Office of Budget & Analysis - Strategic Financial Partner

University of Minnesota; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 93,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota, Duluth, Office of Budget and Analysis seeks a Strategic Finance Partner to provide embedded financial leadership for colleges and units. You will collaborate with deans and campus leaders to align budgets with strategic priorities and ensure fiscal stewardship.

Responsibilities include overseeing annual budget processes, forecasting, and financial reporting, as well as advising on funding availability and long-term staffing plans in support of university goals.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree and at least 6 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in higher education finance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial advisement to dean and leadership.
• Oversee budgeting and instructional budgets.
• Forecast funding availability and financial information.
• Prepare and present financial information for governance meetings.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Forecasting

Leadership support

Strategic advisement

Education

BA/BS degree

Job description

About the Job

Summary of Role

• This role is part of the Office of Budget and Analysis, andprovides embedded, dotted line support to dean or unit leadership,providing strategic support. This role reports directly to theDirector of the Office of Budget and Analysis.
• This position requires a high level of independence, workingunder supervision while having discretion to make daily operationdecisions.
• Additionally, the role requires the individual to solveproblems using advanced analytical and technical skills,integrating technology as well as understanding of processes andresources to bring together a solution.

Strategic Financial Advisement and Leadership (50%)

• This strategic finance partner meets regularly with the deanand college/unit leadership while serving as a key advisor and theyare responsible for providing oversight and strategic financialexpertise for the college.
• The strategic finance partner is a member of the Office ofBudget and Analysis analytical staff. As a member of this team, thestrategic finance partner meets regularly with the Office of Budgetand Analysis and works to provide strategic analysis for bothcampus level and college level decision making. As a member of thisteam they are to bring a consistent approach to analysis andproblem solving.
• Partners with college/unit leadership and campus financialleadership, providing financial advice and expertise on fundingavailability, including forecasting and other financialinformation.
• Partners with college/unit leadership to support budgetdevelopment and stewardship of fiscal resources for thecollege.
• Works with collegiate/campus unit level administrators and theHR Strategic Partner, as well as other campus stakeholders toensure efficient and effective communication and processes existbetween administrative and fiscal operations. Participates inleadership meetings and strategic planning for the colleges,including college specific governance committees.
• Supports and impacts specific administrative initiatives thatadvance the mission and/or operations of the colleges and alignwith broader University strategic plans and/or areas of focus. Thisrequires identifying the goals of engagement, buildingrelationships within and outside of the institution to help meetthose goals, creating the appropriate (infra)structures toaccomplish those goals, and leading the process for success.
• The Strategic Finance Partner also meets regularly withdepartmental staff on budget related matters and serves as aresource on financial matters to staff as needed.
• Prepares and presents financial information for college/unitlevel governance and advisory meetings.
• Provides analysis supporting campus wide projects andinitiatives.

Finance and Accounting (50%)

• Facilitate the completion of the University's annual budgetprocess for the college or unit, including position managementbudgeting and internal budget processes that lead up to this.
• Facilitate all financial aspects of the development of thecollege instructional budget. This includes the development of thebudget for both the internal college and campus level course accessprocess.
• Oversee O&M, state special, research and extension,internal and external sales, unrestricted, UM Foundation accounts,and PUF.
• Develops summer school budget.
• Partners with college/unit leadership for reviewing andsupporting the strategic planning of finance-related functionsincluding instructional budgeting and long term staff fundingplans.
• Develops best practices and guidance for collegiate budgetprocesses.
• Provide guidance to staff within assigned departmental units toensure that budget accounts are appropriately managed.
• Monitors / coordinates departmental effort certification andprovides assistance as needed.
• Transfer funds, set up new accounts, monitor fund balances, anddevelop various reports for managers.
• Develops, along with key staff in affected areas, internal andexternal sales rate development.
• Transfers scholarships to student accounts and processesfoundation requests.
• Maintain delegations of authority and code of ethicsagreements.
• Report issues of financial integrity, internal controls andsound financial practices.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least 6 years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing finance or accounting work in a highereducation setting.
• A degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range

$93,000-$10,0000; 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 trainingand degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition BenefitProgram
• 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 counselingat 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 diversityand inclusion in enriching the employment experience of itsemployees and in supporting the academic mission. The University iscommitted to attracting and retaining employees with varyingidentities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment withoutregard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender,age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteranstatus, 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 successfulcompletion of a background check. Our presumption is thatprospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminalconvictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

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

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to bothlarge research and small liberal arts environments and attractsstudents looking for a personalized learning experience on amedium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal artsfoundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, aswell as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's manyresearch institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized byForbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employerfor 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-lifeflexibility.