Job Description
Full job description
Required Qualifications
BA/BS degree and a minimum of two years of related professional work experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to apply analytical, organizational, collaboration, and communication skills to complete tasks relevant to this position with a high degree of quality and accuracy. The successful candidate will also have experience monitoring project, program, and organizational budgets; running and analyzing financial reports; grant effort management; implementing process improvement efforts; knowledge of regulatory guidelines and financial best practices; experience with PeopleSoft or other accounting software; and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse organizations and individuals.
This is a 75% time position responsible for supporting Center-wide financial activities that include transactional processing, account monitoring, financial reporting, and budget development; monitoring staff efforts; building and maintaining relationships with University and external partners; and serving as a functional resource to Center staff. This position will be a member of the CTS Finance, Research Administration, and Information Services (FRAIS) team and report to CTS assistant director of finance and business strategy.
Position Duties and Responsibilities
50% - Transactional Processing and Reconciliation
Approve expense authorizations based on center and contract budgets, while ensuring compliance with University and sponsor policies. Monitor purchasing card (PCard) activity within the center, including: reconciling the departmental PCard, running reports on unreconciled transactions, and monitoring for compliance of University policies. Support the contract for professional services (CPS) process, including setting up new contracts, processing invoices, and monitoring contract balances. Provide guidance and training to staff on financial processes and procedures. Maintain a strong partnership with the Research and Innovation Office (RIO) finance cluster, Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA), and other University partners to facilitate timely processing of transactions and other financial activity.
25% - Contract/Grant Management and Budget Development
Assist program managers in developing budgets for contract and grant proposals. Work with CTS leadership and program managers to track contract and grant spending to ensure funds will be available throughout the lifetime of the award; identify any potential spending issues. Assist in the center’s annual budget development process, including compiling budget requests, estimating fiscal year revenues and expenses, and updating budget tools. Assist with the Center’s effort management process, coordinate effort reporting, reconcile against account activity, and communicate changes to appropriate staff.
20% - Financial Reporting and Monitoring
Prepare, review, and analyze various financial reports for CTS accounts to facilitate financial management at the center-wide, program, and project levels. Monitor account balances, ensuring financial integrity and compliance with University policies. Investigate identified issues and propose solutions to program leadership. Provide data to managers regarding account balances and budgeting practices, flagging potential issues or other discussion items.
5% - Center-wide Programs and Services
Support the development of financial process improvements to meet the current needs of the Center and staff. Participate in the design and implementation of other center-wide initiatives and special projects as needed.
The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and the Center for Transportation Studies endorses a “work with flexibility” approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. This position is designated as eligible for a work Profile 4 (work fully remotely with the exception of required attendance for on-site events); the successful candidate will have the option to be office-based or hybrid if fully remote is not preferred.
Because the University of Minnesota is a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University, in most cases, expects employees to live in Minnesota. A University-configured laptop and software will be provided, but the successful candidate will need to provide their own reliable high-speed internet connection for a fully remote or partially remote work schedule. CTS management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.
Details regarding work schedule, work location, and other arrangements will be made upon offer of employment and a work schedule will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
Salary range for this position is $57,000-$67,000 annually.
The Center for Transportation Studies conducts transportation research, education, and outreach programs in a broad number of areas. An annual operating budget is provided by the state legislature to support a base level of research, education, and outreach services. This operating support is supplemented by other grants that CTS attracts. These funds are primarily sponsored funds that require contract monitoring and close relationships with the funding agency. The Center currently operates with a total annual budget exceeding $18 million, requiring management of over 30 active contracts each fiscal year.
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.
Application review will begin on September 22nd.
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:
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).
Job Tags
Remote job, Permanent employment, Contract work, Temporary work, Part time, Work experience placement, Flexible hours,