Financial Professional III, St. Paul Campus

Working Title: Financial Professional III

Job classification: Financial Professional 3 - Fin Generalist (8223FG), Civil Service

Appointment: Full-time, 100% FTE (40 hours/week)

Office location: Coffey Hall St Paul Campus, hybrid option available with a minimum of 2 days a week in the office

Pay Range: $80,000 - $92,000 ($38.46 - $44.23/hour); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Apply By: May 15, 2026

The Finance Professional III is responsible for accounting and financial management for the Extension Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR). The Department is one of four programmatic Departments in Extension that involves work with collegiate faculty from the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), statewide field staff and Department operations. The Department partners with federal, state, and local agencies to provide effective, research-based education and to integrate diverse perspectives to address critical issues impacting Minnesota's food, agriculture, and natural resources.

This position is a member of the Extension Finance and Planning Team and directly reports to the Finance Manager. The Finance Professional III also works closely with the Department's associate dean, Principal Investigators, and Program Leaders in managing Department resources.

Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus, with a hybrid option, with a minimum of 2 days a week in the office.

Core hours 9am-2:30pm with additional hours of work flexible between 6 am and 7 pm, as determined by employee and supervisor. Once to twice a year there will be travel and overnight stays required, and some evening work. The employee may need to adjust his or her work schedule in order to meet specific organizational needs.

This Finance Professional III will assist the Department's Associate Dean and program leaders in developing, implementing, managing and reporting on a $26M budget including $10 million in federal, state, and county funding, $4 million in income, $8 million in gifts, and an average of $4 million in sponsored revenue.

• Work with the Department Associate Dean and their leadership team to develop a department budget that aligns with the University and Extension's financial principles and processes. Provides financial analysis, forecasting, and recommendations to leadership.
• Provides data and recommendations to program leaders regarding balances, budgeting practices, accountability, and accounting functions. Monitor expenditures and alert leadership to discrepancies or deficits.
• Provide monthly/quarterly reports to the Department's administrative team, PI's and program leaders using resources available in U of M Analytics'. Coordinate with CFANS and Extension Finance teams on reporting and special analysis.
• Evaluate the budgeting business practices and policies. Make adjustments to provide for efficiencies, needs and better service.
• Annually prepare budgets in Recap (Extension's budgeting tool) and Enterprise Financial System (EFS) for the Department and its programs. Confer with Extension/college/central administration as needed.

• Review and approve (certified approval if applicable) financial transactions (travel reimbursements, requisitions, deposits, vouchers, and procurement card (PCARD).
• Answer financial questions and resolve complex issues from field staff, University staff, and suppliers.
• Maintains the integrity of the Department's accounting structure and its chart of accounts.
• Monitors systems for compliance with Government Accounting Standards Board policies and procedures.
• Prepares and enters journal entries.
• Prepares and enters payroll retros and distributions.
• Analyzes and corrects accounting and payroll issues.
• Approves Effort Certification.
• Completes a variety of accounting functions (capitalizing assets; transferring funds; moving expenses; facilitating invoice requests, setting up new accounts and/or grants). Activities may involve data from multiple departments or colleges.

• Review pre-award financial documents and work closely with Extension Finance & Planning Grants and Contracts Team on funds received.
• Work with SPA and SFR in grants reporting and review.
• Develop business processes and training materials for staff. Build relationships with other University departments, University of Minnesota Extension staff, clients, and outside funders to coordinate administrative expertise and maintain working relationships with regulatory agencies.
• Keep abreast of current University of Minnesota policy and procedure changes and updates related to the University of Minnesota financial system and communicate out as needed.
• Serve as a resource expert on University financial policies and sponsored project compliance.
• Develop systems to expedite and simplify financial documents and budget-related work with field staff.
• Enter/submit account string information in the internal hiring system for respective departments and accounts.

• Position will also participate in professional development opportunities and special projects that contribute to the ongoing improvement of the Department and college.

• BA/BS with a major in accounting, business administration, or related field, and 4 years professional accounting experience. A combination of relevant education and work experience in a closely related field totaling eight years may be substituted for the degree and 4 years of experience. Experience must include:
  • public institutional accounting,
  • auditing methods and practices,
  • budget management and development,
  • forecasting and reporting,
  • working within a financial structure and fiscal policies
• Current U of M Certified Approver, or acquired status within 1 year.
• Experience in a computer networked environment with proficiency in using web-based computer applications and Microsoft Office to generate written accounting reports, spreadsheets, and databases.

• Must be able to conduct the majority of the work in the state of Minnesota, and work in the office on the St Paul Campus a minimum of 2 days a week.
• Must be able to work for prolonged periods of time on a computer.
• This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored visa.

• Degree in accounting, business administration, or related field.
• U of M Certified Approver.
• Familiarity with University of Minnesota Enterprise Financial System (EFS), policies, and procedures.
• Experience in managing public funding sources, creating and implementing business procedures, and/or managing provider and vendor services.
• Familiarity with University and sponsor accounting (Federal and non-Federal) regulations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience handling confidential/sensitive information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with many individuals.
• Exceptional organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to be a self-starter and take initiative.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks under the pressure of deadlines.
• Facilitation skills.

The Finance and Planning unit, a team of 12 finance professionals, is responsible for acquiring, managing and dispersing all Extension funding sources. The team designs and implements strategies that ensure our services are efficient, cost-effective, consistent and user-centered. We serve as an expert resource for employees across Extension on financial policies and procedures.

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement https://extension.umn.edu/.

Pay Range: $80,000 - $92,000 annually ($38.46 - $44.23/hour); depending on education/qualifications/experience. This is an hourly not salaried position.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

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

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please attach the following required application materials:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume - Your resume must include all your education and experience as it relates to the required qualifications. The initial HR screening process focuses primarily on the resume.

Names and contact information for three professional references will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

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