May 23, 2026

Finance Professional 4

Job Description

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting and at least 5 years of accounting experience in an academic and/or research environment; or an equivalent combination of accounting education and experience equal to nine years in an academic and/or research environment.
  • Prior experience preparing clinical trial financial reports and tracking and reconciling clinical trial award revenue and expenses.
  • Familiarity with the clinical trial budget development process.
  • Proficiency with Excel.
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret, present and analyze information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members and individuals.
  • Certified approver or Post Award Spectrum Certification.
  • Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to use good judgment in prioritizing multiple requests made at times by persons with competing interests.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with the University of Minnesota financial management information systems and EFS. Peoplesoft accounting system, or accounting or fiscal experience in a public, comprehensive higher education institution with considerable knowledge of administrative policies and procedures typical of a public institution of higher education.
  • Familiarity with clinical trial contracts.
  • Ability to read and interpret medical invoices.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in informal and formal teaming arrangements.
  • Creative problem solving skills.

Department Name: Clinical Trials Financial Services (CTFS)
Job Code & Title: (8224FG), Finance Professional 4
Position Title: Finance Professional 4
Appointment Term: A-12 month
Appointment Type: Continuing (1)
Work Days/Hours: M-F, Regular
Total Hours/% Appt: 100%
Full/Parttime: Full-Time

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Research Accounting (50%)

Financial expert over entire life of a clinical trial from pre-award study transfer to closure.

Responsibilities include:

  • Reviewing contract and budget to prepare for study transfer meeting
  • Reviewing expenses charged to study for accurateness (portal, FV, Advarra, MCT, OnCore, etc.)
  • Accounting for all expected revenue based on study activity. Create invoices for sponsors and follow up with sponsors regarding past due subject payments.
  • Determining appropriate payroll percentages for labor charging and effort certification
  • Developing financial projections and working with project investigators to research the source and cause of discrepancies in accounting systems
  • Recommending solutions to funding concerns or other complex problems
  • Assisting with renewals and closeout of projects

Budget Analysis & Reporting (15%)

  • Provide comprehensive, global financial reports, projections, and budgets for projects, faculty, divisions, or departments. These are reported at a certain time interval and identify risks and opportunities within the area being analyzed.
  • Work with faculty/management to develop financial plans.
  • Ad hoc reporting will be required.

Certified Approver & Effort Certification or Post Award Process Expert (15%)

  • Audit and approve expenditures on sponsored research projects.
  • Interpret grant and contract regulations and their relation to University accounting procedures, identifies areas of concern and recommends solutions.
  • Provide departmental expertise on expenditure requirements and policy.
  • Coordinate the effort certification process.

OR

  • Create/refine internal processes for post award financial management.
  • Review current procedures and update/create procedures when necessary.
  • Train staff as necessary.

Communication & Relationship Management (10%)

  • Build, foster and maintain positive professional relationships with the division faculty and staff.
  • Facilitate the resolution of complicated financial transactions and resulting questions.
  • Meet with the division administrator on monthly basis to manage the clinical trial portfolio for the division.
  • Ensure the division administrator is informed of the financial status of their clinical trial portfolio and the daily activities taking place.


Process Design/Improvements & Department Representative (10%)

  • Represent department on committees to share expertise, aid in decision-making, and communicate information back to department.
  • Take the lead within department on process design and improvement.


The University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) mission is to accelerate and improve clinical and translational science research, education and improve health. CTSI provides consultation, training, support, and services to researchers and research teams across the translational continuum. CTSI is part of the national, NIH-funded Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA) program/consortium that works together to improve the efficiency, quality, and impact of clinical and translational research and science.

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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.

ID

144a91263c3be35678bdac42fb2c50cd