CTS Job Openings

This is a 75% time position responsible for supporting Center-wide financial activities that include transactional processing, account monitoring, financial reporting, and budget development; monitoring staff efforts; building and maintaining relationships with University and external partners; and serving as a functional resource to Center staff. This position will be a member of the CTS Finance, Research Administration, and Information Services (FRAIS) team and report to CTS's assistant director of finance and business strategy. 

Salary range for this position is $57,000–$67,000 annually.

Responsibilities

50% Transactional Processing and Reconciliation

Approve expense authorizations based on center and contract budgets, while ensuring compliance with University and sponsor policies. Monitor purchasing card (PCard) activity within the center, including: reconciling the departmental PCard, running reports on unreconciled transactions, and monitoring for compliance of University policies. Support the contract for professional services (CPS) process, including setting up new contracts, processing invoices, and monitoring contract balances. Provide guidance and training to staff on financial processes and procedures. Maintain a strong partnership with the Research and Innovation Office (RIO) finance cluster, Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA), and other University partners to facilitate timely processing of transactions and other financial activity.

25% Contract/Grant Management and Budget Development

Assist program managers in developing budgets for contract and grant proposals. Work with CTS leadership and program managers to track contract and grant spending to ensure funds will be available throughout the lifetime of the award; identify any potential spending issues. Assist in the center’s annual budget development process, including compiling budget requests, estimating fiscal year revenues and expenses, and updating budget tools. Assist with the Center’s effort management process, coordinate effort reporting, reconcile against account activity, and communicate changes to appropriate staff.

20% Financial Reporting and Monitoring

Prepare, review, and analyze various financial reports for CTS accounts to facilitate financial management at the center-wide, program, and project levels. Monitor account balances, ensuring financial integrity and compliance with University policies. Investigate identified issues and propose solutions to program leadership. Provide data to managers regarding account balances and budgeting practices, flagging potential issues or other discussion items.

5% Center-wide Programs and Services

Support the development of financial process improvements to meet the current needs of the Center and staff. Participate in the design and implementation of other center-wide initiatives and special projects as needed.

Required 

BA/BS degree and a minimum of two years of related professional work experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years.

Preferred 

Demonstrated ability to apply analytical, organizational, collaboration, and communication skills to complete tasks relevant to this position with a high degree of quality and accuracy. The successful candidate will also have experience monitoring project, program, and organizational budgets; running and analyzing financial reports; grant effort management; implementing process improvement efforts; knowledge of regulatory guidelines and financial best practices; experience with PeopleSoft or other accounting software; and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse organizations and individuals. 

How to Apply

Work Location

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and the Center for Transportation Studies endorses a “work with flexibility” approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. This position is designated as eligible for a work Profile 4 (work fully remotely with the exception of required attendance for on-site events); the successful candidate will have the option to be office-based or hybrid if fully remote is not preferred. 

Because the University of Minnesota is a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University, in most cases, expects employees to live in Minnesota. A University-configured laptop and software will be provided, but the successful candidate will need to provide their own reliable high-speed internet connection for a fully remote or partially remote work schedule. CTS management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Details regarding work schedule, work location, and other arrangements will be made upon offer of employment and a work schedule will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.