Fin Pro 2-Fin Gnrlst- Dept Mech Eng

Apply for Job Job ID372232 LocationTwin Cities Job FamilyFinance Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code8222FG Employee ClassCivil Service Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job About the Job About the Job This position reports to the Finance Manager and involves department accounting and compliance; budgeting, financial analysis, financial policy and procedure compliance; and pre-award support. It collaborates closely with faculty and leadership. We are looking for a thoughtful, motivated, and service-oriented team player to join a flexible, fun, and driven group of faculty and staff in ME. Position Description 35% - Department Accounting: Monitor department operating accounts (chartstrings) including reviewing transactions for compliance with policies and procedures. Monitor balance of Foundation chartstrings and report to leadership on balances. Monitor accounts for and coordinate with student groups and their faculty advisors to ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures. Facilitate agreements and invoicing for courses offered in partnership with other institutions. Prepare monthly and annual reports for assigned departmental accounts. Prepare detailed and complex financial analysis of assigned accounts to problem solve, identify areas of concern, document for audit purposes, and recommend a course of action to resolve any issues. Analyze situations that arise and use judgment to interpret department, contract, and University regulations. Monitor spending activity on assigned accounts and reconcile account activity on a regular basis; resolve accounting issues identified during reconciliation. 25% - Pre-award Management: Support the Pre-Award Accountant with proposal preparation process with faculty (and subcontracts as needed). Read and interpret proposal solicitations for budget instructions, proposal requirements, and all necessary submission materials. Manage timeline for submission to ensure all proposal deadlines are met including submission to SPA, agency, etc. Management of collection, formatting, file creation and other necessary requirements for submission. Submit PRFs for all department grants and awards; track through the lifecycle of the submissions. Prepare PeopleSoft-friendly budgets once the final budget is complete. Determine appropriate rates to use for personnel, fringe and indirect costs. 15% - Serve as sponsored and non-sponsored accountant for a small portfolio of assigned faculty and their chartstrings, including responsibility to monitor and report financial activity, provide fiscal oversight, audit, reconcile, forecast accurate balances, and analyze data and transactions for compliance. Interpret award regulations and relate to principal investigators and lab staff, as well as proactively identify and resolve issues related to carry forward requests, no cost extensions, rebudgeting requirements, grant close-outs, changes in personnel, cost-share/salary cap compliance, and effort certification. Provide expertise to faculty and other stakeholders on complex financial accounting, reporting and fiscal management issues. Demonstrate proficient knowledge base, strong communication skills, and capacity to work both independently and as part of a team. 10% - Facilitate meetings with department groups and faculty regarding the monitoring of grant expenditures and balances, and advise on other related non-sponsored financial accounting matters by keeping the principal investigator and the finance manager informed of current and projected balances. Provide data and recommendations regarding account balances, budgeting practices, and accounting functions. Provide support and recommendations regarding administrative requests to the sponsor such as submission of re-budget requests, no-cost extension letters, changes to key personnel, requests for carryover of unspent funds, budget short falls/overruns, as well as subaward activity and contract set up and amendments. 5% - Serve as a esource for department stakeholders regarding financial services, practices, and policy and procedure interpretation related to procurement allowances, travel, appropriate justification preparations, p-card usability, and other financial regulatory activities. Serve as liaison between the college and university finance offices and department staff, interpreting and explaining policy and procedural requirements. Work within the team to provide information to resolve gaps in processes or procedures. Analyze the efficiency and adequacy of established department accounting procedures; and develop and implement changes in collaboration with the Finance Manager. 5% - Perform departmental approvals, including serving as point of contact for trouble- shooting and problem-solving activity issues that arise within assigned accounts. Audit and approve/deny expenditures on assigned accounts based on administrative requirements of the University and department. Prepare journal entries for funding transfers, cross-charges, adjustments and corrections. 5% - Attend classes, workshops, seminars, and other meetings to remain up-to-date on system and policy changes, and continue professional development. Serve on various central and local committees, advisory boards and user groups. Qualifications Required Qualifications BA/BS degree plus at least two years of professional accounting experience or a combination of related education and relevant work experience to equal six years. Experience with Excel and Word, analyzing and reconciling data in multiple systems. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders, and individuals. Ability to prioritize multiple competing tasks with strong organizational skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience in an academic environment and fund accounting. Ability to work successfully with senior management, faculty and staff at all levels of authority. Experience with University systems such as PeopleSoft, HRMS, EFS, Reporting Center, ECRT and MN-GEMS. Familiarity with University and sponsor accounting (Federal and non-Federal) regulations. Demonstrated ability to anticipate business needs of the PI and/or Center, develop and analyze alternatives, and make recommendations to faculty and unit leaders regarding budgets and financial impact. Certified Approver About the Department The Department of Mechanical Engineering has an internationally recognized faculty, and is part of the College of Science and Engineering, the highly interdisciplinary college of engineering, physical sciences, and mathematics. Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $31.74/hr - $39.65/hr ($66,019.20 annually - $82,472.00 annually); depending on education/qualifications/experience Time Appointment: 100% Appointment 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... For full info follow application link. 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:

Created: 2026-02-23