Finance Professional 2 - Generalist

This position works within the Office of Finance and Budget in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS).
The primary responsibility will be to support units within the Research and Outreach Centers (ROCs), but may support units in other areas as needed. This position provides grants management and accounting support to the units served and is expected to demonstrate ethical and respectful behavior in all position responsibilities. Customer service is a key focus for the CFANS Finance and Budget Office as we work to support the academic and research mission of the college.

This position is a critical team member in the Finance Cluster in CFANS. This position is located at one of the Research and Outreach Centers. Current available locations include: Becker, Cloquet, Crookston, Grand Rapids, Lamberton, Morris, Rosemount, and Waseca. This position will report to the ROCs/ MAES Finance Manager. Responsibilities will include the following (does not include all possible tasks in this work and does not limit the assignment of related tasks).

Major Areas of Accountability:
Budget and Financial Management 50%

• Work with the leadership at the assigned ROCs to ensure that the finance and accounting needs of the units are met appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Manage day to day finances for the center.
• Work with ROC Director on UFY budget forecast and planning process.
• Annual budget entry into the financial system and internal budget tools.
• Analyze fiscal problems. Collect information required for planning and develop possible approaches to solve/ mitigate problems.
• Maintain chart of accounts, approver for non sponsored accounts.
• Prepare periodic reports for grants and non sponsored funds; analyze trends and make projections for future funding expenditures.
• Maintain records and provide periodic reports for tax reporting, commodity inventory, and research project expenses and billable labor.
• Manage purchasing/audit/invoicing processes for needs of the center, including spring crop production supplies and contracts for professional services.
• Work with ROC Finance Managers to create, manage, maintain, and produce reports for the ROC Financial Dashboard to ensure consistent reporting across the network.
• Develop and facilitate implementation of consistent financial practices where doing so adds value to the ROC Network. This may include some travel to other Research and Outreach Centers for data gathering and training purposes.
• Facilitate the University audit process as appropriate for assigned unit(s).
• Process billable charges to other departments.
• Reconcile financial transactions to Activity/Business/Reporting Category in SQL database, ROC dashboard, and the University of Minnesota General Ledger
• Review internal service organization (ISO) and external sales (ESO) activities to ensure uniformity across the Network and compliance.

PreAward and Grants Management 30%

• Independently, review sponsor guidelines, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance and provide expert advice to faculty. Develop in-depth knowledge of the pre-award process to ensure proposal document compliance
• Lead budget development for proposals by communicating deadlines, policies, and procedures to relevant research faculty
• Submit subaward initiation documents to Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) office, and assist with subaward set-up; if needed
• Submit proposal through eGMS and track through approval process. Submit completed proposal documents and budget information to Sponsored Programs contact via email.
• Establish the grant in the department and provide advice to PIs on terms and conditions discovered in the proposal process
• Work with Agricultural Research and Production Manager and External Sales/General Counsel to prepare annual agreements for external industry research at assigned unit(s); prepare invoices and deposits for annual payments.

Accounting Services 10%

• Use EFS for deposits on behalf of the assigned unit(s)
• Use EFS/HRMS to analyze data from various modules
• Use PEAK TDX to request journals, retro, distribution changes on behalf of each unit
• Use ChromeRiver to review, validate, and approve reimbursements for assigned units.
• Abstract review and payroll verification within ROC system
• Serve as a resource for financial policies and procedures and determination of next step(s)

Unit Administration 10%

• Review biweekly payroll for assigned unit(s); perform payroll pre-confirmation process and validation
• Maintain personnel files and payroll time records and distributions.
• Work with the Manager to determine seasonal Leave of Absence and recall dates. Work with TDX HR to provide letters of notification per bargaining unit requirements.
• Ensure compliance with University policies and procedures in all tasks
• Participate as a team member on assigned special projects
• Serve as backup for other team members and/or for unit-level staff in times of overload, absence or turnover
• Continue professional development through attendance of courses, workshops, and other meetings.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of professional work experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years
• Experience in managing finances for a multifaceted organization
• Experience in managing sponsored projects.
• Experience with Excel, Word, Google Drive, and PeopleSoft Financials
• Experience in spreadsheet development.
• Numbers oriented
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service while maintaining compliance with University and federal policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Agricultural production and/or research experience.
• Excel spreadsheet development and maintenance skills
• PreAward and Grants management experience
• Professional accounting or finance experience
• Demonstrate excellent attention to detail in both written and verbal communications
• Ability to balance multiple work demands and to thrive in a changing environment
• Skilled in learning new software programs thoroughly and efficiently.
• Experience with MN GEMS and TDX

Pay Range: $60,008- 68,016; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 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:

• 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

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)

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