Quick Summary
This position is part of the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) Office of Budget and Analysis (OBA) and supports the Minnesota Sea Grant College Program (MNSG) as the MNSG Fiscal Officer (FO). This position is an integral member of the MNSG Leadership Team and a member of the National Sea Grant Fiscal Officer’s Network. The FO will be responsible for managing all fiscal interactions with the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of Commerce (DoC) and all pre/post-award fiscal aspects of incoming and outgoing grant proposals. The FO will demonstrate proficiency in applying general and university/program-specific accounting principles including monitoring and reconciling sponsored and non-sponsored accounts and funds; developing revenue and expense projections and strategic planning of project budgets; preparing financial reports; reviewing and analyzing expenditures; ensuring compliance with grant/contract requirements; and reviewing and preparing data and accounts for auditing. The FO will demonstrate proficiency in working with financial and reporting systems relevant to the University of Minnesota, federal granting agencies, and the National Sea Grant College Program (e.g., NOAA-NSGO Planning, Implementation, Evaluation Resources (PIER) program, eSeaGrant, Grants.gov, Federal Performance Project Reporting RPPR, eRA Commons, PeopleSoft and Enterprise Financial Systems, etc.) in accordance with all applicable financial policies and procedures.
Quick Link
Applications must be submitted online. To apply for this position, go to http://www.umn.edu/ohr/employment/ and search for job opening 358735. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application and attach a resume and cover letter.
Quick Reference
- Who's hiring: The University of Minnesota Sea Grant College Program
- Job title: Fiscal Officer
- Job code: 8223GR
- UMN Job ID: 358862
- Full/part-time: Full-time (40 hours/week)
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- Location: Duluth, Minnesota
- Application open date: December 1, 2023
- Application review date: December 15, 2023
Who We Are
Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) is a systemwide program of the University of Minnesota and one of 34 federal-university Sea Grant partnerships across the country that bring applied water science to communities. MNSG’s extension educators, researchers and communicators work with community members, local decision-makers, policy leaders, and personnel from resource agencies, business and industry to protect, enhance and restore habitats, ecosystems and the services those ecosystems provide. We are what makes the University of Minnesota a Sea Grant institution.
About the Position
This position is a permanent, 100% time, on-campus Civil Service Unit position with some flex work arrangements available after the completion of the probationary period. Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications, and the range begins at $29.39/hour ($61,131.20 annually).
Position Responsibilities
- Core Funding National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-National Sea Grant Office (NSGO) Budget and Financial Duties (50%)
- Assist MNSG Leadership Team in preparing quadrennial omnibus proposals; creating budget proposals and coordinate budgets of extension, research, communications, and management; monitoring pre- and post-award activity; and submitting federal budget modifications and adjustments.
- Set up budgets for research projects awarded through MNSG’s biennial RFP competitions, monitor project expenditures and ensure award principal investigators (PIs) are kept informed, ensure that budgets meet NOAA and U of M policies and procedures. Track the progress of awards and regularly track budget amounts compared to actual expenditures.
- Serve as MNSG’s fiscal liaison to NOAA, UMD sponsored projects office, and PIs.
- Enter MNSG financial information and staffing metrics into the NOAA-NSGO PIER reporting system.
- Represent MNSG at the National Sea Grant Fiscal Officers meetings and participate as needed in regional network meetings, Sea Grant week and other Sea Grant Program meetings
- Prepare budget proposals for extramural grants including completing appropriate forms and preparing financial data and projections.
- Assist the MNSG Director with MNSG staff effort certifications.
- Track mandatory federal cash match and assist the MNSG Director in discussions with UMD and the U of M OVPR.
- Prepare and enable stipends and receipt of funds in support of Sea Grant fellowship holders.
- Manage pre/post-award financial aspects of special federal grants and projects such as NSGO Strategic Funding Initiatives (NSIs).
- Prepare and submit NOAA forms as needed for compliance; specifically forms 90-2 and 90-4.
- Contribute accurate funding data to the monthly MNSG Highlights newsletter.
- Communicate with staff when budgeting or accounting changes are needed.
- Sponsored Budget and Financial Duties (25%)
- Assist with sponsored proposal development for various federal and state agencies including review of agency requirements, verification that budgets meet university and agency guidelines, and accurate and timely submissions of proposals through the University of Minnesota (U of M) system.
- Assist MNSG staff with strategic budgeting in the visioning and preparation of extramural grant proposals, contracts, and cooperative agreements.
- Assist with MNSG’s biennial RFP development, review and help ensure that applicants’ budgets conform to RFP requirements and that proposed match is appropriate.
- Work with external principal investigators (PIs) over the life of MNSG-supported grants, perform accounting support to monitor expenditures, provide financial reports to PIs, and process no-cost extensions.
- Work with PIs and Sponsored Financial Reporting (SFR) to ensure all external reporting requirements and all match requirements have been met.
