Principal financial advisor - accounting officer principal

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 66,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota seeks a Principal Financial Advisor to provide expert budget and financial analysis for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. This role involves ensuring compliance with federal and state laws while assisting in budget preparation and financial decision-making. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of accounting principles and experience in financial analysis.

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave

Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans

Pension plan

Employer paid life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Qualifications

• Three years of accounting or budgeting experience required.
• Advanced degree may substitute for years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-depth budget and financial analysis for MDA funds.
• Prepare and maintain annual agency spending plans.

Skills

Knowledge of accounting systems

Knowledge of GAAP

Experience interpreting laws

Ability to celebrate diversity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Master’s Degree in Finance

Tools

SWIFT

SEMA4

Crystal Reports

Job description

Job Details

Working Title: Principal Financial Advisor
Job Class: Accounting Officer Principal
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job ID: 86177
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers. Bidders will be considered through 05/19/2025.
• Date Posted: 05/13/2025
• Closing Date: 05/27/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Division/Unit: Finance and Budget Division / Accounting Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Not Applicable Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,648 - $98,240 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This position will provide in-depth budget and financial analysis for Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) funds, so agency leadership, management, and staff are able make informed financial decisions and take action. This position helps ensure that the agency meets its obligations in managing federal, state, and other funds in a manner that is consistent with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and policies.

This position is required to develop expert level knowledge of the agency’s budget to provide high-level analysis and expert advice on fiscal questions, review and monitor budgets for all MDA funds, prepare and interpret budget related reports, advise agency personnel on procedures, and coordinate fiscal year end closing requirements as it relates to all assigned agency funding.

This position will also prepare and maintain annual agency spending plans to ensure the most appropriate and efficient utilization of resources available to the agency, to assist agency staff in biennial budget preparation, coordinate fiscal year close, and reconcile agency revenue and expenditures. This position will provide advanced level financial analysis and performs long range strategic planning.

This position is located in St. Paul and may have the ability to telework part of the time.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Three years of accounting or budgeting experience developing budgets and spending plans, establishing and maintaining accounting systems or related advanced level accounting work.

An advanced degree in Accounting, Business, Finance or related field may substitute for years of experience as follows: Associate Degree – six months; Bachelor’s Degree – one year; Master’s Degree – two years.

Additional required experience includes:

• Knowledge of accounting systems, budget policies and practices sufficient to prepare and review budgets and fiscal documents.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and practices enough to coordinate various phases of departmental accounting functions and to audit and interpret financial and budget documents.
• Experience preparing and interpreting complex fiscal reports and records, identifying problems quickly, researching and evaluating relevant issues, formulating solutions and communicating alternatives to appropriate personnel.
• Knowledge of federal accounting, budgeting and reporting requirements.
• Experience interpreting laws, rules and regulations, and directing staff to implement appropriate accounting procedures.
• The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Accounting, Business, or Finance.

Advanced knowledge of establishing and managing appropriations in various funds including Federal Funds.

Advanced ability to recognize complex accounting problems and design appropriate accounting solutions and to provide leadership and direction to program managers to deal with budget problems.

Experience with statewide Integrated Financial Tools (SWIFT) or other financial accounting software.

Experience with Statewide Employee Management System (SEMA4), the State’s OBIEE data warehouse, Crystal Reports, the State’s Budget Planning and Analysis System (BPAS), Fiscal Note Tracking System (FNTS) or the Appropriation Maintenance Application (AMA).

Skilled in presenting financial information using a variety of methods including PowerPoint, Skype, projectors and other means of communication policies and procedures.

Experience with the state legislative process and relevant state laws, statutes, rules, regulations and policies governing the use of state and federal funds.

Additional Requirements

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jeremy Olson at [e-mail].

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Becky Hierlinger at [e-mail].

About Minnesota Department of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our three general areas of responsibility include:

• Protecting our food supply;
• Protecting our natural resources; and,
• Cultivating our agricultural economy.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.