Accounting Specialist I

Summary of Position:

This position performs basic accounting activities and financial reporting transactions in support of a portfolio of RRCs in the Finance Operations Center. Consults with accounting and other finance professionals within the Finance Operations Center to ensure appropriate and timely support.

Job Duties:

Accounting 75%

• Uses information and requests received from a portfolio of RRCs to analyze and prepare chartfield requests in EFS, prepare journal entry analysis, computation, and documentation, as well as complete the entry of journal entries into EFS. Requests will be processed following University standard methodologies and procedures in journal entries, ledger/fund analyses, journal corrections, year-end activities, budget journal uploads, and the like
• Collaborates with finance staff at RRCs on accounting period closings, reviewing reports and other materials to ensure reasonableness and identifying and resolving errors of a simple nature.
• Facilitates capital asset transactions of growing complexity and collaborates with Accounting Services to ensure the accurate execution of financial transactions.
• Explains, interprets, and applies University accounting policies and procedures.
• Uses the chart of accounts with developing proficiency and understanding, ensures chartfield string integrity by working with other accounting professionals to recommend updates based on analysis and review of existing transactions and accurate uses.
• Processes payroll accounting transactions initiated by HR or finance requests such as new hire, additional pay, etc. or funding changes initiated by a finance request (keys payroll distribution chartfield strings, verifies funding, validates additional pay entry, processes retroactive adjustments, etc.). Typically addressing simple funding structures.
• Proactively analyzes and supervises payroll activity in order to complete payroll distributions and process changes based on communication with departments, understanding of funding sources and upcoming changes. Collaborate closely with unit contacts (including finance staff, as well as academic and research staff) to process retro payroll distributions.
• Understands technical accounting concepts, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and other guiding concepts with developing proficiency.

Unit Support 10%

• Supports planning by assisting in producing and reviewing supporting financial data.
• May prepare ad hoc financial reports to support reporting and decision-making needs of the assigned portfolio of RRCs.
• Supports analysis and communication of the impact of activities on RRCs' overall financial well-being.

Professional Development 10%

• May chip in to training manuals and procedures for the Finance Operations Center.
• Identifies and participates in opportunities for cross-training across Finance Operations Center functions to maintain adequate coverage of all functions.
• Completes professional development, education, and training activities, consistent with being responsible for the position's responsibilities.
• Completes continued learning and development appropriate to work duties and for the pursuit of the individual, unit, and institutional success.
• Participates in staff development based on individual needs, including ongoing skills training, DEI development, professional learning, service & scholarly activity, and engagement & well-being.
• As an individual contributor, models UMN's dedication to crafting an inclusive work environment and encouraging a caring culture.

Other duties as assigned 5%

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Required:

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience equal to four years

Preferred:

• Ability to harmonize with standard technology platforms (e.g., word processing, data entry, email, internet browsing, etc.)
• Ability to read, interpret, and compile information according to prescribed methods.
• Ability to apply logic to problem solve and find solutions

Pay Range: $25.89 - $26.75 per hour; 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

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.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.