Finance Professional 3: Finance Generalist

Finance Professional 3: Finance Generalist
This position works in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) in a shared services role for the Finance and Budget office in support of various academic, administrative, and programmatic units. This position is responsible for performing complex professional accounting requiring the application of general accounting principles and University policies.

Responsibilities include developing project and department budgets; preparation of grant proposal administrative and budget related submission documents; interpreting grant and contract regulations; preparing financial reports for internal and external audiences; researching the source and cause of discrepancies in accounting systems; maintaining the integrity of accounting systems and the chart of accounts; developing financial projections; and approving financial transactions.

Hybrid environment; Twin Cities commutable

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

Major Areas of Accountability:
Grants Management 45%

• Assist Faculty and other principal and co- investigators on grant proposals, budget development and MN-GEMS preparation/approval and routing for sponsored projects.
• Works closely with Sponsored Projects Administration and Sponsored Financial Reporting to set up grants and subcontracts and close out of grants.
• Regular communication with faculty providing budget expertise, financial reporting and policy and procedure interpretation for sponsored projects.
• Analyze issues related to a specific grant, PI, type of charge; make recommendations to ameliorate the issues.
• Facilitates the Effort Certification process and applies approvals.

Financial Management 40%

• Approve and monitor allowable and allocable expense documents, following agency/federal guidelines and University policies and procedures; approve and process sponsored project re-budgeting in the PeopleSoft Enterprise Financial System.
• Prepares ad hoc reports of sponsored and non-sponsored funds as requested by departmental administration and faculty; analyze trends and make projections for future funding and expenditures.
• Maintain chart of accounts.
• Ensures that non-sponsored accounts are appropriately managed within the assigned college units. Manages O&M, State Special, research and extension, sales & services, unrestricted, and UM Foundation accounts.
• Works within the team to provide information and coaching to ensure consistent process and communications.
• Approve financial transactions.
• Reviews transactions ensuring that any variances are explained and appropriately handled. Work closely with the other financial staff as necessary to resolve issues.

Annual Budget Development/Planning 10%

• Develops annual budget plan, and completion of recap budget tool data entry.
• Prepares entry of budget into the EFS financial system. Administration and Other Duties 5%
• Continue professional development through attendance of courses, workshops, seminars, and other meetings.
• Other duties as assigned, to include project work at request of supervisor or finance leadership
• Demonstrates ethical behavior in the conduct of all position responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, or related field and four years of professional accounting experience and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience equal to eight (8) years. Additional relevant work experience may be substituted for the degree.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in proposal preparation and managing sponsored and non-sponsored accounts. Experience in spreadsheet development.
• Able to work independently and as part of a finance team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in higher education or a similar academic environment.
• Certified Approver or ability to obtain certified approver status within a designated timeframe. Experience with MN-GEMS, ECRT and PeopleSoft Financials
• Able to identify many variables with many options and explain various outcomes of each situation. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks
• Ability to provide excellent customer service while maintaining compliance with University and federal policies and procedures.

Pay Range: $36.06 - $40.82/hr ($75,000 - $84,906/yr), 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.

Resume required and cover letter preferred.

Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on April 2, 2026.

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).