Careers

Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics
Job Code:  7223FG
UM Title:  Finance Professional 3 Supervisory – Fin Generalist:  


The Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics seeks a skilled and energetic finance professional to serve in a key role on our accounting team. In collaboration with two accounting team colleagues, this position supports many aspects of the department’s non-sponsored and sponsored activities as well as certain HR and payroll functions.  This position works closely with other staff, faculty, researchers and students to ensure that financial activity within the unit is performed efficiently and in compliance with University policies and best practices.  This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to advance their career and learn about all aspects of an academic department’s financial operations.  Duties include, but are not limited to:
 
Financial Management & Accounting (60%)

• Maintain the department’s Chart of Accounts system; assist with fund, chartstring and chartfield setups.
• Oversee all non-sponsored accounting activities; assist and serve as backup for sponsored accounting; prepare or approve transaction documents as necessary
• Oversee and approve the work of the Executive Account Specialist in financial transaction preparation: PCard, travel and reimbursements, purchase orders, contracts for professional service, etc.; serve as backup preparer for all documents.
• Serve as Chrome River Navigator and PCard administrator for the department faculty, staff, and students.
• Administer accounts receivable work including external sales, foundation transfers and customer billing. Collaborate with Principal Accountant on ISO activities.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of vendor and sales contracts
• Assist with monitoring student scholarships and fellowships in the Scholarship Tracking and Reporting (STAR) system.
• Oversee monthly financial reconciling process and storage of accounting files

HRMS and Payroll Coordination (30%)

• In collaboration with Administrator, prepare and enter appointment documentation for non-student appointments; oversee Executive Accounts Specialist entry of graduate and undergraduate student appointments
• Prepare and monitor setup of payroll and position management information; send required documents to College payroll cluster for entry.
• Assists the Administrator with staff and faculty recruiting activities
• Oversee payroll verification process in collaboration with Executive Accounts Specialist
• Compute and enter payroll distribution changes at the direction of the Principal Accountant or PIs
• Assist with onboarding of new employees and visitors, including Iâ9 verification and background checks.
• Serve as Unit Time and Absence Administrator.

Other (10%)

• Serve in backup capacity for proposal preparation in Electronic Grants. Management System (EGMS) and entry of effort certification in ECRT.
• Assist with tracking of laboratory supplies
• Attend collegiate finance and payroll meetings.
• Ensure accounting job aids and procedure manuals are updated.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, accounting, or related field, and 4 years of professional accounting experience, or a combination of related education and relevant accounting experience totaling eight (8) years.
• Proficiency/experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred qualifications

• Familiarity with University of MN or other higher education financial and HR systems such as PeopleSoft, EFS, HRMS, UM Reports, ECRT and EGMS.
• Experience with University of Minnesota financial policies and procedures
• Experience preparing financial analyses and explaining financial information to diverse audiences
• Payroll and human resource management experience
• Advanced computer skills including spreadsheet development and maintenance using Microsoft Excel, Filemaker Pro, and web database reporting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience delivering highâlevel customer service, including proactive communication and ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues.
• Demonstrated selfâstarter, able to work independently in a dynamic team environment that requires flexibility and exceptional problem-solving skills.