Fin Pro 3-Grnt/Rsrch Fin

The Finance Professional 3 (FP3) position within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) supports the department's mission of education, research and outreach. The incumbent will be assigned the areas of responsibility and accountability listed below. The incumbent excels at communication, is thorough, and is interested in efficient and innovative processes. This individual will take advantage of the ample opportunities for professional growth and knowledge acquisition that will be provided. This position works closely with the Finance Manager and three other accounting professionals in a collaborative setting.

This position is in-person, with flexibility to work from home two days per week. The expected salary range for this role is $72,000-$84,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Duties/Responsibilities

60% Financial Reporting/Approver and Grants Management
- Partner with Principal Investigators (PIs)/faculty to develop financial projections and adjust, as needed; meet with PIs as needed, at least monthly, regarding account status; analyze financial activity and prepare monthly financial reports.
- Communicate and coordinate with faculty and staff from multiple departments, colleges and central units, the Office of Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) and Sponsored Financial Reporting (SFR), to meet requirements and deadlines. Work with SPA and SFR with project renewals, no-cost extensions, re-budgeting and close-outs.
- Assist faculty with proposal budget planning: decipher funder requirements, and create tools for accurate and efficient proposal budget creation.
- When proposals are accepted, continue to work with SPA and agencies to set up the awards, which include a PeopleSoft Friendly budget, including updates within MnGEMS.
- Serve as department approver for sponsored and non-sponsored research accounts. Evaluate transactions for compliance with financial and regulatory requirements of the sponsor and University. Review and approve purchasing requisitions, vendor payments, including subcontract invoices, journal entries, re-budgeting and adjustment requests.
- Participate in continuing education on new policies and procedures.

30% Effort and Payroll
- Compile and analyze data from varied sources to meet cost share and effort guidelines. Review, analyze and reconcile Effort Certification Reports. Provide recommendations to PIs on cost share and effort activities to ensure compliance. Liaison with faculty, research staff and other departments.
- Determine and implement best practices to assist faculty and other researchers with effort certification issues and questions.
- Review and approve PI summer salary distributions, affirming in line with effort commitments
- Approve payroll appointments. Process retro distributions and distribution changes as needed. Assist faculty with payroll-related questions including encumbrances, expenditures, and costs for a variety of job classes.

10% Other Duties
- Serve as backup for other accounting team members as needed.
- Provide backup assistance for the grant proposal submission process as needed.
- Participate in meetings, training sessions, and special projects as needed to contribute to the development, maintenance, and improvement of the Department and College.

Required Qualifications:
- BA/BS with a major in accounting, business administration, or a related field and four years professional accounting experience, or a combination of related education and work experience to total eight years
- Certified Approver status, or the ability to pass the University of Minnesota Certified Approver exam within 12 months of hire
- Accounting experience that includes forecasting, reporting, monitoring, and budgeting
- Proficiency with Excel or similar office spreadsheet programs

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with the University of Minnesota Enterprise Financial System
- Experience with HRMS (Human Resources Management System) systems
- Experience with sponsored projects (auditing, accounting, or pre- or post-award project administration) in a higher education setting
- Accounting experience in a higher education area with knowledge of administrative policies and procedures, budget analysis, forecasting, reporting and auditing within a large institution
- Proven track record of building and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external team members. Must have excellent communication skills, strong problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as in a team environment, and balance multiple tasks under deadline pressures

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is one of the largest departments within the College of Science and Engineering. Current research areas include Biomedical and Biological Computation Methods; Devices and Systems; Communications, Signal Processing, and Networking; Computer Engineering, VLSI, and Circuits; Fields, Photonics, and Magnetics; Micro and Nano Structures; Sustainable Energy Systems, Power Electronics and Drives; Systems and Controls. To learn more about the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Minnesota, please visit the department website.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

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 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).