Upper Midwest HERC

The MNPI Center is seeking a motivated individual interested in research related financial management to grow our team. This is generally an entry-level position into the finance professional career path that will work closely with existing Finance Professionals to navigate university policies, assist labs with procedures, reconcile transactions, prepare reports and interpret them to offer guidance, and work towards providing independent financial support services. Individuals with experience in the above are also welcome to apply for an expedited path to independence.

Salary Range: $52,000 - $60,000 depending on qualifications.

Work Arrangement: Mostly remote with occasional in-person time as needed.

(70%) Financial Reporting:

• Provide financial management support for sponsored and non-sponsored accounts.
• Generate monthly financial reports, including projections, identifying trends, working with faculty and lab staff to resolve financial issues.
• Review purchasing and payroll transactions on accounts for policy compliance and budgetary impact.
• Initiate, process and/or approve financial transactions for efficient and timely account management.
• Reconcile accounts for reasonableness.
• Meet regularly with PI’s and management to review financial status of PI’s.  Provide guidance and problem solve solutions for issues pertaining to financial shortfalls.
• Assist with budget development on grant submissions ensuring compliance with University and sponsor guidelines.
• Work with SPA and SFR on sponsor activities to meet contractual obligations such as award setups, rebudget and closeouts.
• Keep current on both University and sponsored policies and procedures giving guidance to faculty and staff when necessary.
• Monitor salary distributions and process distribution updates and retroactive corrections when necessary.

(10%) Transaction Approvals:

• Using evolving knowledge of policy and procedures, review, resolve and approve EFS transactions for assigned department(s) to include requisitions, vouchers, pcard, etc.
• Work with the Purchasing Coordinator, PI’s and lab staff to rectify problematic transactions prior to approving.
• Utilize excellent customer service skills to explain and uphold policies, seek win-win solutions and follow through to resolution.

(10%) Effort Certification:

• Coordinate effort certification process and ensure deadlines are met.
• Monitor dollar values committed, salary cap compliance and reportable cost-share.
• Verify that paid and unpaid effort have been properly accounted for in the payroll system and ECRT.
• Make salary adjustments to ensure reported effort is correct.

(10%) Other Duties as Assigned:

• Backup other team members
• Serve on various committees
• Special projects as assigned

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting and two years of professional accounting experience and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Experience with Microsoft Office including advanced skills with Excel spreadsheets.
• Prior experience with financial analysis, forecasting and reporting.
• Familiarity with payroll processes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and accounts simultaneously, and to work both independently and as part of a team.
• High level of analytical and problem solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within and outside of the area and with all levels of management.
• Proven ability to provide superior customer service

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with University of Minnesota Enterprise Financial System (EFS) and PeopleSoft.
• Experience with University of Minnesota HRMS and payroll systems.
• Experience using Filemaker database.
• Prior experience with post award grants management, including effort certification.
• Prior experience planning and implementing budgets.
• Good organizational and prioritization skills.
• Proven ability to follow through on issues for timely resolution.

About University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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