Finance Professional 3 - MNPI Administrative Center

The MNPI Center is seeking an experienced individual interested in research-related finance providing advanced management and oversight of assigned MNPI faculty sponsored research projects as well as their non-sponsored programs. Working independently with a great and highly productive support team, you will serve as a liaison to Principal Investigators and manage accounting processes from pre-award, through post-award, and closeout. This position is responsible for navigating university policies, helping labs with procedures, reconcile transactions, prepare reports, and interpret and analyze them to offer guidance. Also performs departmental accounting duties such as financial system transaction entry and approvals as needed. Certified approver preferred otherwise the expectation is to earn status within one year of hire.

(70%) Financial Management and Reporting:
* Provide critical review of large data sets for sponsored and non-sponsored accounts including monthly financial reports, projections, identifying trends, and working with faculty and lab staff to resolve financial issues.
* Forecast potential budgets and planning accordingly. This could mean recommending staffing changes and suggesting expenditure shifts from different accounts.
* Manage specialized projects or programs such as internal service organizations, training grant programs, departments, graduate programs, research centers, and other exciting programs to advance the University's mission.
* Process sponsor requests and reporting documents that route through central units.
* 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 to ensure reasonableness and compliance with sponsor and university policy.
* Meet regularly with PIs and management to review financial status of PIs. Provide guidance and problem solve solutions for issues pertaining to financial shortfalls.
* Develop budgets 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.
* Serve as an expert on 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:
* As a University of Minnesota Certified Approver, follow relevant guidelines to determine whether a given transaction is allowable, allocable, reasonable, and affordable.
* Using evolving knowledge of policy and procedures; review, resolve and approve transactions for assigned department(s). Examples include requisitions, vouchers, PCard, ChromeRiver, RAR, and other finance related transactions.
* Work with the Purchasing Coordinator, PIs and lab staff to rectify problematic transactions prior to approving. May serve as department card administrator.
* 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:
* Support Finance Director and Finance Manager with ad-hoc reporting.
* Backup other team members and serve as a resource for policy/procedure questions.
* Attend job related training to enhance normal and specialized knowledge in administering grants and programs.
* Represent the center on various committees.
* Special projects as assigned.

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:
* Bachelor's Degree in accounting and four years of professional accounting experience and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position totaling at least eight years.
* 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.
* Certified approver status.
* 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.

Pay Range: $37.00 - $41.00 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.