Overview:The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS) in the College of Science and Engineering is seeking a Finance Professional 3 to join our finance team. We are looking for a detail-oriented and motivated individual who thrives in a collaborative environment. The incumbent will be assigned a portfolio of faculty principal investigators and manage their
sponsored and non-sponsored funds, in addition to contributing to other department-level accounting responsibilities. The Finance Professional 3 is a vital member of the CEMS finance
team, supporting a leading academic unit with vibrant research endeavors. This position is crucial in ensuring financial accuracy, compliance, and effective resource allocation. The
duties/responsibilities as laid out below may be shifted depending on experience and interest.
This position is in-person, but there is flexibility to work from home up to two days per week. 100% remote work can be considered, subject to higher level approval. The expected salary range for this role is $74,000-$86,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
Job Duties: Financial Management, Analysis, and Compliance (65%)
• Partner with faculty principal investigators to manage awarded sponsored research grants and non-sponsored accounts. This includes post-award, accounting, reconciliations, auditing, and approving or denying expenditures.
• Prepare reports and forecasts related to sponsored and non-sponsored activities.
• Regularly meet with faculty to support short- and long-term financial planning for their sponsored projects and non-sponsored faculty accounts.
• Process or approve retroactive payroll adjustments and journal entries.
• Review and approve financial transactions to ensure compliance with university, college, and departmental policies, as well as state and federal regulations.
• Ensure compliance with sponsor or donor restrictions for awarded grants.
• Work with Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) to ensure sponsored requirements are met and ensure grants are set-up and closed out properly.
• Work with Sponsored Financial Reporting (SFR) to prepare and analyze detailed reports provided to sponsors for accuracy.
Grant Preparation and Effort Coordination (20%)
• Develop sponsored project budgets in collaboration with University faculty and staff.
• Prepare proposals in MN-GEMS in collaboration with faculty and SPA.
• Review and approve proposals created outside the department (e.g., other colleges, institutions, and agencies) that include CEMS faculty or resources.
• Develop and maintain accurate effort reports per faculty investigator in order to monitor effort commitments, salary cap compliance and reportable cost-share.
• Coordinate effort certification process.
• Verify that paid and unpaid effort have been properly accounted for in the payroll system and ECRT.
Departmental Financial Support (15%)
• Serve as a certified approver for the department.
• Assist with managing departmental financial processes, including foundation and endowment funds.
• Works with unit administration on annual budget preparation, entry, and close out.
• Completes University of Minnesota Foundation transfers, and external and internal customer billing.
• Support faculty, staff, and students with financial aspects of CEMS projects and events.
• Support Internal and External Service Organizations.
• Attends GMUN, FSUN and SPA meetings and appropriate training opportunities. Serves on committees if needed.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications:• Bachelors degree (BA/BS) in Accounting, Finance, or a related field and four years professional accounting experience, or a combination of related education and work experience to total eight years.
• Experience managing finances to include complex reporting; forecasting; analysis; and budgeting.
• Client or customer service experience.
• Proficiency with Excel, Google Sheets, or similar office spreadsheet programs.
Preferred Qualifications:• Certified Approver status, or the ability to pass the University of Minnesota Certified Approver exam within 6-12 months of hire.
• Accounting experience in a higher education institution with knowledge of administrative policies and procedures, financial management, sponsored projects, auditing within a large institution, and an understanding of the academic culture.
• Experience with the University of Minnesota Enterprise Financial System
• Experience with the University's Grants Electronic Management System (MN-GEMS)
• Experience with an effort certification process. Experience to include using University of Minnesota's Effort Certification system (ECRT)
• 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 with overlapping deadlines and ability to reprioritize tasks as needed to successfully meet all deadlines.
About the DepartmentDepartment Vision: Empowering people and breaking boundaries through innovative research and education.
Department Mission: To lead our disciplines through pioneering research, innovative teaching, and exemplary service in an inclusive and collaborative community.
Overview: The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS) at the University of Minnesota (UMN) is renowned for its pioneering scholarly work and influence on graduate and undergraduate education, extending over half a century. The Department has produced numerous legendary engineering scholars and current leaders in academia and industry. In 1970, CEMS was the first to foster the far-reaching marriage of two disciplines - chemical engineering and materials science - in one integrated Department, producing a unique and collaborative environment in which the natural synergies between the two fields could be realized. Pace-setting research and education programs now span nearly all chemical and materials engineering branches.
For more information please visit https://cse.umn.edu/cems.
BenefitsWorking at the UniversityAt 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
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
How To ApplyApplications 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.
DiversityThe 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
Employment RequirementsAny 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.
About the U of MThe 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).
