Finance Specialist

About the Job

Position Overview

The University of Minnesota is looking for a highly motivated and organized Finance Specialist to join its Finance team, supporting the Associate Vice President, Finance & Assistant CFO, the Controller's Office, and other central finance units. As a key member of the University Finance support team, the Finance Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting finance management, assisting with budgeting, reporting, forecasting, transaction support and approval, and reconciliation for designated units.

In this role, you will act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and managers, offering guidance on both routine and complex financial matters. This position will also contribute to process improvements in budget development, ongoing reporting, and other important projects and initiatives. You will report directly to and collaborate closely with the Finance & Administration Manager on strategic initiatives.

Work Environment

This hybrid position is based on the Twin Cities campus. For those located in the metro area, a minimum of three days per week in the office is expected. Internal and external applicants located near other UMN system campuses and across the State of Minnesota may also be considered, and we encourage all interested candidates to apply. Occasional travel to the Twin Cities campus may be required for events and all‑staff meetings.

Out of state candidates must be willing to relocate to Minnesota at their own expense.

Responsibilities

Financial Administration and Operations (50%)

• Primary support for financial transactions, including working closely with the Financial Operations Office (Fin Ops) to initiate journal entries, cost transfers, and process budget adjustments.
• Review and approve financial transactions (e.g., requisitions, vouchers, reimbursements, and PCards), considering fund availability and budget plans.
• Support all Associate Vice President Finance units with transactions to reconcile resources and expenses to the ledger, investigate discrepancies, and connect with Fin Ops to request correcting journal entries.
• Monitor transactions to comply with University policies and correct account strings.
• Serve as the point of contact for AVPFN units and other units such as the Board of Regents Office, advising them on accounting policies and procedures.

Financial Planning and Analysis (30%)

• Assist the Finance & Administration Manager with expense and revenue forecasting, including the development of budget models and reports.
• Analyze and make recommendations based on budgets and financial data for historical trends, anomalies, and business needs.
• Collaborate with department directors to understand their budget needs, financial activities, budget needs, and funding requirements.
• Prepare quarterly financial reports and present findings to management.
• Coordinate year‑end closeout of operational budgets.

Strategic Project Support and Administrative Tasks (20%)

• Support the Finance and Administration Manager with strategic projects for University Finance. Duties may include research, analysis, and process implementation (e.g. developing a budget modeling template, establishing a financial spending report).
• Serve as the Delegation of Authority Specialist for AVPFN.
• Handle administrative tasks such as receiving and sorting mail, follow‑up with vendors for invoice detail inquiries, and other duties as assigned.
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  * The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Required Qualifications (please document on the resume)

• BA/BS plus at least two years of professional work experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years.
• Experience in financial planning and budget management.
• Strong customer service abilities with clear and effective communication, including building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, team members, and leaders.
• Proficient in using computers and common software applications, including Microsoft and Google Suites.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adjust…