- Act as liaison among MNSG, Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA), and MNSG-funded PIs regarding research projects, monitor >20 awards from start to close-out.
- Provide pre-award and post-award support to MNSG staff.
- Non-Sponsored Budget and Financial Duties (10%)
- Prepare and manage MNSG’s annual U of M budget.
- Prepare expense and revenue transfer requests as needed to correct financial transaction errors and cover cost share expenses.
- Verify and reconcile accounts for accuracy and request corrections as necessary.
- Meet on a regular basis with MNSG staff and the leadership team to provide reviews of the program’s financial status, provide financial guidance, assist with financial planning and problem-solving and ensure financial reporting deadlines are met.
- Meet on a regular basis with University of Minnesota Budget and Finance Office to stay proficient in fiscal policies and procedures.
- Payroll
- Work with MNSG supervisors and MNSG-supported PIs to ensure accurate and timely payroll reporting.
- Verify biweekly payroll and vacation/sick leave reporting and approvals.
- Coordinate U of M effort certification process to meet policy requirements and deadlines.
- Analyze and monitor personnel and effort changes to projects and, as they occur, process distribution corrections and direct retros to reflect revised level(s) of effort.
- General Duties
- Serve as a resource on U of M financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance.
- Serve as liaison between MNSG staff and U of M central financial operations including accounting services, asset management, purchasing, SPA, disbursements, etc.
- Participate in professional development training opportunities as needed.
- Maintain currency on the fiscal and financial policies and procedures relevant to the NOAA-National Sea Grant Program, the U of M, and other relevant entities.
- (5%) Core Sea Grant Duties
- Participate in MNSG staff meetings.
- Provide financial support and oversight in the drafting, review, and production of documents critical to the MNSG program.
- Maintain MNSG financial and fiscal records according to NOAA-NSGO and U of M record retention policies.
- Attend state, regional, and national Sea Grant workshops, meetings and training sessions as requested by the MNSG Director.
- Contribute to and support the overall MNSG mission.
Working Location
This position will be located at the University of Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) Program’s Chester Park Building offices on the University of Minnesota Duluth campus. This is a hybrid position with the ability to work remotely 1-2 days a week, subject to the units need following the completion of the probationary period.
Code of Conduct
Contribute to a respectful workplace as a Sea Grant team member. Ensure diverse and inclusive programming with attention to affirmative action and commitment to civil rights. Follow the University code of conduct regarding authorship, research, financial transactions, expense reimbursement, vacation and sick leave reporting, use of supplies and office equipment, supervisory duties, use of controlled substances, outside consulting, and use of the University of Minnesota and Sea Grant names and Sea Grant's non-advocacy role.
Minimum Requirements
Eligible applicants must meet all of the following required qualifications:
- BA/BS plus at least four years of professional work experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal eight years.
Preferred Qualifications
Best applicants will also demonstrate the following preferred qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others including all levels of management;
- Demonstrated ability to self-start and take initiative on assignments and follow through with a high level of attention to detail;
- Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with multiple staff members across multiple departments.
- Willingness to proactively seek information to solve complex budgeting problems
- Willingness and ability to collaborate on budget planning and visioning.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to use good judgment in prioritizing multiple competing priorities;
- Demonstrated ability to consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment;
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, creatively, and collaboratively in areas requiring problem solving and multitasking;
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as to be a contributing member of a team.
- Experience with U of M financial systems including HR PeopleSoft, EFS and Effort Certification System.
- Experience with sponsored projects and non-sponsored program accounting, and pre-award and post-award procedures.
- Knowledge of federal and state financial and fiscal regulations as well as U of M financial policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of all phases of grant budgeting and sponsored program accounting, reporting, and grant oversight.
- Proficiency with Microsoft and Google Suite products
Benefits
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 the Regents Scholarship
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To apply for this position:
- Go to UMN HR Search Jobs
- Search for job opening 358862
- Application open date: December 1, 2023
- Application review date: December 15, 2023
Complete the online application and attach all of the following required documents:
- Cover letter
- Current resume
- Contact information for three professional references
To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647). If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact a University of Minnesota Access Consultant at 612-624-3316.
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 University of Minnesota, visit http://diversity.umn.edu.
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. Veterans and individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. The University of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer.
If you have started receiving retirement annuity payments from the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) or Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) your eligibility for this position may be impacted. Please contact OHR Benefits at 1-800-756-2363 for more information.
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.
Smoking and chewing tobacco and the use of electronic cigarettes is prohibited on all UMD property, including indoor facilities, campus grounds and University vehicles.
Email application procedure questions to umdjobs@d.umn.edu.
Contact
Search committee members
- Marie Thoms, MNSG Communications Manager.
- Amy Schrank, MNSG Extension Program Leader and Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Educator.
Additional Information
Minnesota Sea Grant is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Sea Grant Program, which supports 34 similar programs in coastal states throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. It receives funding through the NOAA - Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the University of Minnesota. The program partners with local, regional and national organizations and is an integral member of the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network.