MN Sea Grant Finance Professional (Fiscal Officer) - UMD

About the Job

The annual salary range for this position starts at $63,627.20 and depends on qualifications. This is an on-campus position with some flex work arrangements available after the completion of the probationary period.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is part of the UMD Office of Budget and Analysis (OBA) and supports the Minnesota Sea Grant College Program (MNSG) as the MNSG Fiscal Officer (FO). This position is an integral member of the MNSG Leadership Team and a member of the National Sea Grant Fiscal Officer's Network. The FO will be responsible for managing all fiscal interactions with the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of Commerce (DoC) and all pre/post-award fiscal aspects of incoming and outgoing grant proposals. The FO will demonstrate proficiency in applying general and university/program-specific accounting principles including monitoring and reconciling sponsored and non-sponsored accounts and funds; developing revenue and expense projections and strategic planning of project budgets; preparing financial reports; reviewing and analyzing expenditures; ensuring compliance with grant/contract requirements; and reviewing and preparing data and accounts for auditing. The FO will demonstrate proficiency in working with financial and reporting systems relevant to the University of Minnesota, federal granting agencies, and the National Sea Grant College Program (e.g., NOAA-NSGO Planning, Implementation, Evaluation Resources (PIER) program, eSeaGrant, Grants.gov, Federal Performance Project Reporting RPPR, eRA Commons, PeopleSoft and Enterprise Financial Systems, etc.) in accordance with all applicable financial policies and procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

(50%) Core Funding National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) Budget and Financial Duties

• Assist MNSG Leadership Team in preparing quadrennial omnibus proposals; creating budget proposals and coordinate budgets of extension, research, communications, and management; monitoring pre- and post-award activity; and submitting federal budget modifications and adjustments.

• Set up budgets for research projects awarded through MNSG's biennial RFP competitions, monitor project expenditures and ensure award principal investigators (PIs) are kept informed, ensure that budgets meet NOAA and U of M policies and procedures. Track the progress of awards and regularly track budget amounts compared to actual expenditures.

• Serve as MNSG's fiscal liaison to NOAA, UMD sponsored projects office, and PIs.

• Enter MNSG financial information and staffing metrics into the NOAA-NSGO PIER reporting system.

• Represent MNSG at the National Sea Grant Fiscal Officers meetings and participate as needed in regional network meetings, Sea Grant week and other Sea Grant Program meetings

• Prepare budget proposals for extramural grants including completing appropriate forms and preparing financial data and projections.

• Assist the MNSG Director with MNSG staff effort certifications.

• Track mandatory federal cash match and assist the MNSG Director in discussions with UMD and the U of M OVPR.

• Prepare and enable stipends and receipt of funds in support of Sea Grant fellowship holders .

• Manage pre/post-award financial aspects of special federal grants and projects such as NSGO Strategic Funding Initiatives (NSIs).

• Prepare and submit NOAA forms as needed for compliance; specifically forms 90-2 and 90-4.

• Contribute accurate funding data to the monthly MNSG Highlights newsletter.

• Communicate with staff when budgeting or accounting changes are needed.

(25%) Sponsored Budget and Financial Duties

• Assist with sponsored proposal development for various federal and state agencies including review of agency requirements, verification that budgets meet university and agency guidelines, and accurate and timely submissions of proposals through the University of Minnesota (U of M) system.

• Assist MNSG staff with strategic budgeting in the visioning and preparation of extramural grant proposals, contracts, and cooperative agreements.

• Assist with MNSG's biennial RFP development, review and help ensure that applicants' budgets conform to RFP requirements and that proposed match is appropriate.

• Work with external principal investigators (PIs) over the life of MNSG-supported grants, perform accounting support to monitor expenditures, provide financial reports to PIs, and process no-cost extensions.

• Work with PIs and Sponsored Financial Reporting (SFR) to ensure all external reporting requirements and all match requirements have been met.

• Act as liaison among MNSG, Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA), and MNSG-funded PIs regarding research projects, monitor >20 awards from start to close-out.

• Provide pre-award and post-award support to MNSG staff.

(10%) Non-Sponsored Budget and Financial Duties

• Prepare and manage MNSG's annual U of M budget.

• Prepare expense and revenue transfer requests as needed to correct financial transaction errors and cover cost share expenses.

• Verify and reconcile accounts for accuracy and request corrections as necessary.

• Meet on a regular basis with MNSG staff and the leadership team to provide reviews of the program's financial status, provide financial guidance, assist with financial planning and problem-solving and ensure financial reporting deadlines are met.

• Meet on a regular basis with University of Minnesota Budget and Finance Office to stay proficient in fiscal policies and procedures

(5%) Payroll

• Work with MNSG supervisors and MNSG-supported PIs to ensure accurate and timely payroll reporting.

• Verify biweekly payroll and vacation/sick leave reporting and approvals.

• Coordinate U of M effort certification process to meet policy requirements and deadlines.

• Analyze and monitor personnel and effort changes to projects and, as they occur, process distribution corrections and direct retros to reflect revised level(s) of effort.

(5%) General Duties

• Serve as a resource on U of M financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance.

• Serve as liaison between MNSG staff and U of M central financial operations including accounting services, asset management, purchasing, SPA, disbursements, etc.

• Participate in professional development training opportunities as needed.

• Maintain currency on the fiscal and financial policies and procedures relevant to the NOAA-National Sea Grant Program, the U of M, and other relevant entities

(5%) Core Sea Grant Duties

• Participate in MNSG staff meetings.

• Provide financial support and oversight in the drafting, review, and production of documents critical to the MNSG program.

• Maintain MNSG financial and fiscal records according to NOAA-NSGO and U of M record retention policies.

• Attend state, regional, and national Sea Grant workshops, meetings and training sessions as requested by the MNSG Director.

• Contribute to and support the overall MNSG mission.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS plus at least four years of professional work experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal eight years.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related field

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others including all levels of management;

• Demonstrated ability to self-start and take initiative on assignments and follow through with a high level of attention to detail;

• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with multiple staff members across multiple departments.

• Willingness to proactively seek information to solve complex budgeting problems

• Willingness and ability to collaborate on budget planning and visioning.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to use good judgment in prioritizing multiple competing priorities;

• Demonstrated ability to consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment;

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, creatively, and collaboratively in areas requiring problem solving and multitasking;

• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as to be a contributing member of a team.

• Experience with U of M financial systems including HR PeopleSoft, EFS and Effort Certification System.

• Experience with sponsored projects and non-sponsored program accounting, and pre-award and post-award procedures.

• Knowledge of federal and state financial and fiscal regulations as well as U of M financial policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of all phases of grant budgeting and sponsored program accounting, reporting, and grant oversight.

• Proficiency with Microsoft and Google Suite products

Benefits

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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

In order to be considered for this position you are required to attach a resume and cover letter to your application.

Priority Application Deadline: Saturday, July 28th

This position will remain posted until filled.

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.

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. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

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.

About the U of M

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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).