Financial Analyst

Position Description:
University Services Finance is seeking two Financial Analysts. One position will primarily support Contract Administration, U Card, Child Development Laboratory School, and Auxiliary Services Administration. One position will primarily support Housing and Residential Life.

University of Minnesota U Card and Contract Administration: The U Card office is responsible for issuing campus credentials (Physical U Card or Mobile Credential) and managing systems and processes to support sale and use of campus spending accounts (Gopher Gold, Dining Dollars, or Meal Plans) associated with the U Card. Contract Administration is responsible for university dining (Residential, Retail, Catering, & Athletic Venues) by maintaining facilities and establishing/managing foodservice contractors.

University of Minnesota Child Development Laboratory School: CDLS is a university-affiliated early childhood education facility. In addition to providing a high-quality early education, the lab school trains future educators. It also provides opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to conduct research studies and observe classrooms. Lab schools around the U.S. and the world use a variety of educational models, placing varying emphasis on research and teacher training.

Auxiliary Services Administration: Auxiliary Services is a diverse group of service units offering goods and services to the University community that are essential to academic and administrative success. By providing convenient, user friendly, customer driven and cost-effective goods and services, Auxiliary Services supports the University's mission and enhances the student experience. The Administration department supports the Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services and their staff. This unit also maintains reserves to support unit priorities.

Housing and Residential Life: University of Minnesota Housing & Residential Life (HRL) provides on-campus housing for students, faculty, staff and guests in various housing facilities, including: 9 residence halls, 3 apartment complexes, 2 student housing cooperatives, and 53 townhomes. The internal Conference & Event Services unit also provides housing for youth and adult summer conference/camp guests and provides an Off-Campus Housing Listing Service as a resource for students interested in living off-campus. Each of these functions generate revenue which helps keep academic rates lower for all University of Minnesota students.

The Financial Analyst role supports these departments by overseeing the financial accuracy and integrity of operational transactions. The position will be responsible for ensuring proper reconciliation, compliance with financial policies, and timely reporting. The successful candidate will interpret contract and policy language to evaluate the appropriate financial treatment of activities, identify discrepancies or trends, and partner with stakeholders to resolve issues and enhance process efficiency. This role requires the ability to apply existing financial frameworks to evolving business needs and contribute insights that support informed decision-making.

Both Financial Analyst positions work under general supervision from the Auxiliary Services Finance Manager and in partnership with the operating units and a Financial Professional 2, complete tasks independently, using personal judgement to research and resolve issues or escalate for assistance where necessary.

University Services Finance endorses a "work with flexibility" approach. Work location options for this position include working partially remote or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting and Analysis - 50%

• Develop, review, and analyze complex management and financial reporting of non-sponsored revenue, expense, and balance sheet accounts for operational partners in support of their decision making and planning.
• Prepare monthly operating statements; identify and document significant budget variances or emerging trends and provide recommendations for cost controls or other operational strategies.
• Develop and maintain internal reports for use by Operations partners.
• Develop benchmarks and operational productivity measures for units, develop internal controls to measure operational activity, and analyze and report on business unit performance.
• Conduct regularly scheduled meetings with management to review the financial statements, identify issues and opportunities, and to provide insights into the financial impacts of operational decisions on the performance of the unit and its priorities.
• Educate management regarding effective financial management practices and trends.
• Work with the Finance Manager to identify trends and impacts to other supported Auxiliary Services units.
• Other ad hoc reporting and analysis as assigned.

Annual Budgets, Month-End and Year-End Close - 25%

• Develop the annual budget for supported units in partnership with the Finance Manager and Operations stakeholders. Complete the necessary month- and year-end transactions, reporting, and documentation for the unit.
• Gather, analyze, and summarize financial data and trends.
• Provide analysis and recommendations for revenue and expense projections, capital plan, cash flow and rate increases.
• Prepare clear, accurate reports and visual materials to present budget recommendations and insights to leadership and other stakeholders.
• Complete review of Chart of Accounts and complete any month-end or fiscal year-end transaction to record necessary accounting entries.
• Provide necessary documentation and commentary for central accounting reporting needs.
• Manage timeline of necessary tasks for the month- and year-end closing activities.

Accounting and Financial Support - 15%

• Oversee financial activity ensuring accuracy, and completeness and timeliness in recording of financial transactions.
• Provide management with financial information, analysis, and recommendations to guide decision making.
• Prepare reports for the Controller's Office and respond to their requests for additional information.
• Proactive involvement with new programs, procedures, and processes to ensure proper accounting treatment and proper controls are in place.
• Support the financial review of RFP submissions and responses.
• Review and approve financial transactions in PeopleSoft.
• Act as the financial expert, ensuring compliance with University policies, federal laws and state laws.
• Monitor and reconcile accounts, balances and fund usage in accordance with financial policies.
• Review, update, and maintain internal financial systems, reports, and processes.
• Educate and guide operational staff on university policies and procedures, ensuring that staff understand, interpret, and effectively apply institutional requirements in their day-to-day work.

Other essential functions - 10%

• Attend department meetings and participate in assigned project teams.
• Offer suggestions for process improvements and assist in documenting and implementing approved changes to departmental procedures.
• Provide back-up support to University Services Finance team members and other Shared Service departments, as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Knowledge, skills, and abilities)

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or related field plus at least six years relevant professional experience.
• Experience and proficiency using spreadsheets, software systems, and reporting software.
• Experience using general ledger financial applications and interpreting financial results.
• Excellent communication skills, strong problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members and individuals.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications: (Knowledge, skills, and abilities)

• Experience with University of Minnesota policies, procedures, and accounting systems.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, budgeting, forecasting, cost and project accounting
• Experience with University of Minnesota's accounting and business procedures and software systems (EFS - Enterprise Financial System, NetSuite, Jaggaer, or iSeries platforms.).
• Experience with fund accounting or multi-entity accounting is preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret, present, and analyze information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
• Demonstrated ability to self-start and take initiative on assignments.
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to use good judgment in prioritizing multiple requests made while meeting deadline objectives.

Department Overview:
The positions are within University Services Finance which oversees all financial activities within University Services, a division of the University of Minnesota responsible for campus operations, including Facilities Management, Capital Project Management, Health and Safety, Planning, Space and Real Estate, Public Safety, and Auxiliary Services. The finance department is responsible for rate development, capital budgeting, accounts payable/receivable, general budgeting, payroll, financial analysis and reporting, legislative reporting, utility accounting, project accounting, debt compliance and general problem solving.

Pay Range: $90,000 to $100,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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 jobcentr@umn.edu.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.