Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) Finance Lead

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Minnesota is seeking a Finance Manager for the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) to lead comprehensive financial management, planning, and reporting. You will coordinate budgets, analyze funding options, and ensure compliance across five colleges while advising MAES leadership.

The role requires extensive experience in public or nonprofit finance, strong analytical capabilities, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Six+ years of financial management experience in public/nonprofit sector.
• Experience with federal funding and compliance.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate budget planning and forecasting across MAES.
• Prepare financial reporting and analyses for leadership.
• Ensure internal controls and regulatory compliance.
• Lead financial oversight and cross-unit collaboration.

Skills

Financial acumen

Strategic planning

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/related field

Tools

Enterprise financial systems

BI dashboards

Advanced Excel

Job description

About the Job

The Finance Manager for the Minnesota Agricultural ExperimentStation (MAES) provides comprehensive financial management,analysis, reporting, and administrative oversight in support of thestatewide research mission of MAES, administered through theCollege of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS)at the University of Minnesota.

This position serves as the principal financial management andadvisory resource for MAES, with responsibility for coordinatingfinancial planning, budget preparation, federal capacity fundadministration, financial reporting, regulatory compliance,internal controls, and financial systems and data management.

Working closely with the MAES Director, CFANS Chief FinancialOfficer, collegiate finance leadership, academic departments, andcentral University offices, the Finance Manager provides accuratefinancial information, analyses, projections, and recommendationsto support informed leadership decisions and the effectivestewardship of federal, state, and University resources.

The MAES Director retains responsibility and authority for MAESstrategic priorities, programmatic direction, budgetary decisions,and resource allocations. The Finance Manager supports the Directorthrough financial expertise, development and evaluation offinancial options, implementation of approved decisions, andoversight of associated financial processes and compliancerequirements.

A central responsibility of this position is the financialadministration of federal capacity funds awarded through the UnitedStates Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food andAgriculture (USDA-NIFA), including fund distribution, expendituremonitoring, reconciliations, federal financial reporting,carryforward calculations, and compliance with applicable federalrequirements.

The Finance Manager supervises assigned MAES finance and accountingpersonnel, coordinates financial activities across the fiveparticipating colleges, and ensures that financial information,processes, and reporting systems are accurate, consistent, welldocumented, and responsive to institutional requirements.

The position exercises sound professional judgment withinestablished policies and delegated administrative authority,proactively identifies financial and compliance concerns, andprovides timely analysis and recommendations to MAES and CFANSleadership.

Scope of Responsibility: This position supports the MAES financialenterprise and its associated funding, reporting, and complianceobligations. Coordination with partner college and Universityfinance leadership is necessary where MAES funding, reporting, orcompliance requirements intersect with operations.

Work Schedule

• Hybrid - with regular on-campus presence expected based onoperational and supervisory needs.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or GreenCard sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT trainingprogram.

Essential Responsibilities

Financial Planning, Budget Development, and Resource Analysis –20%

• Coordinate financial planning, budget development, forecasting,and resource analysis to support the MAES Director and CFANSfinancial leadership in the effective management of MAES resources.
  • Coordinate preparation of the annual MAES operating budget inconsultation with the MAES Director, CFANS CFO, and financeleadership across participating colleges.
  • Develop and maintain financial projections, multiyearforecasts, and resource allocation models to inform leadershipconsideration of future financial needs and priorities.
  • Prepare financial analyses and alternative funding scenariosfor review and consideration by the MAES Director.
  • Administer and monitor MAES resource allocations across thefive participating colleges consistent with decisions and fundingdistributions approved by the MAES Director.
  • Analyze expenditures, financial commitments, fund balances, andfunding trends; identify variances and matters requiring leadershipreview.
  • Prepare financial information and supporting documentation forproposed budget adjustments, funding reallocations, and otherfinancial actions requiring approval.
  • Coordinate implementation of approved financial allocations andbudget adjustments, ensuring accurate recording and communicationto affected units.
  • Maintain records of MAES financial commitments, carryforwardbalances, and available resources to support transparent andaccurate financial planning.
  • Coordinate fiscal-year closeout activities, reconciliations,and financial reviews for MAES-administered accounts.
  • Prepare regular financial summaries and analyses for the MAESDirector, CFANS CFO, and other authorized Universitystakeholders.
  • Work with participating colleges and departments to ensure thatapproved MAES financial allocations are properly administered andrecorded.

