Finance Professional 2

This position provides financial support for the University of Minnesota UMarket Services (UMS) and Printing Services (PRT) departments in Auxiliary Services.

U Market is the primary purchasing tool for the University of Minnesota, focused on an online platform for staff and faculty to order the supplies they need. Offerings include options from more than 40 specifically chosen suppliers and millions of items, such as office supplies, lab equipment, and university apparel. U Market Services manages the University’s supply chain experience, including storage, logistical assistance, and inventory management.

Printing Services plays a key role in upholding the University of Minnesota’s brand standards and communications. The department offers a comprehensive range of services that addresses the University’s full scope of communication needs, which includes offset printing, digital printing, large-format printing, binding, addressing and mailing, and more.

The FP2 position supports these departments by overseeing the financial accuracy and integrity of operational transactions. The position will be responsible for ensuring proper reconciliation, compliance with financial policies, and timely issue resolution. The successful candidate will interpret contract and policy language to evaluate the appropriate financial treatment of activities, identify discrepancies or trends, and partner with stakeholders to resolve issues and enhance process efficiency. This role requires the ability to apply existing financial frameworks to evolving business needs and contribute insights that support informed decision-making.

This position works under general supervision with UMarket and Printing Services Financial Analyst, completing tasks independently, using personal judgement to research and resolve issues or escalate for assistance where necessary. Work location options for this position include working partially remote or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position.

Responsibilities

• Accounting and Financial Support – 70%
  • Perform a variety of high-level accounting functions.
  • Monitor and reconcile accounts, balances, and fund usage in accordance with financial policies.
  • Review general ledger accounts and fund balances, research discrepancies, and resolve accounting issues.
  • Prepare financial transaction documentation for entry into EFS or other submission methods, including validation of vendor payments, customer billing, and sales tax reporting.
  • Maintain and update internal financial systems, reports, and processes.
  • Work with operational staff on best purchasing practices and processes, including training new staff on UMarket, MyWallet, and purchase order requests.
  • Serve as point of contact for vendors, contractors, and customers for financial/accounting inquiries.
• Financial Reporting and Analysis – 15%
  • Assist with the analysis and reporting of non-sponsored revenue, expense, and balance sheet accounts by gathering data, reviewing for accuracy, and highlighting areas of concern for Financial Analyst review.
  • Contribute to the preparation of financial analyses by compiling historical data and assisting in the development of actionable insights.
  • Assist in preparing monthly operating statements; identify and document significant budget variances or emerging trends in coordination with the Financial Analyst.
  • Support transaction research, prepare draft journal entries, and contribute explanatory notes for financial reports.
  • Maintain and update internal reports for use by Operations partners.
  • Offer suggestions for process improvements and assist in documenting and implementing approved changes to departmental procedures.
  • Other ad hoc reporting and analysis as assigned.
• Annual Budgets, Month-End and Year-End Close – 5%
  • Assist with preparing financial projections for current years and in development of annual budgets.
  • Review GL balances and transactions to ensure transactions are recorded in accordance with budget and financial reporting needs.
  • Reclassify transactions as needed.
  • Assist with reconciliations between unit systems and University Enterprise Financial System for campus currency balances.
• Other essential functions – 10%
  • Attend department meetings and participate on assigned project teams.
  • Recommend, document, and implement improvements to departmental procedures.
  • Provide back-up support to UMS/PRT Finance team members and other Auxiliary Service departments.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field and two years relevant professional experience or a combination of six years related education and work experience.
• Experience and proficiency using spreadsheets, software systems, and reporting software.
• Experience using general ledger financial applications and interpreting financial results.
• Excellent communication skills, strong problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting and at least two years of professional work experience or a combination of education and work experience to equal six years.
• Experience with University of Minnesota policies, procedures, and accounting systems.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, budgeting, forecasting, cost, and project accounting.
• Experience with University of Minnesota’s accounting and business procedures and software systems (EFS - Enterprise Financial System, NetSuite, Jaggaer, or iSeries platforms).
• Demonstrated ability to interpret, present, and analyze information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally, and by preparation of reports and other materials.
• Demonstrated ability to self-start and take initiative on assignments.
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to use good judgment in prioritizing multiple requests while meeting deadline objectives.

About the Department

The position is within University Services Finance, which oversees all financial activities within University Services, a division of the University of Minnesota responsible for campus operations, including Facilities Management, Capital Project Management, Health and Safety, Planning, Space and Real Estate, Public Safety, and Auxiliary Services. The finance department is responsible for rate development, capital budgeting, accounts payable/receivable, general budgeting, payroll, financial analysis and reporting, legislative reporting, utility accounting, project accounting, debt compliance, and general problem solving.

Pay

Pay Range: $29.33 - $30.77 per hour, depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Time Appointment: 100% appointment.

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff.

Benefits

• 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.