Finance Professional 3 Lead - UMN Arboretum, Chanhassen MN

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

The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (MLA) is one of the nation's premier public gardens and a unit of the University of Minnesota College of Food, Science and Natural Sciences. Through horticulture excellence, education, research, and community engagement, the MLA inspires appreciation and stewardship of plants and the natural world.

The Finance Professional Lead partners with the Finance Manager to oversee the financial operations of the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (MLA) and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Foundation (MLAF). This position provides functional supervision and day-to-day direction for two Business Office employees while leading financial reporting, budgeting, accounting operations, internal controls, process improvement, and staff development. Serving as a trusted financial advisor, the Finance Professional Lead partners with leadership to support strategic decision-making, ensure compliance with University and MLAF policies, and advance the MLA's long-term financial sustainability.

Location: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN

Work Schedule: Core Hours 8:00 am - 3:30 pm with flexibility between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. Hybrid - Minimum 4 days a week in the office

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

35% Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, risks, and opportunities; develop recommendations and forecasting models to support strategic decision-making.
• Prepare recurring financial reports and analyses, including budget-to-actual, operational results, grant activity, fundraising, endowments, capital projects, attendance, payroll, inventory, and other management reports.
• Prepare financial statements and project-level financial reporting for MLAF programs, endowments, and restricted funds.
• Develop financial forecasts for sponsored, non-sponsored, gift, and MLAF funds.
• Provide financial guidance and respond to inquiries from management, donors, Board members, committees, and department leaders.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance revenue generation.
• Develop financial queries, dashboards, and automated reporting tools to compile, analyze, interpret, and project financial information.
• Prepare project cash flow analyses and status reports.
• Assist with reporting and reconciliation of financial information within Altru, point-of-sale systems, event registration, and credit card systems.
• Partner with Information Technology to enhance financial reporting and data management capabilities.
• Partner with department leaders to develop budgets, evaluate financial performance, and support informed business decisions.

35% Financial Accounting, Operations, and Compliance

• Maintain the chart of accounts and general ledger structures for the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and MLAF.
• Perform monthly reconciliations for cash, investments, receivables, payables, endowments, restricted funds, and other balance sheet accounts.
• Develop, document, and maintain accounting procedures and internal control processes.
• Assist with preparation of the MLAF annual external audit, tax return, and supporting schedules.
• Monitor accounting standards, regulatory changes, and University policies to ensure compliance.
• Monitor investment allocations and endowment activity.
• Support the annual budget development process, including budget planning, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Support the month-end and year-end close activities to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Financial Operations:
  • Oversee daily deposits and revenue reconciliation.
  • Coordinate internal and external billing activities and related reconciliations.
  • Administer Altru financial configuration, balancing, and reconciliation.
  • Coordinate sales tax reporting and remittance.
  • Maintain PCI compliance and private data regulations.

30% Leadership and Business Operations

• Serve as acting Finance Manager during extended absences.
• Provide day-to-day work direction, training, and coaching, and workflow oversight for two Business Office staff members.
• Lead, coach, and mentor Business Office staff while fostering professional development and continuous improvement.
• Develop user guides, workflow documentation, and procedural manuals.
• Interpret and communicate University and MLAF financial policies and procedures.
• Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and improve the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.
• Monitor financial transactions within Altru, EFS, and MLAF systems.
• Review chart string usage to ensure proper accounting and compliance.
• Respond professionally and promptly to inquiries from staff, donors, vendors, members, and external stakeholders.
• Support annual organizational goals and strategic initiatives through sound financial management and collaboration.
• Foster collaborative relationships across departments to support operational and strategic initiatives.
• Exercise independent judgment in resolving complex accounting issues and recommending financial solutions to leadership.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and efficient completion of Business Office financial processes and deliverables.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional accounting or financial management experience or a combination of related education and experience totaling at least eight (8) years.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.
• Experience preparing and analyzing financial statements, reconciliations, and complex financial reports.
• Experience with general ledger accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Experience using enterprise financial systems (EFS) and Microsoft Office applications, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects, exercise sound professional judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise workflow, train staff, and collaborate effectively across departments.
• Demonstrated experience leading process improvement initiatives that strengthen internal controls, improve operational efficiency, and enhance financial reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment when interpreting financial policies and resolving complex accounting issues.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial data and communicate findings effectively to both financial and non-financial audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory or team lead experience in a finance or accounting environment.
• Experience working with higher education, nonprofit organizations, or affiliated foundations.
• Experience with University of Minnesota Enterprise Financial System (EFS) or similar ERP systems (PeopleSoft, Workday, Oracle, SAP, Banner, etc.).
• Experience with Altru, Blackbaud, or other fundraising, donor management, ticketing, or point-of-sale systems.
• Experience with grant accounting, restricted funds, endowment accounting, and capital project reporting.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.
• Experience supporting financial system implementations or conversions.
• Experience supporting annual external (and internal) audits and preparation of IRS Form 990 or other nonprofit tax filings.
• Experience developing financial dashboards, automated reporting, SQL queries, or business intelligence tools.
• Knowledge of sales tax regulations, payment card industry (PCI) compliance, and financial data security requirements.

Professional Competencies

• Exercises sound professional judgment.
• Demonstrates initiative and accountability.
• Produces accurate, high-quality work.
• Builds collaborative relationships across all departments.
• Provides excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Exercises discretion and sound judgment when handling confidential financial information.
• Embraces continuous improvement and process innovation.

Pay Range: $82,000 - $88,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

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.

Please include the following required application materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on Aug 17th.

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.