Federal Capacity Fund Administration and Compliance – 25%

• Coordinate and oversee the financial administration of MAESfederal capacity funds, ensuring accurate accounting, reporting,reconciliation, and adherence to applicable federal and Universityrequirements.
  • Administer financial processes associated with federal capacityfunding, including expenditure monitoring, account reconciliation,reporting, and fiscal-year closeout.
  • Coordinate the distribution and recording of federal capacityfunds in accordance with allocations approved by the MAES Directorand applicable funding requirements.
  • Oversee federal fund drawdown processes, ensuring draws areaccurate, appropriately documented, and reconciled to Universityfinancial records.
  • Monitor expenditures for consistency with federal requirements,authorized research activities, approved funding purposes, andapplicable University policies.
  • Prepare and review federal fiscal-year carryforwardcalculations and provide supporting financial analyses for the MAESDirector's consideration of available balances and potentialuses.
  • Implement approved carryforward distributions and associatedfinancial transactions.
  • Coordinate financial reporting requirements acrossparticipating colleges and departments receiving MAES federalcapacity funding.
  • Oversee preparation and timely submission of required USDA-NIFAfinancial reports in accordance with applicable institutionalapproval and certification processes.
  • Serve as a primary financial contact with USDA-NIFA andUniversity offices on routine financial administration, reporting,reconciliation, and compliance matters.
  • Coordinate preparation of financial records, supportingdocumentation, and responses to federal financial audits, reviews,and compliance inquiries.
  • Monitor changes in federal financial regulations and reportingrequirements and communicate implications and recommendedadministrative adjustments to appropriate leadership.
  • Maintain financial controls, procedures, and documentation tosupport compliance and reduce financial and regulatory risk.
  • Provide technical guidance to collegiate and departmentalfinance staff regarding the appropriate administration andexpenditure of MAES funding.
  • Coordinate with research administration and compliance partnersregarding financial aspects of federal project requirements, effortallocation, and related reporting obligations.

Financial Reporting, Analysis, and Leadership Advisory Support –20%

• Develop and maintain reliable financial reporting andanalytical capabilities that provide MAES and CFANS leadership withaccurate information to evaluate financial conditions, fundingoptions, and operational requirements.
  • Coordinate preparation of routine financial reports, includingbudget-to-actual comparisons, expenditure summaries, fund balances,forecasts, and allocation reports.
  • Develop standardized reporting formats, dashboards, andanalytical tools to improve the consistency and accessibility ofMAES financial information.
  • Prepare periodic financial summaries identifying significantvariances, funding trends, financial commitments, and emergingissues for leadership consideration.
  • Coordinate the preparation and reconciliation of requiredfederal financial reports, ensuring consistency with authoritativeUniversity financial records.
  • Prepare financial analyses of alternative funding approaches,resource distributions, and projected expenditures as requested bythe MAES Director or CFANS CFO.
  • Maintain reporting methodologies and financial data structuressupporting MAES funding administration and financialoversight.
  • Coordinate maintenance and improvement of MAES financialdatabases, reporting applications, and financial websites,including federal draw reporting tools.
  • Work with University information technology, financial systems,and analytics personnel to support improvements in reportingaccuracy, efficiency, and accessibility.
  • Establish and maintain appropriate data validation,reconciliation, documentation, and access procedures.
  • Respond to authorized financial analysis and reporting requestsfrom MAES, CFANS, participating colleges, and central Universityadministration.

