CS&E Finance Manager
Apply NowCompany: University of Minnesota
Location: Saint Paul, MN 55111
Description:
Position Overview
The Computer Science & Engineering (CS&E) Finance Manager is a critical member of the leadership team who is responsible for the fiscal management, compliance, and oversight of departmental finance functions (research accounting, department accounting, payroll, and purchasing). This is a Professional & Academic position. The position requires extensive knowledge and experience with sponsored and nonsponsored accounting. In addition, a critical component of this role is providing training, professional development, and supervision to the research accounting team, department accounting, and payroll. This position will develop and implement accounting practices and procedures to increase capacity, efficiency, and competency to manage sponsored projects and non-sponsored funding. Serve as liaison to collegiate and University central offices from the department. This position reports to the Chief of Staff.
Job Duties:
Team Management and Supervision (30%)
Hire, mentor, evaluate, and support the professional development of finance team staff (currently three direct reports and two indirect reports).
Organize work processes, determine priorities, and assign work.
Review finance staff work, provide feedback, and arrange training opportunities when needed.
Maintain consistent service levels through cross-training.
Foster a collaborative environment and solicit input from staff to improve processes and policies.
Finance and Grants Management Oversight (40%)
Provide oversight on assessing the department's financial environment, risks, and opportunities; apprise leadership of the financial state of the department; identify areas of concern, and recommend solutions.
Provide oversight of the department's sponsored, non-sponsored, payroll, and purchasing services, including resolving financial and sponsored management issues and implementing best practice procedures
Works in collaboration with the research accountants to provide faculty reports on sponsored and non-sponsored accounts.
In collaboration with the Senior Research Accountant, oversee the development and implementation of grants management efforts including oversight of Effort Certification process.
Work collaboratively with the Chief of Staff and Department Accountant to prepare the annual budget, including financial planning and strategy.
Serve as Certified Approver and level II department approver for faculty non-sponsored accounts. Review and approve documentation and expense transactions such as travel requests, fund transfers, and other financial transactions.
Serve as subject matter expert for re-budgeting and setup for sponsored awards.
Interpret guidelines and determine allowability and compliance on an ongoing basis; interpret and communicate sponsored agency guidelines (i.e. NSF, A-21, etc.).
In collaboration with the Department Accountant, regularly perform audits of chartstrings and initiate corrective actions, tracking progress until resolved.
Preparation of formal correspondence (i.e. agency, University, internal, external) as needed; provide advice to accountants to include review and feedback on agency correspondence.
Review and prepare responses for all internal and external audit reviews.
Prepare formal requests for SPA to establish subcontracts/consortiums; work with collaborating institutions as needed to enable sub-award collaboration.
Primary liaison between the Department and the University of Foundation to coordinate the setup, acceptance, and transfer of funds.
Department Strategic Financial Projects (20%)
Prepare and present financial analyses (e.g., trends, variance, scenario), data, reports, and financial statements as requested by the Department Head and Chief of Staff.
Lead and coordinate large, multi-PI proposal submissions.
Review financial processes and procedures to develop tools for financial efficiency.
Strategic financial projects as assigned.
University-wide, Collegiate & Department Citizenship, and Other Duties as Assigned (10%)
Develop and maintain strong relationships with University partners to enable collaboration. These partners include the CSE Dean's Office, CSE Cluster, other CSE Academic departments, SPA, SFR, REO, the Controller's Office, and the ESO/ISO office to name a few.
Serve on committees as assigned and requested, participating in a variety of fiscal and administrative policy matters. These committees include the Certified Approver Advisory Board (CAAC), Grants Management User Network (GMUN), Financial Systems User Network (FSUN), and the CSE CA Committee.
Stay informed on best practices in the area of Departmental Research Administration via memberships to professional organizations such as the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) or the Society of Research Administrators International (SRA International).
Other duties as needed to manage the accounting/financial function in the department.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
BA/BS in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field and at least six (6) years of professional accounting experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated experience developing and supervising staff as well as cross-team collaboration skills.
U of M Certified Approver (or must pass CA exam within 4-6 months from hire).
Experience with University policies and procedures related to finance and research accounting.
Experience with the University's Effort Certification process.
Experience working in a higher education institution and an understanding of the academic culture, especially engineering.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines both independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrated effectiveness in identifying and solving problems.
Demonstrated willingness to learn and grow professionally.
Capable of accepting responsibility with a high level of independent initiative, proactivity, and creativity.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with complex and sensitive issues.
About the Department
Department Overview
The Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Minnesota has been on the cutting edge for its education, research, and outreach for decades. The legacy continues as the department continues to grow by expanding its curriculum, research, and outreach.
Benefits
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:
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
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 have 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.
This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [redacted] or call ([redacted].
