Finance Manager

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) is the University of Minnesota's largest collegiate unit. The Fiscal Administration department - spanning accounting, budget, foundation, grants, and space management - serves as the centralized resource management hub for 48 academic departments, centers, institutes, and administrative units. The Financial Services Cluster comprises 17 accountants across two teams, each led by a Finance Manager.

This position reports to the Assistant Director of Financial Services and directly supervises 7-9 professional accountants. The Finance Manager ensures effective team operations, deadline adherence, and compliance with University Policy and CLA Standards, while fostering strong financial partnerships with the units they serve.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Work Environment:
The department is based in Johnston Hall on the East Bank of the Twin Cities campus. This position is largely remote; however, some tasks and meetings require on-campus presence. The department reserves the right to modify flexible work arrangements at any time.

Primary Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Supervision (60%)

• Talent Development: Oversee hiring, onboarding, performance evaluations, and career development for a team of 7-9 accountants.
• Team Culture: Foster an equitable, collaborative, and high-performing work environment.
• Performance Management: Set goals systematically and provide continuous feedback aligned with organizational objectives.
• Operational Continuity: Maintain strategic redundancy and backup coverage for complex workflows.
• Training & Curriculum: Partner with the Associate Director to define training needs and develop team curriculum.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and sustain proactive partnerships with key unit leadership across the team's portfolio.

Financial Management & Budget Oversight (25%)

• Workflow Management: Delegate assignments and manage team capacity to ensure timely, high-quality service.
• Fiscal Oversight: Coordinate financial workflows including budget entry, payroll, encumbrance management, accounts receivable, scholarship administration, and fund usage.
• Compliance & Audit: Conduct systematic and random audits of standard and high-risk transactions to ensure adherence to University and College standards.
• Revenue & Expense Management: Oversee revenue sources and expenditures across all funding types, ensuring consistent application of restrictions and timely use management.

Sponsored Project Oversight (10%)

(NIH, NSF, DOD, training grants, and center grants)

• Grants Administration: Partner with Pre- and Post-Award Grants Coordinator(s) on effort certification, reporting, proposal budget review, projections, no-cost extensions (NCE), and close-out.
• Technical Authority: Serve as backup Certified Approver (CA).

Policy, Compliance & Special Projects (5%)

• Represent the College on University-level committees and workgroups.
• Maintain current knowledge of University and College policies; pursue ongoing technical training.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field plus at least six years of professional accounting/finance experience
• Experience supervising or leading a team of professional accountants
• Six years of progressive responsibility in finance or accounting
• Experience with financial reporting and analysis
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (advanced Excel) and Google Suite

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent relationship management and partnership-building skills
• Proven ability to build and sustain a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team environment
• Success managing teams in-person and/or remotely
• Strong training development and presentation skills
• Experience managing complex workflows across accounting, payroll, and grants
• External grant/contract management experience (business, industry, State, and Federal awards)
• U of M Certified Approver status, or ability to obtain within 12 months
• Effective communicator across disciplines and organizational levels
• Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize competing demands
• Skilled at facilitating conflict resolution and fostering mutual understanding

Note: Training and demonstrated proficiency are required for access to University financial, payroll, and HR systems.

The CLA Fiscal Administration department which includes key managerial functions (accounting, budget management, foundation management, grants management, and space management) and the Financial Services Cluster, are the centralized accounting and resource management operations for the College supporting 48 academic departments, centers, institutes, and administrative units. The Financial Services Cluster, composed of 19 accountants, is organized into two teams, each led by a Finance Manager. This workgroup coordinates the implementation of accounting and budget management plans and business procedures throughout the college, and is responsible for disseminating, administrating and monitoring compliance with University of Minnesota policies and CLA Standards.

Pay Range: $95,000 - $108,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Required application materials: resume and cover letter.

Position open until filled.

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.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.