Financial Operations, Internal Controls, and Process Improvement –30%

• Oversee the effective administration of MAES financialprocesses, maintain appropriate internal controls, and supportcontinuous improvement in financial operations.
  • Maintain documented financial operating procedures,reconciliations, internal controls, and reporting processes forMAES financial activities.
  • Review existing administrative and financial processes andidentify opportunities to improve consistency, efficiency,accuracy, and compliance.
  • Oversee and coordinate financial transactions associated withMAES research resources, internal grant programs, and VarietyDevelopment Funds, ensuring accurate accounting, appropriatedocumentation, compliance with applicable policies, and alignmentwith approved funding allocations and authorized expenditures.
  • Develop proposed process improvements for review with the CFANSCFO, MAES Director, and other appropriate stakeholders, andcoordinate implementation of approved changes.
  • Ensure MAES financial transactions, fund distributions,adjustments, and reconciliations are completed accurately andwithin established deadlines.
  • Coordinate the financial administration and compliance ofMAES-related internal sales and internal service organizationactivities, where assigned.
  • Work with University accounting, budget, sponsored projects,and financial operations offices to address complex transactions,system issues, and policy questions.
  • Maintain comprehensive documentation of critical financialprocesses, reporting methodologies, allocation models, andregulatory requirements.
  • Develop financial calendars, standard operating procedures, jobaids, and training materials for staff across participatingcolleges and departments.
  • Identify administrative vulnerabilities, including undocumentedprocesses, inconsistent practices, and insufficient backupcoverage, and recommend corrective actions.
  • Support implementation of University financial systems,reporting applications, and approved business processimprovements.
  • Communicate financial policies, reporting requirements, andadministrative deadlines to affected stakeholders.
  • Support consistent, responsive, and service-oriented financialadministration across MAES.

Staff Supervision, Coordination, and Professional Development –5%

• Provide direct supervision and operational management ofassigned MAES finance and accounting personnel, ensuring effectiveperformance, consistent service delivery, and continuity ofessential financial functions.
  • Exercise full PELRA supervisory authority for assigned staff,including recruitment, hiring, work assignment, performancemanagement, evaluation, professional development, and appropriatecorrective action.
  • Establish clear work responsibilities, performanceexpectations, operational priorities, and accountability measuresconsistent with MAES and CFANS requirements.
  • Provide training, coaching, technical guidance, and regularperformance feedback to support staff effectiveness andprofessional development.
  • Coordinate staff assignments and workloads to ensure timelycompletion of financial reporting, reconciliations, complianceactivities, and other assigned responsibilities.
  • Assess staffing capacity, workload distribution, technicalcompetencies, and training needs; communicate recommendations toappropriate leadership.
  • Maintain documented procedures, cross-training plans, andbackup assignments to support continuity of critical financialfunctions.
  • Foster a collaborative, respectful, inclusive, andservice-oriented work environment.
  • Facilitate coordination and knowledge sharing among MAESfinance personnel, participating collegiate finance teams, andrelevant University offices.
  • Participate in collegiate finance leadership meetings,cross-functional workgroups, and University financial managementinitiatives as appropriate.
  • Communicate financial policies, reporting requirements,deadlines, and approved procedural changes to assigned staff andrelevant stakeholders.
  • Support staff through changes in financial systems, regulatoryrequirements, and administrative processes.

Organizational Relationships and Authority

• The MAES Finance Manager works within a distributed financialenvironment involving five participating colleges, academicdepartments, research programs, and central Universityoffices.
• The position provides financial expertise, operationalmanagement, and technical guidance in support of MAES leadership.The Finance Manager is responsible for ensuring that financialinformation is accurate, financial processes are appropriatelyadministered, and approved financial actions are implemented incompliance with applicable requirements.
• The MAES Director retains authority for decisions regardingMAES strategic direction, programmatic priorities, budgetapprovals, and the allocation or reallocation of MAESresources.
• The Finance Manager develops financial analyses andrecommendations for leadership consideration, administers approvedbudgets and allocations, and communicates financial implications,regulatory requirements, and operational considerations.
• The position exercises independent professional judgment inperforming assigned financial management and supervisoryresponsibilities within established University policies anddelegated administrative authority. Matters requiring strategic,programmatic, or budgetary decisions are referred to the MAESDirector or other appropriate authorized University officials.

