Chief Financial Officer

The Chief Finance Manager / Officer (CFM/CFO) is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, ensuring effective budgeting, compliance, financial reporting, and internal controls. This position serves as an advisor to the Dean and Executive Leadership Team on financial matters, providing insight and analysis to support decision-making while ensuring fiscal responsibility across the School.

The CFM/CFO manages a team and will regularly participate in leadership meetings related to financial planning, compliance, and resource allocation, ensuring financial stewardship aligns with institutional goals.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Strategy & Leadership Support (30%)

• Serves as the primary financial advisor to the Dean and Executive Leadership Team on budgeting, forecasting, and financial health.
• Actively participates in leadership discussions, retreats, and decision-making forums where financial planning, compliance, or budgeting impact strategic goals.
• Collaborates with the Dean to develop financial models, multi-year projections, and reports to support institutional initiatives.
• Ensures that financial decisions align with the School's mission, strategic priorities, and fiscal sustainability.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Fiscal Oversight (30%)

• Manages the annual budgeting process, including revenue projections, expense planning, and fund allocation.
• Provides financial reporting and analysis to monitor fiscal performance across all funding sources (O&M, state special, grants, endowments, ICR, and tuition revenue).
• Collaborates with the University Budget Office and Central Financial Services to ensure adherence to institutional financial policies.

Financial Compliance & Risk Management (20%)

• Maintains strong internal controls and financial compliance within University and Humphrey School policies.
• Oversees audit preparation, grant financial reporting, and risk assessment processes to ensure compliance with external funding requirements.
• Partners with Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) to manage post-award grant financials and ensure adherence to regulations.

Supervision & Process Improvement (20%)

• Manages and supervises a team of financial professionals, including Financial Professional 1 and Financial Professional 2, ensuring strong financial operations and compliance..
• Develops and implements process improvements to enhance efficiency, financial transparency, and reporting accuracy.
• Ensures that financial transactions and reporting align with best practices and University standards.
  

Work Environment & Expectations

• The Finance & Budget Director will regularly engage with leadership on financial matters while managing the School's day-to-day fiscal operations.
• Participation in Dean's Leadership Team discussions, after-hours meetings, and retreats as required.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required during fiscal year-end reporting, budget planning cycles, and audits.
• Hybrid work arrangements are available per University policy. Humphrey School staff members are asked to work onsite at least three days a week, with Wednesdays being a "common day," where all staff work onsite.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field.
• Eight or more years of professional finance experience, preferably in higher education or a complex financial environment.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasting, financial analysis, and compliance oversight.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial data and provide strategic recommendations.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills to work effectively across departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Status as or willingness to complete coursework to be a Certified Approver.
• Master's degree in finance, business administration, or a related field.
• Experience in grant management, post-award financial reporting, and university budget models.
• Knowledge of University of Minnesota financial systems and policies.
• Experience managing a team of financial professionals.
  

The Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota ranks among the country's top professional public policy and planning schools, widely recognized for its success in advancing the common good through a comprehensive, world-class program. The School offers six distinctive master's degrees, a doctoral degree, and six certificate programs that match students' passion with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to solve real-world challenges.

Pay Range: $115,000 - $122,000 Annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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.

Interested candidates must submit a resume and cover letter detailing relevant experience and alignment with the role's responsibilities to be considered for this position.

The priority consideration date is May 2, 2025. This position will remain open until filled.

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).