Careers

Reporting to the Finance Manager, the Finance Professional 1 will work closely with other finance staff and serve as an accounting generalist for The Hormel Institute. This individual will provide expertise to the Finance Manager on accounting reporting, reconciliation issues, displays a proficient knowledge base, strong communication skills, and capacity to work both independently and as part of a team. This position has been designated as Profile 1 and is expected to work primarily on-site. Your office will be located at The Hormel Institute located in Austin, MN.  

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• This role works under general supervision and collaborates with the finance manager and other staff to achieve optimal results
• Expected to provide professional support in delegated areas of finance and gather appropriate information to fulfill time-sensitive projects with an emphasis on accuracy
• Exhibit professionalism, tact, and maturity, to effectively communicate with customers, vendors and colleagues
• Utilize analytics and other tools as necessary to extract data into Excel to create reports and analysis
• Provide excellent customer service while maintaining compliance with both University and Federal policies and procedures
• Attend classes, workshops, seminars, and other meetings to remain up-to-date on system and policy changes, and continue professional development

Focus of Job Responsibilities

45% - Financial Management & Accounting

• Responsibilities include accounting, reporting, reconciliation, compliance and documentation
• Prepare and register DMS and Cash deposits within the DMS and desktop deposit systems
• Enter and keep record of donor payments received from development into DMS
• Follow specific procedures regarding check requests including but not limited to: obtain approval from management, write checks, obtain Executive Director or Chief of Staff's signature, record checks in excel document and send to controller for EFS recording of checks. Reconcile submitted processed checks
• Maintain department checkbook and reporting
• Assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable. Create Vendor Payment Worksheets to be sent to central OVPR for payments to be made to the vendor or individual
• Research and problem solve inquiries, budgeting and purchasing questions as needed
• Reconcile accounts, analyze monthly financial results and investigate and report on variances; prepare journal entries as needed
• Compile and analyze budget figures for various reports, monthly, annually, and as needed for PIs, Department Director, and Chief of Staff as delegated by the Finance Manager

35% - Financial Analysis

• Must be proficient to interpret and apply policy to financial situations
• Audit transactions for policy compliance, availability of funds and use of appropriate chart strings
• Analyze non-sponsored funds for PI, make recommendations for use and assist PI in budgeting of future and remaining non-sponsored funds
• Analyze the efficiency and adequacy of established department accounting procedures; and develop and implement changes in collaboration with the Finance Manager
• Work within the team to provide information and coaching to resolve gaps in processes or procedures
• Identify and resolve account variances and follow appropriate correction procedures
• Internal auditing, policies and procedures, and quality control activities

15% - Departmental Support

• Create, track and/or manage requisitions within the Hormel Institute for supplies and services needed
• Add suppliers to the University EFS system
• Send PO changes to OVPR
• Responsible for receiving and reconciling purchases
• Troubleshooting and resolving purchasing processing errors
• Works with supervisors and staff, providing financial assistance on funding availability and purchasing whenever needed

5% - Other Financial Duties as Assigned

• Duties within the financial department that are created due to changes of efficiency and adequacy

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Proficient Excel skills and experience with spreadsheet development

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in University of Minnesota EFS System
• Experience in University of Minnesota Donor Management System (DMS)
• Experience in University of Minnesota Reporting Center
• Experience creating Vendor Payment Worksheets
• Academic environment experience

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

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.

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