Finance Specialist

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 91,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages and generous time off

University tuition benefit

Excellent retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Minnesota seeks a Finance Analyst 1 to support the College of Science and Engineering Shared Services Team. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement with on-campus presence required at least 3 days per week, and oversees non-sponsored and sponsored accounting, budgeting, and financial analysis for assigned units.

Ideal candidates have a BA/BS with six years of related experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to lead initiatives within a team.

Qualifications

• BA/BS Degree plus at least six years of related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to succeed in informal leadership roles.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and work both independently and as part of a team.
• High level of analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide primary financial oversight and fiscal operation for a local unit.
• Advise unit staff on financial policies and procedures; serve as primary local expert on policies and procedures.
• Review and approve financial transactions, perform monthly reconciliation, and prepare journal vouchers as needed.
• Lead annual budget-development process for a local unit and enter budgets into EFS.

Education

BA/BS Degree

Six years related experience

Job description

Job ID: 376911

Location: Twin Cities

Job Family: Finance

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 9781FG

Employee Class: Acad Prof and Admin

About the Job

This position is being cross posted with a Finance Professional 4/Finance Professional 3 position, Job Opening 376854. We will hire a total of 2 people.

This position (Fin Analyst 1, 9781FG) is part of the College of Science and Engineering Shared Services Team (SST). SST is a team of administrative and financial professionals who support units across the College of Science and Engineering. As a member of SST, this individual will have a variety of assignments that will change over time to meet the College's evolving needs. This is a hybrid position, neither fully remote nor fully on-campus. (The general expectation will be to work on campus at least 3 days per week.)

In addition to direct support to units, this position will provide non-supervisory leadership to other team members and other financial staff in the College.

Location and Work Environment

• Hybrid
• This position will work on the University of Minnesota - East Bank campus at least 3 days a week.

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday, totaling 40 hours per week

Primary Responsibilities

Typical position responsibilities may include:

• Financial: 60% (Non-sponsored and sponsored accounting)
  • Provide primary financial oversight and fiscal operation for assigned unit.
  • Advise unit staff on financial policies and procedures; serve as primary local expert on policies and procedures. Evaluate local procedures and recommend improvements.
  • Review and approve financial transactions, perform monthly reconciliation, and prepare journal vouchers as needed. Serve as lead certified approver for a unit.
  • Serve as budget manager for a local unit; lead annual budget-development process for a local unit. Offer budget recommendations to unit leadership on request. Enter budgets and position budgets into EFS.
  • Manage finances for internal and external sales activities of a local unit.
  • Provide advanced financial analysis as needed for units and/or PIs. Create custom financial reports, including projections for multiple funding types. Assist Administrator/PIs in report interpretation; identify trends and recommend solutions.
  • Manage accounting for the entire life cycle of assigned sponsored projects.
  • Manage accounting of cost share funds per requirements of cost share sources.
  • Manage effort certification of a local unit.
• Pre-award Grants Management Support: 15%
  • Serve as a financial/process expert on complex grant proposals that may involve multiple UMN colleges/schools and multiple external partners. Directly support development of proposals, particularly complex budgets.
  • Serve as primary administrative contact for grant proposal submissions.
• Leadership: 15%
  • Provide expert guidance to less experienced financial staff colleagues.
  • Serve, formally or informally, as a mentor (non-supervisory) to new and/or junior financial staff colleagues in CSE.
• Administration - Other: 10%
  • Build relationships with other CSE/University departments and staff.
  • Participate in professional development opportunities and special projects that contribute to the ongoing improvement of units and the college. Recommend development opportunities to colleagues and other financial staff in CSE.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS Degree plus at least six years of related experience
• Demonstrated experience in both pre-award and post-award grant accounting
• Demonstrated ability to succeed in informal leadership roles.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and work both independently and as part of a team.
• High level of analytical and problem-solving skills.
• UMN Certified Approver

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the UMN budgeting process and budget entry
• Experience as an effort coordinator

About the Department

The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) is ranked among the top engineering and science academic programs in the country. The college includes 12 academic departments offering a wide range of degree programs at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels. For more information about the College of Science and Engineering Office of the Dean, visit https://cse.umn.edu/.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $91,000 - $120,000 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)

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.