Financial Analyst 1 - Grants & Research Finance

This Financial Analyst position is responsible for reporting, managing, and analyzing financial information to senior management in both the department and corresponding division(s). This includes acting as the Pediatrics finance contact between the divisions and federal agencies and foundations. This role involves supporting budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, analyzing data for trends, creating models for decision-making, and partnering with stakeholders to provide financial insights for strategic planning focusing on operational performance and resource allocation. Varied situations require analysis and interpretation, using general University policies and procedures as guidelines, to translate complex financial information into actionable insights for leadership, helping to drive performance and efficiency.

This position will support a large and complex research grant within the Cognition and Neurodevelopmental Studies (CNS) Lab at the University of Minnesota. The CNS lab is a multiple PI-led research lab with a significant grant funding portfolio across multiple departments (Pediatrics, ICD) housed at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. Drs. Meghan Swanson and Jed Elison are co-Directors of the CNS Lab.

Responsibilities

Budgeting & Forecasting (10%)
o Develop annual budgets, periodic forecasts, and long-range financial plans

Financial Analysis, oversight, and management (30%)
o Provide financial oversight, analysis and management of sponsored and non-sponsored data
o Conduct detailed variance analysis (actuals vs budget/forecast), identify trends, and create financial models to assess performance
o Develop and implement process for billing and invoicing
o Ensure compliance with University policies and procedures

Financial Reporting (25%)
o Create consolidated financial statements
o Prepare both standard and customized monthly, quarterly, and annual reports/dashboards/KPI scorecards for management and principal investigators to meet goals and objectives

Document approval and effort certification (25%)
o Audit and approve expenditures on sponsored research projects
o Interpret grant and contract regulations and their relation to University accounting procedures, identifies areas of concern and recommends solutions
o Provide departmental expertise on expenditure requirements and policy
o Coordinate the effort certification process, review effort statements, and work with faculty to resolve discrepancies

Decision Support & Collaboration (10%)
o Analyze business cases, cost-saving ideas, and revenue opportunities to support strategic decisions
o Recommend actions based on financial analysis
o Work closely with Operations, IT, Accounting, Marketing, etc. to understand financial drivers
o Train others on procedures and process designs and improvements
o Represent department on University committees
o Aid in the decision-making of the department

Required Qualifications

BA/BS degree plus at least six years of relevant experience
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with high demand faculty
Strong organizational and customer service orientation skills
Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities
Advanced skills with computer software on PC or Mac (i.e. Microsoft Office, Google Suite) and financial software and tools
Strong written and spoken language skills to communicate complex financial data clearly
High-level analytical, attention to detail, and quantitative skills

Preferred Qualifications

Evidence of successful working relationships with senior management and principal investigators
Certified Approver
Experience with federal granting agencies to include budgeting, pre- and post-award
Clinical trial experience, budgeting, pre- and post-award

Pay Range: $92,000 - $100,000; 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

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).