, reviewing funds, and preparing journals and budgets.

The role emphasizes collaboration with diverse teams and adherence to budget and reporting policies. The position mainly operates in-office with possible remote work 1–2 days per week later, and requires a BS/BA in accounting or

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or combination of related education and professional experience totaling four years.
• BA/BS degree in accounting, business, public administration, finance or related field.
• Experience in accounting/fund accounting, budget development, and financial management.
• Ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Advanced Excel skills and web-based reporting proficiency.
• Experience with grant management, contracts, and budget monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Review, monitor, and reconcile financial activity for non-sponsored funds, internal and external sales revenue, scholarships and endowment funds.
• Assist with course fee review, submitting adjustments and supporting documentation for entry.
• Support internal/external sales business managers with plans, rates, contracts, and annual accounts receivable reporting.
• Provide clear communication with Department Heads and administrative staff.
• Develop routine, ad hoc financial reporting for assigned departments from diverse data sources.
• Resolve reconciliation issues, prepare journal entries for funding transfers and salary adjustments.

Skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or combination of related education and professional experience totaling four years

BA/BS degree in accounting, business, public administration, finance or related field

Tools

PeopleSoft

Job description

About the Job

This position is responsible for performing professional accounting requiring the application of general accounting principles. This is the first level within the Finance Job Family and is responsible for providing professional financial support for assigned portfolios, which are predominantly academic departments.

Responsibilities include monitoring, reviewing and analyzing expenditures and reconciling accounts and funds.

The position works with a diverse group of colleagues from varying backgrounds, communities, and identities, and actively supports and advances the University’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The position works within policies and procedures in the areas of budget, financial management, compliance and audit, reporting, and department operations. This position specializes in accounting for non-sponsored funds, internal/external sales & services, foundation, and other unrestricted and restricted funding. The position reports to the finance manager but works closely with the lead non-sponsored fund accountant, other finance team members, departmental staff and faculty and is expected to develop and maintain strong skills in all areas of service.

The general expectation is the candidate will primarily work in the office. The ability to work remotely 1-2 days a week may be granted at a later date, per approval from the Supervisor. Within the first few months of the role, the expectation will be to work in office.

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

Job Responsibilities

• Review, monitor, and reconcile financial activity for non-sponsored funds, internal and external sales revenue, scholarship and endowment funds on a monthly basis. Ensure appropriate fund usage; initiate and process journal entry corrections.


• Assist with the course fee review. Submit fee adjustments, justification and supporting documentation to the Collegiate Finance Manager for entry.


• Assist with internal/external sales business managers indeveloping business plans, rates, and contracts; facilitate the annual reporting for accounts receivable and internal/external sales.


• Provide consistent and informative communication through routine interactions with Department Heads and administrative staff.

• Develop routine, customized, and ad hoc financial reporting for assigned departments; gathering data from a variety of sources.


• Resolve accounting issues identified during reconciliation, prepare journal entries for funding transfers, cross-charges and adjustments/corrections as well as salary retro distribution adjustments as needed.


• Assist with annual budgets preparation and entry.


• Ensure budget deadlines are met and fiscal year-end close-out.


• Identify gaps in revenue and/or expense.

• Liaison between UMD Controller’s office and departmental administrators to facilitate payment of invoices received.


• Assist internal/external sales business managers with monthly invoicing.

• Contribute as a team member in the delivery of services and administration of the Collegiate Financial Services Office by participating in planning, evaluating, and executing department activities and initiatives.


• Attend training sessions to maintain competence and ability to perform functions of the position.


• Attend Financial Systems User Network (FSUN) meetings.


• Participate in college-wide and department staff/team meetings, professional development, training, and events.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of related education and professional experience totaling four years.

Preferred Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in accounting, business, public administration, finance, economics or a related field.


• Demonstrated experience in accounting/fund accounting, budget development, and/or other financial management.


• Demonstrated experience in accounting/fund accounting, budget development, and/or other financial management.


• Demonstrated ability to collaborate well with people from a variety of backgrounds, communities, and identities.


• Experience with using PeopleSoft.


• Experience in analyzing financial data, grant management, and monitoring complex budgets and contracts.


• Advanced computer skills including spreadsheet development and maintenance using Excel and web database reporting.


• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage priorities, coordinate multiple assignments simultaneously, and meet deadlines.


• Experience delivering high level customer service, including proactive communication and ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $53,794 - $56,692 annually ($25.86-$27.25/hr); 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

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

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's \"America's Best Colleges\" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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.