CS&E Research Accountant

This position can be filled at the Finance Professional-Grant/Research level 2 or 3 based on applicant experience.

Job Duties

Grant and Contract Accounting and Analysis (70%)
Responsible for the strategic planning regarding a faculty member's sponsored and non-sponsored account portfolio, including accounting, reconciliation, auditing, contract management, sub-award set up, negotiations, award modifications, and project closeout. Regularly meet with faculty to review the status of accounts and develop individualized financial plans detailing analysis of their accounts, committed effort, and cost share commitments. Collaborate across the University with institutional representatives to ensure proper account setup, financial reporting, and other compliance as per sponsor guidelines and University policies.
Enter payroll distribution updates, process salary cost transfers, and prepare journal entries, as needed. Interpret and communicate policy for faculty and staff, including keeping up to date on changing policies and procedures related to internal and external sponsors.
Access data and create ad hoc reports for faculty to make programmatic decisions.
Review and approve appointments and positions requested by faculty to ensure accounts have appropriate funding and have been correctly budgeted.
Review and approve effort statements with the support of the Department Effort Coordinator.
Maintain integrity of accounting systems and the Chart of Accounts.

Department Approver / CA Approver (15%)
Provide approvals for financial transactions to include travel reimbursements, requisitions, journals, deposits, vouchers, and procurement card (PCARD) activity.
Certify and approve expenditures on sponsored research projects based on how they relate to University policies/procedures, identify areas of concern, and recommend solutions. Communicate reconciliation processes and expectations with assigned faculty and students. Understand sponsor and University policies and provide expertise on best practices to handle expenditure and requirements.
Assist with various internal audits of business operations to ensure compliance.

Grant Proposal and Submissions (10%)
Note: Work related to grant proposals and submissions will predominantly be in a backup capacity to the CS&E Pre-Award Coordinator.
Read and interpret proposal solicitations for budget instructions.
Prepare proposal budget using solicitation instructions and faculty input.
Determine appropriate rates to use for personnel, fringe, and indirect costs.
Lead the proposal preparation process with the faculty and subcontracts, as needed, including large center proposals.
Responsible for timely proposal submission to SPA and agency.
Collaborate with post-award accountants on proposal details, as needed.
Maintain official proposal data for the department.

Other duties as assigned (5%)
Attend GMUN, FSUN, and SPA Symposium and appropriate training opportunities.
Serve on committees as needed for the University, College, and Department.
Work with unit administration on fiscal year close out and annual budget preparation.
Other duties as needed to manage the accounting function in the department.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree AND at least two (2) years of job-related experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six (6) years.

Preferred Qualifications
Prefer a certified approver. If not a certified approver, must have equivalent experience and training and will be encouraged to pass the test within 12 months of the hire date.
Experience with financial planning or budget management.
Experience with Uniform Guidance, GAAP, GASB and demonstrated ability to articulate Federal laws, circulars and institutional policies to ensure financial compliance.
Familiarity with University systems such as PeopleSoft, EFS, UM Reports, ECRT and MN-GEMS.
Demonstrated ability to proactively identify and resolve complex problems.
Demonstrated ability to organize and direct multiple projects and interrelated financial activities with major operational or funding impact.
Strong customer service skills.
Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Familiarity with University and sponsor accounting (Federal and non-Federal) regulations.
Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to simultaneously work on multiple projects with fixed deadlines and an ability to re-prioritize tasks to successfully meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members and individuals.
Demonstrated ability to take direction and correction to improve skills and productivity.

The Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Minnesota has been on the cutting-edge for its education, research and outreach for decades. The legacy continues as the department continues to grow and expand its curriculum, research and outreach. You are invited to join our team as a CS&E Research Accountant.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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 visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

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.

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).