Required Qualifications:
BA/BS with a major in accounting, business administration, or a related field and four years professional accounting experience or a combination of related education and work experience to total eight years Accounting experience that includes forecasting, reporting, monitoring, and budgeting Experience using PeopleSoft or similar financial and payroll systems Proficiency with Excel or similar office spreadsheet programs
Preferred Qualifications:
Certified Approver status or the ability to pass the University of Minnesota Certified Approver exam within 6-12 months of hire Experience with the University of Minnesota Enterprise Financial System Experience with HRMS (Human Resources Management System) Experience with sponsored projects (auditing, accounting, or pre- or post-award project administration) in a higher educational setting Accounting experience in a higher education institution with knowledge of administrative policies and procedures, budget analysis, forecasting, reporting and auditing within a large institution Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, and individuals. Must have excellent communication skills, strong problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as in a team environment, and manage multiple tasks under deadline pressures Demonstrated ability to self-start and take initiative on assignments
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) in the College of Science and Engineering is seeking a Finance Professional 3 to join our finance team. We are looking for an enthusiastic and innovative team player ready to join a culture of excellence.
The Finance Professional 3 position will support the department’s mission of education, research and outreach. Toward that end, the successful candidate will be assigned the areas of responsibility and accountability listed below. ECE envisions a person who excels at communication, is detail-oriented, and is interested in efficient and innovative processes, and expects the successful candidate will take advantage of the ample opportunities for professional growth and knowledge acquisition that will be provided. This position will work closely with the Finance Manager and three other accounting professionals in a collaborative and rewarding setting.
Duties/responsibilities as laid out below may be shifted depending on experience and interest. This position is in-person but there is flexibility to work from home two days per week.
Duties/Responsibilities
This position is responsible for interpreting grant and contract policies and regulations, developing financial projections and recommendations, approving financial transactions, analyzing and auditing sponsored and non-sponsored accounts for compliance with financial, legal, and reporting requirements of the sponsor and University. The Finance Professional 3 will serve as an expert resource to faculty and departmental staff on all aspects of university accounting, including sponsored projects, as well as university financial and reporting systems.
55% Financial Reporting/Approver and Grants Management
Serve as an expert resource to Principal Investigators/faculty to develop financial projections and make adjustments, as needed; meet with PIs as needed, at least monthly, regarding account status; analyze financial activity and prepare monthly financial reports. Communicate and coordinate with faculty and staff from multiple departments, colleges and central units, the Office of Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) and Sponsored Financial Reporting (SFR), to meet requirements and deadlines. Work with SPA and SFR with project renewals, no-cost extensions, re-budgeting and close-outs. Assist faculty with proposal budget planning: decipher funder requirements, and create tools for accurate and efficient proposal budget creation. When proposals are accepted, continue to work with SPA and agencies to set up the awards, which include a PeopleSoft Friendly budget. Act as department approver for sponsored and non-sponsored research accounts. Evaluate transactions for compliance with financial and regulatory requirements of the sponsor and University. Review and approve purchasing requisitions, vendor payments, including subcontract invoices, journal entries, re-budgeting and adjustment requests. Participate in continuing education on new policies and procedures.
30% Manage Grant Proposal Submission Process
Review and summarize individual solicitation requirements and review criteria. Determine and communicate internal (e.g. department, university) and external agency deadlines. Identify, maintain, and share with faculty examples of successful proposals and boilerplate for standard documents. Assess need and provide assistance to faculty as necessary (e.g. editing, copy editing, formatting) in order to meet funder requirements and deadlines. Assemble all final proposal documents for timely submission to SPA. Review and sign off on proposals created outside the department (e.g. other colleges, institutions and agencies) that include ECE faculty or resources. Keep electronic files of applications and application materials.
10% Effort and Payroll
Compile and analyze data from a variety of sources to meet Cost Share and Effort guidelines. Review, analyze and reconcile Effort Certification Reports. Provide recommendations to PIs on cost share and effort activities to ensure compliance. Liaison with faculty, research staff and other departments. Determine and implement best practices to assist faculty and other researchers with effort certification issues and questions. Prepare PI summer salary distributions. Approve payroll appointments. Process retro distributions and distribution changes as needed. Assist faculty with payroll-related questions including encumbrances, expenditures, and costs for a variety of job classes.
5% Other Duties
Serve as backup for other accounting team members as needed. Participate in meetings, training sessions, and special projects as needed to contribute to the development, maintenance, and improvement of the Department and College.
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is one of the largest departments within the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC). Current research areas include Biomedical and Biological Computation Methods; Devices and Systems; Communications, Signal Processing, and Networking; Computer Engineering, VLSI, and Circuits; Fields, Photonics, and Magnetics; Micro and Nano Structures; Sustainable Energy Systems, Power Electronics and Drives; Systems and Controls. To learn more about the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Minnesota, please visit the department website (https://ece.umn.edu/).
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 [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (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.
Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to report complete vaccination against COVID-19 or submit documentation requesting a medical or religious exemption on their first day of employment. To learn more, please visit the University's COVID-19 Response webpage.
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.