Finance Professional 2, Accountant in Biomedical Engineering
University of Minnesota

Job Info

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About the Job

This position serves as primary non‐sponsored accountant and payroll coordinator for the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The Finance Professional 2 works closely with the Finance Team Lead and HR Coordinator to support the BME operating budget and faculty, staff and student research through financial system approvals, policy compliance, and payroll coordination.

Job Duties
Transaction Approvals and Chart of Accounts Management (20%)

• Review and approve all purchases and travel on non‐sponsored and sponsored funds for policy compliance and budgetary impact in PeopleSoft and Chrome River.
• Work with Purchasing Coordinator, department student workers, PIs and lab personnel to set clear justification expectations, clarify policy and prevent problematic purchases.
• Maintain the department's Chart of Accounts system to identify and track funding sources.
• Serve as Chrome River Navigator for the department faculty, staff and students.

Budget and Financial Management (20%)

• Advise faculty, staff and students on proper accounting procedures to follow in purchase, sale or exchange of goods and services.
• Administer accounts receivable work including internal/external sales organizations, foundation transfers and customer billing.
• Track one‐time non‐sponsored awards for students and student group funding, providing reports and answering questions as needed.
• Manage course fee rate development, entry and budget tracking.
• Work with Finance Team Lead on annual budget projections, budget entry and fiscal year closeout.
• Identify and communicate changes regarding University, College, federal grant and departmental financial policy and procedures.

Payroll Coordination (35%)

• Prepare and monitor setup of payroll appointment entry and position management information; send required documents to College payroll cluster for entry.
• Develop and implement a communication plan and tracking documents to coordinate fall, spring and summer Graduate student appointment entry with faculty members and other BME staff.
• Process and reconcile tuition and health insurance payments for fellows and trainees.
• Ensure accuracy of entered personnel and payroll transactions via payroll accounting reports and abstracts, including consistency with appointment documentation and correct funding source(s).
• Identify and resolve various payroll issues, working with employees, faculty, staff and College payroll cluster as needed.
• Assist with onboarding of new employees and visitors, including I‐9 verification administration.
• Serve as Unit Time and Absence Administrator.
• Serve as an information resource to interpret and advise faculty, students and staff with questions regarding University and department payroll policies and procedures.

Financial and Payroll Accounting Analysis (15%)

• Research and resolve discrepancies in accounting data; serve as main journal entry preparer.
• Reconcile accounts and analyze monthly financial results for reasonableness.
• Monitor and reconcile payroll, fringe and fellowship activity.
• Compute and enter distribution changes (including complex retro distributions) at the direction of the Finance Team Lead or PIs.

Other (10%)

• Assist Finance Team Lead with ad‐hoc reporting or other duties as assigned.
• Make recommendations to the Finance Team Lead and Department Administrator on process improvements and implementation methods.
• Engage in BME initiatives and training opportunities, such as diversity and inclusion goals and pursuits, department strategic planning groups and sponsored project SPECTRUM training.
• Provide backup to other BME staff members as needed.

Starting pay, dependent on experience and/or qualifications, budgeted for $52-58k annually.

Qualifications

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, economics, accounting, or related field, and 2 years of professional accounting experience, or a combination of related education and relevant accounting experience totaling six (6) years.
• Proficiency/experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred qualifications

• High level of attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks with overlapping deadlines; can re‐prioritize tasks as needed.
• Experience with computerized accounting and/or payroll systems.
• Experience to include financial analysis, fund accounting, and web‐based enterprise financial and payroll systems.
• Advanced computer skills including spreadsheet development and maintenance using Microsoft Excel and web database reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret, present and evaluate information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
• Experience delivering high‐level customer service, including proactive communication and ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues.
• Demonstrated self‐starter, able to work independently in a dynamic team environment that requires flexibility and exceptional problem solving skills.
• Interest in improving business processes or developing tools to proactively engage with faculty, staff and students.
• Willingness to learn and grow professionally, including receptiveness to feedback.

About the Department

This position is located in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, which is an undergraduate and graduate degree granting academic and research unit within the College of Science & Engineering. BME has 22 core faculty with additional affiliated faculty from other departments. Department researchers explore the following areas of emphasis: bioinstrumentation and medical devices, biomaterials and micro/nanofabrication, biomechanics, biomedical optics and imaging, biomolecular, cellular and tissue engineering, cancer bioengineering, cardiovascular engineering, neural engineering. 

At the Department of Biomedical Engineering, we:

• Value diversity and recognize the importance of uplifting diverse and underrepresented perspectives.
• Are dedicated to continuous education and growth in our personal and collective understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strive to identify policies and practices in our department and in our field that undermine diversity, equity, and inclusion, and take responsive action to correct them.
• Are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture where we welcome, support, and advance the career aspirations of all members of the BME community, past, present, and future.

How To Apply

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-UOHR (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

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.

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