Key Working Relationships

• MAES Director: Primary partner for financial planning, budgetpreparation, resource analysis, funding administration, andimplementation of approved financial decisions.
• CFANS Chief Financial Officer: Financial management oversight,institutional policy interpretation, compliance coordination,supervisory alignment, and guidance on University financialpractices.
• Participating College Finance Leadership: Coordination ofapproved MAES allocations, expenditure monitoring, reporting,reconciliation, and compliance.
• ROC Finance Leadership: Coordination of MAES-funded researchactivities, shared reporting requirements, and financial processeswhere MAES and ROC responsibilities intersect.
• Academic Departments and Research Administration: Technicalfinancial guidance, fund administration, project alignment,reporting, and compliance support.
• Central University Offices: Coordination with the UniversityBudget Office, Controller's Office, Sponsored ProjectsAdministration, research compliance offices, and otherinstitutional partners.
• USDA-NIFA: Financial administration, reporting, reconciliation,compliance inquiries, and coordination of federal financialreviews.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, businessadministration, public administration, or a closely related field,with at least six years of progressively responsible professionalexperience in financial management, accounting, budgeting, orfinancial administration.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex financial operations,budgets, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Experience interpreting and applying financial policies,regulations, and compliance requirements in a public, nonprofit,research, or similarly regulated environment.
• Demonstrated supervisory or formal staff leadershipexperience.
• Advanced proficiency with spreadsheet applications, financialreporting tools, and enterprise financial systems.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial information,prepare forecasts, identify risks, and communicate financialimplications and recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including theability to explain complex financial information to stakeholderswith varying levels of financial expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate financial activities andestablish effective working relationships across multipleorganizational units.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, professionaljudgment, and ability to manage competing priorities anddeadlines.

Preferred

• Advanced degree in accounting, finance, businessadministration, public administration, or a related field
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified ManagementAccountant (CMA), or comparable professional credential.
• Experience in financial administration within aresearch-intensive university, agricultural experiment station, orpublic research institution.
• Direct experience administering USDA-NIFA federal capacityfunds or other federal research funding programs.
• Knowledge of applicable federal financial requirements,including 2 CFR Part 200, USDA regulations, and institutionalresearch funding policies.
• Experience with University of Minnesota financial systems,enterprise reporting applications, and institutional budgetprocesses.
• Experience preparing multiyear financial forecasts, allocationmodels, dashboards, and executive-level financial reports.
• Experience with business intelligence tools, databasereporting, data visualization, or financial processautomation.
• Demonstrated experience improving financial processes,strengthening internal controls, or modernizing reportingsystems.
• Experience coordinating financial activities across multiplecolleges, departments, or organizational units.
• Experience developing financial procedures, documentation, andtraining materials.
• Demonstrated ability to support organizational change, developstaff capacity, and maintain effective relationships across diverseprofessional and academic environments.

Performance Expectations

1. Financial accuracy and accountability: Reliable financialrecords, timely reconciliations, effective internal controls, andaccurate administration of approved MAES funding.
2. Federal compliance: Timely and complete federal financialreporting, appropriate fund administration, and identification andresolution of compliance concerns.
3. Budget and financial planning support: Accurate budgets,forecasts, financial analyses, and resource information that enablethe MAES Director to evaluate options and make informeddecisions.
4. Effective implementation: Timely and accurate execution ofapproved budgets, resource allocations, financial adjustments, andrelated administrative actions.
5. Financial transparency: Clear, consistent, and accessiblereporting of MAES financial activity, fund balances, commitments,and available resources.
6. Operational effectiveness: Documented and efficient financialprocesses, appropriate internal controls, and reducedadministrative risk.
7. Reporting and data continuity: Reliable financial reportingsystems, documented methodologies, and appropriate cross-trainingto maintain essential financial operations.
8. Staff and stakeholder support: Effective supervision,professional financial guidance, responsive service, and productivecollaboration across participating colleges and Universityoffices.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $100,000 - $107,000 ; depending oneducation/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for moreinformation regarding benefit eligibility.

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