Finance Professional 3 Lead - UMN Arboretum, Chanhassen MN

About The Job

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

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, risks, and opportunities; develop recommendations and forecasting models to support strategic decision-making.
• Prepare recurring financial reports and analyses, including budget-to-actual, operational results, grant activity, fundraising, endowments, capital projects, attendance, payroll, inventory, and other management reports.
• Prepare financial statements and project-level financial reporting for MLAF programs, endowments, and restricted funds.
• Develop financial forecasts for sponsored, non-sponsored, gift, and MLAF funds.
• Provide financial guidance and respond to inquiries from management, donors, Board members, committees, and department leaders.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance revenue generation.
• Develop financial queries, dashboards, and automated reporting tools to compile, analyze, interpret, and project financial information.
• Prepare project cash flow analyses and status reports.
• Assist with reporting and reconciliation of financial information within Altru, point-of-sale systems, event registration, and credit card systems.
• Partner with Information Technology to enhance financial reporting and data management capabilities.
• Partner with department leaders to develop budgets, evaluate financial performance, and support informed business decisions.

Financial Accounting, Operations, and Compliance

• Maintain the chart of accounts and general ledger structures for the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and MLAF.
• Perform monthly reconciliations for cash, investments, receivables, payables, endowments, restricted funds, and other balance sheet accounts.
• Develop, document, and maintain accounting procedures and internal control processes.
• Aid in the preparation of the MLAF annual external audit, tax return, and supporting schedules.
• Monitor accounting standards, regulatory changes, and University policies to ensure compliance.
• Monitor investment allocations and endowment activity.
• Support the annual budget development process, including budget planning, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Support the month-end and year-end close activities to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Oversee daily deposits and revenue reconciliation.
• Cook up internal and external billing activities and related reconciliations.
• Administer Altru financial configuration, balancing, and reconciliation.
• Cook up sales tax reporting and remittance.
• Maintain PCI compliance and private data regulations.

Leadership and Business Operations

• Serve as acting Finance Manager during extended absences.
• Provide day-to-day work direction, training, and coaching, and workflow oversight for two Business Office staff members.
• Lead, coach, and mentor Business Office staff while fostering professional development and continuous improvement.
• Develop user guides, workflow documentation, and procedural manuals.
• Interpret and communicate University and MLAF financial policies and procedures.
• Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and improve the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.
• Monitor financial transactions within Altru, EFS, and MLAF systems.
• Review chart string usage to ensure proper accounting and compliance.
• Respond professionally and promptly to inquiries from staff, donors, vendors, members, and external stakeholders.
• Support annual organizational goals and strategic initiatives through sound financial management and collaboration.
• Foster collaborative relationships across departments to support operational and strategic initiatives.
• Exercise independent judgment in resolving complex accounting issues and recommending financial solutions to leadership.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and efficient completion of Business Office financial processes and deliverables.