Diversity
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
Employment Requirements
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.
About the U of M
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).
The Computer Science & Engineering (CS&E) Finance Manager is a critical member of the leadership team who is responsible for the fiscal management, compliance, and oversight of departmental finance functions (research accounting, department accounting, payroll, and purchasing). This is a Professional & Academic position. The position requires extensive knowledge and experience with sponsored and nonsponsored accounting. In addition, a critical component of this role is providing training, professional development, and supervision to the research accounting team, department accounting, and payroll. This position will develop and implement accounting practices and procedures to increase capacity, efficiency, and competency to manage sponsored projects and non-sponsored funding. Serve as liaison to collegiate and University central offices from the department. This position reports to the Chief of Staff.
Job Duties:
Team Management and Supervision (30%)
Hire, mentor, evaluate, and support the professional development of finance team staff (currently three direct reports and two indirect reports).
Organize work processes, determine priorities, and assign work.
Review finance staff work, provide feedback, and arrange training opportunities when needed.
Maintain consistent service levels through cross-training.
Foster a collaborative environment and solicit input from staff to improve processes and policies.
Finance and Grants Management Oversight (40%)
Provide oversight on assessing the department's financial environment, risks, and opportunities; apprise leadership of the financial state of the department; identify areas of concern, and recommend solutions.
Provide oversight of the department's sponsored, non-sponsored, payroll, and purchasing services, including resolving financial and sponsored management issues and implementing best practice procedures
Works in collaboration with the research accountants to provide faculty reports on sponsored and non-sponsored accounts.
In collaboration with the Senior Research Accountant, oversee the development and implementation of grants management efforts including oversight of Effort Certification process.
Work collaboratively with the Chief of Staff and Department Accountant to prepare the annual budget, including financial planning and strategy.
Serve as Certified Approver and level II department approver for faculty non-sponsored accounts. Review and approve documentation and expense transactions such as travel requests, fund transfers, and other financial transactions.
Serve as subject matter expert for re-budgeting and setup for sponsored awards.
Interpret guidelines and determine allowability and compliance on an ongoing basis; interpret and communicate sponsored agency guidelines (i.e. NSF, A-21, etc.).
In collaboration with the Department Accountant, regularly perform audits of chartstrings and initiate corrective actions, tracking progress until resolved.
Preparation of formal correspondence (i.e. agency, University, internal, external) as needed; provide advice to accountants to include review and feedback on agency correspondence.
Review and prepare responses for all internal and external audit reviews.
Prepare formal requests for SPA to establish subcontracts/consortiums; work with collaborating institutions as needed to enable sub-award collaboration.
Primary liaison between the Department and the University of Foundation to coordinate the setup, acceptance, and transfer of funds.
Department Strategic Financial Projects (20%)
Prepare and present financial analyses (e.g., trends, variance, scenario), data, reports, and financial statements as requested by the Department Head and Chief of Staff.
Lead and coordinate large, multi-PI proposal submissions.
Review financial processes and procedures to develop tools for financial efficiency.
Strategic financial projects as assigned.
University-wide, Collegiate & Department Citizenship, and Other Duties as Assigned (10%)
Develop and maintain strong relationships with University partners to enable collaboration. These partners include the CSE Dean's Office, CSE Cluster, other CSE Academic departments, SPA, SFR, REO, the Controller's Office, and the ESO/ISO office to name a few.
Serve on committees as assigned and requested, participating in a variety of fiscal and administrative policy matters. These committees include the Certified Approver Advisory Board (CAAC), Grants Management User Network (GMUN), Financial Systems User Network (FSUN), and the CSE CA Committee.
Stay informed on best practices in the area of Departmental Research Administration via memberships to professional organizations such as the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) or the Society of Research Administrators International (SRA International).
Other duties as needed to manage the accounting/financial function in the department.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
BA/BS in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field and at least six (6) years of professional accounting experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated experience developing and supervising staff as well as cross-team collaboration skills.
U of M Certified Approver (or must pass CA exam within 4-6 months from hire).
Experience with University policies and procedures related to finance and research accounting.
Experience with the University's Effort Certification process.
Experience working in a higher education institution and an understanding of the academic culture, especially engineering.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines both independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrated effectiveness in identifying and solving problems.
Demonstrated willingness to learn and grow professionally.
Capable of accepting responsibility with a high level of independent initiative, proactivity, and creativity.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with complex and sensitive issues.
About the Department
Department Overview
The Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Minnesota has been on the cutting edge for its education, research, and outreach for decades. The legacy continues as the department continues to grow by expanding its curriculum, research, and outreach.
Benefits
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.
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 have 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.
This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [redacted] or call ([redacted].
Diversity
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
Employment Requirements
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.
About the U of M
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).