Job ID359348 LocationTwin Cities Job FamilyFinance Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code7224GR Employee ClassCivil Service About the Job Department Overview: The Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Minnesota has been on the cutting-edge for its education, research, and outreach for decades. The legacy continues as the department continues to grow and expand its curriculum, research, and outreach. You are invited to join our team as the CS&E Research Accountant. Position Overview: This is a civil service position governed by the Civil Service Rules at the University of Minnesota. Responsible for providing senior-level professional financial support and supervision of research accountants. Requires in-depth knowledge and experience with University of Minnesota accounting policies and procedures. This position will develop accounting practices and procedures to increase capacity, efficiency, and competency to manage sponsored and non-sponsored funding sources. This job might be a good fit for you if you enjoy building relationships, proactively identifying issues and solutions, love policy, and working with a small team to build strong systems and processes to support faculty research. This position reports to the CS&E Finance Manager. Job Duties: Grant and Contract Accounting and Analysis (35%) Responsible for the strategic planning regarding a faculty member's sponsored and non-sponsored account portfolio. This includes accounting, reconciliation, auditing, contract management, subaward setup, negotiations, and project close out. Regularly meet with faculty to review the status of accounts and develop individualized financial plans detailing analysis of their accounts, committed effort, and cost share required. Serve as the subject matter expert in the department on policies and procedures related to research accounting. Responsible for making decisions related to department practices, processes, forms, etc. related to research accounting. Collaborate across the University with institutional representatives to ensure proper account set up, financial reporting, and other compliance as per sponsor guidelines and University policies. Interpret and communicate policy to faculty and staff, including keeping up to date on changing policies and procedures, both internal and external sponsors. Analyze all required entries required to close out account strings as part of year-end closing. Access data and create ad hoc reports for faculty to make programmatic decisions. Review and approve appointments and positions requested by faculty. Review and approve effort statements with the support of the Department Effort Coordinator. Grant Proposal and Submissions (25%) Read and interpret proposal solicitations for budget instructions. Prepare proposal budget using solicitation instructions and faculty input. Determine appropriate rates to use for personnel, fringe and indirect costs. Lead the proposal preparation process with the faculty and subcontracts, as needed, including large center proposals. Responsible for timely proposal submission to SPA and agency. Collaborate with post award accountants on proposal details, as needed. Maintain official proposal data for the department. Research Accountant Supervision (20%) Assign and prioritize grants accounting work, including pre-award, post-award, and approvals. Responsible for team workload based on assigned faculty. Responsible for onboarding new staff and ensuring current staff have the appropriate training and support to do their work effectively, including following policies and procedures. Making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations to the Chief of Staff. Coach and mentor research accountants to increase their own skills and knowledge. Provide consultation to accounting staff members regarding any problems or concerns, provide expertise, strategy and structure to solve them. Encourage research accountants to pursue profes ional development opportunities, as appropriate, to encourage growth and development. Hold and lead regular research accounting team meetings. Department Approver / CA Approver (15%) Provide approvals for financial transactions to include travel reimbursements, requisitions, journals, deposits, vouchers, and procurement card (PCARD) activity, primarily on faculty accounts (sponsored and non-sponsored). Certify and approve expenditures on sponsored research projects based on how it relates to University policies/procedures, identify areas of concern, and recommend solutions. Understand sponsor and University policies and provide expertise on best practices to handle expenditure and requirements Assist with various internal audits of business operations to ensure compliance. Be an active member of the Certified Approver community. Other duties as Assigned (5%) Attend GMUN, FSUN and SPA Symposium and appropriate training opportunities. Serve on committees as needed for the University, College and Department. Other duties as needed to manage the research accounting function in the department. Qualifications Required Qualifications: BA/BS in accounting or related field and 5 years of relevant work experience OR a combination of education and experience to equal 9 years. Preferred Qualifications: University of Minnesota certified approver: https://research.umn.edu/units/riact/certified-approver-program/about-certified-approver-program. If not a certified approver, must have equivalent experience and training and will be encouraged to pass both parts of the test within 12 months of the hire date. Experience with financial planning or budget management. Experience with Uniform Guidance, GAAP, GASB and demonstrated ability to articulate Federal laws and University policy. Familiarity with University systems such as PeopleSoft, EFS, UM Reports, ECRT and EGMS. Demonstrated ability to proactively identify and resolve complex problems. Demonstrated ability to organize and direct multiple projects and interrelated financial activities with major operational or funding impact. Strong customer service skills. Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences. About the Department The Department of Computer Science & Engineering resides within the College of Science & Engineering. More information about the department is available at 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... For full info follow application link. 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.