Finance Professional 3 Lead

Position Overview

The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (MLA) is one of the nation’s premier public gardens and a unit of the University of Minnesota College of Food, Science and Natural Sciences. Through horticulture excellence, education, research, and community engagement, the MLA inspires appreciation and stewardship of plants and the natural world.

The Finance Professional Lead partners with the Finance Manager to oversee the financial operations of the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (MLA) and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Foundation (MLAF). This position provides functional supervision and day-to-day direction for two Business Office employees while leading financial reporting, budgeting, accounting operations, internal controls, process improvement, and staff development. Serving as a trusted financial advisor, the Finance Professional Lead partners with leadership to support strategic decision-making, ensure compliance with University and MLAF policies, and advance the MLA’s long-term financial sustainability.

Reports to:

Finance Manager

Provides functional supervision to:
Finance Professional and Principal Accounts Specialist

Location:

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN

Work Schedule:

Core Hours 8:00 am - 3:30 pm with flexibility between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. Minimum 4 days a week in the office

35% Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, risks, and opportunities; develop recommendations and forecasting models to support strategic decision-making.

• Prepare recurring financial reports and analyses, including budget-to-actual, operational results, grant activity, fundraising, endowments, capital projects, attendance, payroll, inventory, and other management reports.

• Prepare financial statements and project-level financial reporting for MLAF programs, endowments, and restricted funds.

• Develop financial forecasts for sponsored, non-sponsored, gift, and MLAF funds.

• Provide financial guidance and respond to inquiries from management, donors, Board members, committees, and department leaders.

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance revenue generation.

• Develop financial queries, dashboards, and automated reporting tools to compile, analyze, interpret, and project financial information.

• Prepare project cash flow analyses and status reports.

• Assist with reporting and reconciliation of financial information within Altru, point-of-sale systems, event registration, and credit card systems.

• Partner with Information Technology to enhance financial reporting and data management capabilities.

• Partner with department leaders to develop budgets, evaluate financial performance, and support informed business decisions.

35% Financial Accounting, Operations, and Compliance

• Maintain the chart of accounts and general ledger structures for the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and MLAF.

• Perform monthly reconciliations for cash, investments, receivables, payables, endowments, restricted funds, and other balance sheet accounts.

• Develop, document, and maintain accounting procedures and internal control processes.

• Assist with preparation of the MLAF annual external audit, tax return, and supporting schedules.

• Monitor accounting standards, regulatory changes, and University policies to ensure compliance.

• Monitor investment allocations and endowment activity.

• Support the annual budget development process, including budget planning, forecasting, and variance analysis.

• Support the month-end and year-end close activities to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.

• Financial Operations:

  • Oversee daily deposits and revenue reconciliation.

  • Coordinate internal and external billing activities and related reconciliations.

  • Administer Altru financial configuration, balancing, and reconciliation.

  • Coordinate sales tax reporting and remittance.

  • Maintain PCI compliance and private data regulations.

30% Leadership and Business Operations

• Serve as acting Finance Manager during extended absences.

• Provide day-to-day work direction, training, and coaching, and workflow oversight for two Business Office staff members.

• Lead, coach, and mentor Business Office staff while fostering professional development and continuous improvement.

• Develop user guides, workflow documentation, and procedural manuals.

• Interpret and communicate University and MLAF financial policies and procedures.

• Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and improve the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.

• Monitor financial transactions within Altru, EFS, and MLAF systems.

• Review chart string usage to ensure proper accounting and compliance.

• Respond professionally and promptly to inquiries from staff, donors, vendors, members, and external stakeholders.

• Support annual organizational goals and strategic initiatives through sound financial…