Position Overview

This position independently manages complex accounting, post-award sponsored project administration, and financial activities for assigned Medical School units, including the Duluth campus and Medical School Institutes and Centers. The position serves as a financial advisor and subject matter resource to principal investigators, faculty, administrators, and staff on
sponsored and non-sponsored financial activity.

The position is responsible for analyzing complex financial information, identifying and resolving financial and compliance issues, developing recommendations, and advising stakeholders on appropriate courses of action. The position exercises independent judgment in interpreting University and sponsor requirements, monitoring financial activity and award compliance, forecasting financial performance, and ensuring the appropriate stewardship of University and sponsored funds.

Duties/Responsibilities

50%: Post Award Grant Management

• Independently manage the financial and post-award administration of assigned cost-reimbursable and fixed-price sponsored projects, partnering with principal investigators, administrative/lab staff, and other accounting staff to ensure appropriate financial management and compliance throughout the award lifecycle.
• Serve as a primary financial advisor and liaison among principal investigators, Sponsored Projects Administration, Sponsored Financial Reporting, and departmental staff, independently interpreting and communicating University, sponsor, and award-specific requirements.
• Interpret sponsor and University requirements related to PI/staff eligibility, cost sharing, sponsor restrictions, award terms, and other financial and compliance requirements, and advise stakeholders on appropriate action.
• Analyze financial and award circumstances and provide recommendations regarding administrative requests to sponsors, including rebudgeting, no-cost extensions, changes to key personnel, carryover of unspent funds, budget shortfalls/overruns, and subaward activity.
• Advise, draft, and review financial communications submitted on behalf of principal investigators to ensure accuracy, compliance, and financial integrity.
• Develop and analyze ad hoc, monthly, and annual financial reports for assigned grants, projects, and programs. Independently identify areas of financial or compliance concern, determine potential solutions, provide documentation for audit purposes, and recommend courses of action to principal investigators and unit leadership.
• Lead financial discussions with principal investigators regarding award status, projections, financial risks, compliance concerns, and recommended actions.
• Advise principal investigators on appropriate payroll distributions and labor charging based on award budgets, anticipated activity, and applicable requirements.
• Coordinate effort certification for assigned faculty and sponsored projects and identify and resolve discrepancies or compliance concerns.
• Monitor assigned awards for financial and compliance concerns, including FCOI, RCR, Other Support documentation, and requirements related to human subjects or vertebrate animals, and coordinate resolution of identified issues with appropriate stakeholders.
• Review and approve expenditures using independent judgment to determine compliance with University and sponsor requirements; forecast future spending; identify financial risks or potential deficits; and proactively develop and communicate recommendations for resolution

45%: Unit Forecasting, Budgeting, and Reporting

• Independently develop and analyze monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc financial reports and projections for assigned departmental and faculty non-sponsored chart strings. Identify trends, risks, and areas of concern and advise departmental stakeholders on potential solutions and financial strategies
• Develop University budgets in collaboration with unit stakeholders, using financial analysis, historical activity, anticipated needs, and available resources to inform budget recommendations.
• Advise assigned units regarding external financial reporting requirements and coordinate completion as necessary.
• Serve as a financial subject matter resource to faculty, administrators, and staff regarding University policies and procedures related to purchasing, travel, justification preparation, p-card use, and other financial and regulatory activities. Interpret requirements and advise stakeholders on appropriate courses of action.
• Independently review and approve financial transactions, exercising judgment to determine allowability, appropriate funding sources, and compliance with University requirements.
• Monitor and analyze spending activity on assigned chart strings, reconcile financial activity, identify discrepancies or emerging financial concerns, and determine appropriate corrective action.
• Independently investigate and resolve accounting issues identified through financial review, including determining when journal entries, payroll distribution changes, billing adjustments, or other corrective actions are necessary.
• Analyze funding sources and financial activity to determine appropriate payroll distributions and labor charging.
• Serve as a primary financial partner to assigned department administrators, faculty, and staff, communicating regularly regarding budgets, forecasts, financial risks, compliance requirements, and recommended actions.

5%: Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS plus at least four years of professional work experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal eight years.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Familiarity with University systems such as PeopleSoft HRMS, EFS, UM Analytics, ECRT and EGMS
• Current UMN Certified Approver or ability to obtain certification within 12-months of employment
• Grant management and accounting experience
• Demonstrated ability to independently interpret and apply complex accounting principles, sponsor requirements, and University policies, procedures, and guidelines to sponsored and non-sponsored financial activities..
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage priorities, coordinate multiple assignments simultaneously, and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively to financial and non-financial audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated customer service experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong technical, problem solving and process improvement skills
• Analytical skills, ability to gather, organize and present data in a meaningful way
• Experience managing finances for units with diverse funding sources to include: forecasting, analysis, budgeting, and complex reporting.
• Experience with federal granting agencies to include budgeting

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $40.87 - $43.27 per hour ($85,000 - $90,000 annually); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Work Location: Hybrid; 4 days remote, 1 day in person

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

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.

How To Apply

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 [email protected].