The ISyE/SST Accountant is a member of the CSE Shared Services Team (SST). SST provides administrative and financial support as needed across units in CSE. SST is responsible for all accounting and financial management in ISyE. This position will reside 100% ISyE but may have assignments for other units in the College. Hybrid (remote / in-person) work arrangement.
Responsibilities In times of transition throughout the college, this position may support other units as needs arise.
Duties include supporting financial and administrative needs as follows:
Financial – 50% (Non-sponsored and sponsored accounting)
Complete a variety of accounting functions, which includes capitalizing assets, reconciling account strings; transferring funds; setting up new accounts and/or grants; monitoring fund balances and preparing status reports. Activities may involve data from multiple departments or colleges.
Advise managers and staff on proper accounting procedures in the purchase, sale or exchange of goods and services. Attend departmental staff meetings as necessary.
Reconcile and maintain University general ledger ensuring that financial transactions meet all university, federal and sponsor guidelines. Investigate discrepancies and correct.
Process journal entries.
Maintain departmental files for project awards with supporting documentation and grant correspondence.
Enter departmental budgets into PeopleSoft and position budgeting.
Maintain working knowledge of dept. non-sponsored accounts
Create monthly financial reports, including projections for multiple funding types. Assist Administrator/PIs with report interpretation and identify trends and possible solutions. Assist units with external reporting requirements.
Maintain accounts receivable for external sales, perform rate calculations, and calculate sales tax. Act as primary billing specialist for team by preparing all external and internal billings for the service team.
Provide accounting guidance and support to ISyE’s student groups
Upload scholarships to the scholarship automation system and track scholarship disbursements.
Foundation accounts setup, fund projection, billing, and closeout.
Provide primary accounting support for the entire life-cycle of assigned sponsored projects.
Advise principal investigators (PI) regarding issues, explain financial policies and recommend solutions to problems.
Manage spending of cost share funds per requirements of cost share sources
Manage re-budget requests. Work with PI, SPA, and others to re-budget when needed.
Manage and track effort commitments in relation to project requirements; interact with effort coordinators on requirements, certification, and reporting.
Coordinate close-out of projects.
Preaward Grants Management Support – 25%
Work with PIs and/or project managers to develop a proposal budget that is in line with funding opportunity, University guidelines, and project needs. Draft budget justifications and support PIs and project managers in writing compliant justifications.
Prepare and edit other administrative documents. Stay up-to-date on funding agency rules for administrative documents.
Submit proposals through application systems and University approvals.
Facilitate submission of collaborative grant proposals within and across departments
Payroll Administration – 15%
Manage local payroll administration for department, including review of payroll abstract.
Perform local onboarding administration for new employees (e.g., I-9 processing).
Submit documentation to CSE Payroll Team to adjust payroll status as needed throughout the year (e.g., coordinating summer transitions for faculty, semester transitions for student employees).
Administration - Other: 10%
Build relationships with other University departments, CSE and greater UMN staff, clients, and outside funders to coordinate administrative expertise and maintain working relationships with regulatory agencies.
Participate in professional development opportunities and special projects that contribute to the ongoing improvement of the department and college.
Attend training, meetings and workshops to keep up-to-date on changing policies and procedures.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
BA/BS degree with a major in accounting, business administration, or related field and two years professional accounting experience OR a combination of related post-high school education and closely related work experience totaling at least six years.
Demonstrated customer service experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Highly organized and detailed-oriented; capable of handling multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadline objectives.
Degree in accounting, business, or related field.
Certified Approver or willingness/ability to become a certified approver within 18 months.
Familiarity with University of Minnesota financial system (EFS), policies, and procedures.
Experience with sponsored funding and grant proposals.
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.