Office of Budget & Analysis - Strategic Financial Partner

Summary of Role

• This role is part of the Office of Budget and Analysis, and provides embedded, dotted line support to dean or unit leadership, providing strategic support. This role reports directly to the Director of the Office of Budget and Analysis.
• This position requires a high level of independence, working under supervision while having discretion to make daily operation decisions.
• Additionally, the role requires the individual to solve problems using advanced analytical and technical skills, integrating technology as well as understanding of processes and resources to bring together a solution.

Strategic Financial Advisement and Leadership (50%)

• This strategic finance partner meets regularly with the dean and college/unit leadership while serving as a key advisor and they are responsible for providing oversight and strategic financial expertise for the college.
• The strategic finance partner is a member of the Office of Budget and Analysis analytical staff. As a member of this team, the strategic finance partner meets regularly with the Office of Budget and Analysis and works to provide strategic analysis for both campus level and college level decision making. As a member of this team they are to bring a consistent approach to analysis and problem solving.
• Partners with college/unit leadership and campus financial leadership, providing financial advice and expertise on funding availability, including forecasting and other financial information.
• Partners with college/unit leadership to support budget development and stewardship of fiscal resources for the college.
• Works with collegiate/campus unit level administrators and the HR Strategic Partner, as well as other campus stakeholders to ensure efficient and effective communication and processes exist between administrative and fiscal operations. Participates in leadership meetings and strategic planning for the colleges, including college specific governance committees.
• Supports and impacts specific administrative initiatives that advance the mission and/or operations of the colleges and align with broader University strategic plans and/or areas of focus. This requires identifying the goals of engagement, building relationships within and outside of the institution to help meet those goals, creating the appropriate (infra)structures to accomplish those goals, and leading the process for success.
• The Strategic Finance Partner also meets regularly with departmental staff on budget related matters and serves as a resource on financial matters to staff as needed.
• Prepares and presents financial information for college/unit level governance and advisory meetings.
• Provides analysis supporting campus wide projects and initiatives.

Finance and Accounting (50%)

• Facilitate the completion of the University's annual budget process for the college or unit, including position management budgeting and internal budget processes that lead up to this.
• Facilitate all financial aspects of the development of the college instructional budget. This includes the development of the budget for both the internal college and campus level course access process.
• Oversee O&M, state special, research and extension, internal and external sales, unrestricted, UM Foundation accounts, and PUF.
• Develops summer school budget.
• Partners with college/unit leadership for reviewing and supporting the strategic planning of finance-related functions including instructional budgeting and long term staff funding plans.
• Develops best practices and guidance for collegiate budget processes.
• Provide guidance to staff within assigned departmental units to ensure that budget accounts are appropriately managed.
• Monitors / coordinates departmental effort certification and provides assistance as needed.
• Transfer funds, set up new accounts, monitor fund balances, and develop various reports for managers.
• Develops, along with key staff in affected areas, internal and external sales rate development.
• Transfers scholarships to student accounts and processes foundation requests.
• Maintain delegations of authority and code of ethics agreements.
• Report issues of financial integrity, internal controls and sound financial practices.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least 6 years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience performing finance or accounting work in a higher education setting.
• A degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.

Pay Range: $93,000-$10,0000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University 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 Tuition Benefit Program
• 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@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.

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

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.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.