Financial Analyst - Grants & Research Finance

About The Job

This Financial Analyst position is responsible for reporting, managing, and analyzing financial information to senior management in both the department and corresponding division(s). It includes acting as the Pediatrics finance contact between the divisions and federal agencies and foundations. The role involves supporting budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, analyzing data for trends, creating models for decision‑making, and partnering with stakeholders to provide financial insights for strategic planning focusing on operational performance and resource allocation.

Varied situations require analysis and interpretation, using general University policies and procedures as guidelines, to translate complex financial information into actionable insights for leadership, helping to drive performance and efficiency.

This position will support a large and complex research grant within the Cognition and Neurodevelopmental Studies (CNS) Lab at the University of Minnesota. The CNS lab is a multiple PI‑led research lab with a significant grant funding portfolio across multiple departments (Pediatrics, ICD) housed at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. Drs. Meghan Swanson and Jed Elison are co‑Directors of the CNS Lab.

Budgeting & Forecasting (10%)

• Develop annual budgets, periodic forecasts, and long‑range financial plans

Financial Analysis, oversight, and management (30%)

• Provide financial oversight, analysis and management of sponsored and non‑sponsored data
• Conduct detailed variance analysis (actuals vs budget/forecast), identify trends, and create financial models to assess performance
• Develop and implement process for billing and invoicing
• Ensure compliance with University policies and procedures

Financial Reporting (25%)

• Create consolidated financial statements
• Prepare both standard and customized monthly, quarterly, and annual reports/dashboards/KPI scorecards for management and principal investigators to meet goals and objectives

Document approval and effort certification (25%)

• Audit and approve expenditures on sponsored research projects
• Interpret grant and contract regulations and their relation to University accounting procedures, identify areas of concern and recommend solutions
• Provide departmental expertise on expenditure requirements and policy
• Coordinate the effort certification process, review effort statements, and work with faculty to resolve discrepancies

Decision Support & Collaboration (10%)

• Analyze business cases, cost‑saving ideas, and revenue opportunities to support strategic decisions
• Recommend actions based on financial analysis
• Work closely with Operations, IT, Accounting, Marketing, etc. to understand financial drivers
• Train others on procedures and process designs and improvements
• Represent department on University committees
• Aid in the decision‑making of the department

• BA/BS degree plus at least six years of relevant experience
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with high demand faculty
• Strong organizational and customer service orientation skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities
• Advanced skills with computer software on PC or Mac (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Suite) and financial software and tools
• Strong written and spoken language skills to communicate complex financial data clearly
• High‑level analytical, attention to detail, and quantitative skills

• Evidence of successful working relationships with senior management and principal investigators
• Certified Approver
• Experience with federal granting agencies to include budgeting, pre‑ and post‑award
• Clinical trial experience, budgeting, pre‑ and post‑award

Pay Range: $92,000 – $100,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type:
Faculty and P&A Staff

Comprehensive Benefits Package includes competitive wages, paid holidays, generous time off, continuous learning opportunities, low‑cost medical/dental/pharmacy plans, flexible spending accounts, HSA contributions, disability and life insurance,…