Finance Specialist

Position Overview

The University of Minnesota is looking for a highly motivated and organized Finance Specialist to join its Finance team, supporting the Associate Vice President, Finance & Assistant CFO, the Controller's Office, and other central finance units.

As a key member of the University Finance support team, the Finance Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting finance management, assisting with budgeting, reporting, forecasting, transaction support and approval, and reconciliation for designated units. In this role, you will act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and managers, offering guidance on both routine and complex financial matters. This position will also contribute to process improvements in budget development, ongoing reporting, and other important projects and initiatives. You will report directly to and collaborate closely with the Finance & Administration Manager on strategic initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in financial administration, including managing transactions, reviewing and approving requisitions, vouchers, and reimbursements, and ensuring compliance with University policies. The candidate will be proficient in reconciling resources and expenses, investigating discrepancies, and working with the Financial Operations Office (FinOps) to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the candidate will assist with financial planning and analysis by supporting expense and revenue forecasting, analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and coordinating year-end closeouts. They will also contribute to strategic projects, such as developing budget models, implementing financial templates, and handling administrative tasks. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work with stakeholders of varying financial expertise are essential for success in this role.

Work Environment

This hybrid position is based on the Twin Cities campus. For those located in the metro area, a minimum of three days per week in the office is expected. Internal and external applicants located near other UMN system campuses and across the State of Minnesota may also be considered, and we encourage all interested candidates to apply. Occasional travel to the Twin Cities campus may be required for events and all-staff meetings. Out of state candidates must be willing to relocate to Minnesota at their own expense.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Financial Administration and Operations (50%)

• Primary support for financial transactions, including working closely with the Financial Operation Office (FinOps) to initiate journal entries, cost transfers, and process budget adjustments.
• Review and approve financial transactions (e.g., requisitions, vouchers, reimbursements, and PCards), considering fund availability and budget plans.
• Support all Associate Vice President Finance (AVPFN) units with transactions to reconcile resources and expenses to the ledger, investigate discrepancies, and connect with FinOps to request correcting journal entries.
• Monitor transactions to comply with University policies and correct account strings.
• Serve as the point of contact for AVPFN units and other units such as the Board of Regents Office, advising them on accounting policies and procedures.

Financial Planning and Analysis (30%)

• Assist the Finance & Administration Manager with expense and revenue forecasting, including the development of budget models and reports.
• Analyze and make recommendations based on budgets and financial data for historical trends, anomalies, and business needs.
• Collaborate with department directors to understand their budget needs, financial activities, budget needs, and funding requirements.
• Prepare quarterly financial reports and present findings to management.
• Coordinate year-end closeout of operational budgets.

Strategic Project Support and Administrative Tasks (20%)

• Support the Finance and Administration Manager with strategic projects for University Finance. Duties may include research, analysis, and process implementation. (e.g. developing a budget modeling template, establishing a financial spending report)
• Serve as the Delegation of Authority Specialist for AVPFN.
• Handle administrative tasks such as receiving and sorting mail, follow-up with vendors for invoice detail inquiries, and other duties as assigned.
  
  *The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
  

Required Qualifications (please document on the resume)

• BA/BS plus at least two years of professional work experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years.
• Experience in financial planning and budget management
• Strong customer service abilities with clear and effective communication, including building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, team members, and leaders.
• Proficient in using computers and common software applications, including Microsoft and Google Suites.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adjust priorities as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications (please document on the resume)

• Familiar with University systems such as PeopleSoft (PS), UMReports, and UMAnalytics)
• Proven ability to proactively identify and resolve complex issues.

Pay Range: $63,000 - $70,000 / year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

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 services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please document all qualifications on the resume.

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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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 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).