The University of Minnesota is looking for a highly motivated and organized Finance Specialist to join its Finance team, supporting the Associate Vice President, Finance & Assistant CFO, the Controllerâ™s Office, and other central finance units.

As a key member of the University Finance support team, the Finance Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting finance management, assisting with budgeting, reporting, forecasting, transaction support and approval, and reconciliation for designated units. In this role, you will act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and managers, offering guidance on both routine and complex financial matters. This position will also contribute to process improvements in budget development, ongoing reporting, and other important projects and initiatives. You will report directly to and collaborate closely with the Finance & Administration Manager on strategic initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in financial administration, including managing transactions, reviewing and approving requisitions, vouchers, and reimbursements, and ensuring compliance with University policies. The candidate will be proficient in reconciling resources and expenses, investigating discrepancies, and working with the Financial Operations Office (FinOps) to ensure accuracy. Additionally, the candidate will assist with financial planning and analysis by supporting expense and revenue forecasting, analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and coordinating year-end closeouts. They will also contribute to strategic projects, such as developing budget models, implementing financial templates, and handling administrative tasks. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work with stakeholders of varying financial expertise are essential for success in this role.

Hybrid Work Environment

We Offer:

• Opportunity for growth through an environment that supports professional development.
• MN State Retirement System (MSRS) pension plan - tax-deferred.
• 3 paid vacation days per year (starting accrual rate), in addition to 13 paid sick days and 11 paid holidays.
• Reduced tuition opportunities covering 75% - 100% of eligible tuition.
• Excellent and affordable health care benefits.
• Wellness program with the opportunity to earn lower health care rates.
• Annual merit increase program.
   

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Financial Administration and Operations (40%)

• Primary support for financial transactions, including working closely with the Financial Operation Office (FinOps) to initiate journal entries, cost transfers, and process budget adjustments.
• Review and approve financial transactions (e.g., requisitions, vouchers, reimbursements, and PCards), considering fund availability and budget plans.
• Support all Associate Vice President Finance (AVPFN) units with transactions to reconcile resources and expenses to the ledger, investigate discrepancies, and connect with FinOps to request correcting journal entries.
• Monitor transactions to comply with University policies and correct account strings.
• Serve as the point of contact for AVPFN units and other units such as the Board of Regents Office, advising them on accounting policies and procedures.

Financial Planning and Analysis (30%)

• Assist the Finance & Administration Manager with expense and revenue forecasting, including the development of budget models and reports.
• Analyze and make recommendations based on budgets and financial data for historical trends, anomalies, and business needs.
• Collaborate with department directors to understand their budget needs, financial activities, budget needs, and funding requirements.
• Prepare quarterly financial reports and present findings to management.
• Coordinate year-end closeout of operational budgets.

Strategic Project Support and Administrative Tasks (30%)

• Support the Finance and Administration Manager with strategic projects for University Finance. Duties may include research, analysis, and process implementation. (e.g. developing a budget modeling template, establishing a financial spending report)
• Serve as the Delegation of Authority Specialist for AVPFN
• Handle administrative tasks such as receiving and sorting mail, follow-up with vendors for invoice detail inquiries, and other duties as assigned.

*The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Required Qualifications (please document on the resume):

• BA/BS plus at least two years of professional work experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years.
• Experience in financial planning and budget management
• Strong customer service abilities with clear and effective communication, including building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, team members, and leaders.
• Proficient in using computers and common software applications, including Microsoft and Google Suites.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adjust priorities as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications (please document on the resume):

• Familiar with University systems such as PeopleSoft (PS), UMReports, and UMAnalytics)
• Proven ability to proactively identify and resolve complex issues.

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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