Grant & Contract Accountant

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Tuition benefits

Low-cost health plans

HSA contributions

Life insurance

Excellent retirement plans

PSLF opportunity

Transit pass

Job summary

University of Minnesota in Minneapolis invites applicants for a Grant & Contract Accountant within the Sponsored Financial Reporting team. You will manage sponsored invoices and financial reports, ensuring accuracy and sponsor deadlines while liaising with sponsors and internal departments.

The role combines meticulous accounting with strong communication, compliance, and coordination across university units, with a hybrid in-office schedule at McNamara Alumni Center.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus 2 years of professional work experience or equivalent to 6 years.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with MS Excel.
• Detail oriented.
• Experience in building and maintaining successful customer relationships.
• Time management and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned sponsored award workload and prioritize due dates for invoices and financial reports.
• Prepare invoices and reports per policies to ensure accuracy and sponsor deadlines.
• Document work processes and decisions for audit readiness and traceability.
• Review awards for budget periods and closeout tasks.
• Maintain regular communication with sponsors and university departments to resolve inquiries and provide policy interpretations.

Skills

MS Excel

Strong written and oral communication

Time management

Organizational skills

Customer relationships

Education

BA/BS Degree and at least 2 years of professional work experience or equivalent (to equal 6 years)

Job description

About The Job

Join the University of Minnesota’s dedicated Sponsored Financial Reporting team as a Grant & Contract Accountant, where you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial integrity and compliance of the University’s diverse research portfolio.

About The Job

Join the University of Minnesota’s dedicated Sponsored Financial Reporting team as a Grant & Contract Accountant, where you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial integrity and compliance of the University’s diverse research portfolio.

The Grant & Contract Accountant has the responsibility for sponsored invoice and financial report preparation and submission, per the terms and conditions of the sponsored award. This role acts as liaison between sponsors and other University departments.

Location and Work environment: McNamara Alumni Center, 200 SE Oak St, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Hybrid work environment (minimum 3 days in office).

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

Salary Range: $59,500 - $61,500

Primary Responsibilities

Reporting & Invoicing (70%)

• Independently manage assigned sponsored award workload and prioritize workload for the varying due dates of invoices and financial reports.
• Prepare invoices and reports using established policies and procedures to ensure they are accurate and submitted within sponsor deadlines.
• Image documentation of work processes, communications and decisions for invoice/report preparation.

Award Closeout (10%)

• Review and analyze each assigned award and complete the necessary tasks for budget period and final closeout.

Communication and Customer Relations (10%)

• Regular communication with University departments and sponsors to resolve problems and respond to inquiries. Prioritize follow up based on risk to the University.
• Provide policy and procedure interpretation to departments.

Miscellaneous and other duties as assigned (10%)

• Meet and work with sponsors and internal/external auditors as needed to supply audit documentation during site visits, desk reviews, and other types of financial monitoring.
• Stay current on University policies and relevant procedures by attending a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education sessions or events per year.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS Degree and at least 2 years of professional work experience OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal 6 years.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with MS Excel.
• Detail oriented.
• Experience in building and maintaining successful customer relationships.
• Time management and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Customer service oriented.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented and understands the importance of accuracy.
• Ability to work independently or in a team setting.

About The Department

Sponsored Financial Reporting (SFR) is a unit within the Controller’s Office at the University of Minnesota (UMN). SFR is responsible for preparing and submitting all invoices and financial reports on sponsored projects, applying payments from sponsors and following up on those that are past due, closing awards in PeopleSoft Financials (also called the Enterprise Financial System, or EFS), and handling all audits related to sponsored projects.

Pay And Benefits

Pay Range: $59,500 - $61,500; 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 servicesEmployee 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

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.