Finance Manager

About The Job

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

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

• 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

• 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

• (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).

Pay And Benefits

• Pay Range: $95,000 - $108,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience
• Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
• Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

About The Department

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, administering, and monitoring compliance with University of Minnesota policies and CLA Standards.

How To Apply

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.

Additional Information

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.

Affirmative Action Statement

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.

About University Of Minnesota

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.

Diversity

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.

Employment Requirements

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.