Finance Professional 1

This position is responsible for performing professional accounting requiring the application of general accounting principles for SCSE. This is the first level within the Finance Job Family and is responsible for providing professional financial support for assigned portfolios, which are predominately academic departments. Responsibilities include monitoring, reviewing and analyzing expenditures and reconciling accounts and funds.

The position works with a diverse group of colleagues from varying backgrounds, communities, and identities, and actively supports and advances the University's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The position works within policies and procedures in the areas of budget, financial management, compliance and audit, reporting, and department operations. This position specializes in accounting for non-sponsored funds, internal/external sales & services, foundation, and other unrestricted and restricted funding. The position reports to the finance manager but works closely with the lead non-sponsored fund accountant, other finance team members, departmental staff and faculty and is expected to develop and maintain strong skills in all areas of service.

Job Responsibilities

Account Monitoring and Reconciling (45%)

• Review, monitor, and reconcile financial activity for non-sponsored funds, internal and external sales revenue, scholarship and endowment funds on a monthly basis. Ensure appropriate fund usage; initiate and process journal entry corrections.
• Verify payroll abstracts for SCSE.
• Assist with the course fee review. Submit fee adjustments, justification and supporting documentation to the SCSE Finance Manager for entry.
• Assist with internal/external sales business managers in developing business plans, rates, and contracts; facilitate the annual reporting for accounts receivable and internal/external sales.
• Provide consistent and informative communication through routine interactions with Department Heads and administrative staff.

Account Reporting and Budgeting (35%)

• Develop routine, customized, and ad hoc financial reporting for assigned departments; gathering data from a variety of sources.
• Resolve accounting issues identified during reconciliation, prepare journal entries for funding transfers, cross-charges and adjustments/corrections as well as salary retro distribution adjustments as needed.
• Assist with annual budgets preparation and entry.
• Ensure budget deadlines are met and fiscal year-end close-out.
• Identify gaps in revenue and/or expense.

Accounts Payable/Receivable (10%)

• Liaison between UMD Controller's office and departmental administrators to facilitate payment of invoices received.
• Assist internal/external sales business managers with monthly invoicing.

Customer Service and Department-wide Development (10%)

• Contribute as a team member in the delivery of services and administration of the SCSE FSO by participating in planning, evaluating, and executing department activities and initiatives.
• Attend training sessions to maintain competence and ability to perform functions of the position.
• Attend Financial Systems User Network (FSUN) meetings.
• Participate in college-wide and department staff/team meetings, professional development, training, and events.
• Other duties as assigned.

The FSO provides high-quality consistent and timely finance services to clients within SCSE. As an administrative service unit within SCSE, the FSO is dedicated to providing high quality,
innovative and continually improving client services while upholding ethics and integrity standards. Learn more about us by visiting our website: https://scse.d.umn.edu/

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or a combination of related education and professional experience totaling four years.
• Demonstrated experience in accounting/fund accounting, budget development, and/or other financial management.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate well with people from a variety of backgrounds, communities, and identities.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in accounting, business, public administration, finance, economics or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in accounting/fund accounting, budget development, and/or other financial management.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate well with people from a variety of backgrounds, communities, and identities.
• Experience with using PeopleSoft
• Experience in analyzing financial data, grant management, and monitoring complex budgets and contracts.
• Advanced computer skills including spreadsheet development and maintenance using Excel and web database reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage priorities, coordinate multiple assignments simultaneously, and meet deadlines
• Experience delivering high level customer service, including proactive communication and ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues

The Swenson College of Science and Engineering (SCSE) is organized into 10 academic departments, 3 college-wide research centers and multiple administrative and support units. The Financial Services Office (FSO) is a hybrid cluster model, including clustered processing and administration for the Swenson College of Science and Engineering on the Duluth Campus.

Pay Range: $48,000 - $56,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 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:

• 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

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.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

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

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).