About the Job
The Chief Financial Officer reports to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alumni Association and is a strategic thought leader in managing assets and finances to grow the entrepreneurial spirit of the UMAA. As part of the UMAA leadership team, this senior-level leader oversees the financial, HR, and risk management areas of the UMAA and supervises the accounting manager.
This is a 100%, 12-month annually renewable appointment in the academic professional personnel series.
Essential Functions:
Business Strategy and Governance
- Manage UMAA assets to position the organization for future growth.
- With the CEO and VP of Marketing and Business Development, identify and assist with strategies to grow revenue for the UMAA.
- Provide strategic financial leadership on the proposed alumni and friends housing project.
- Advise the CEO and leadership team of optimal use of resources to fulfill UMAA's mission.
- Work closely with the UMAA Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and the Finance and Audit Committees to support their financial oversight.
- Serve on the University Gateway Corporation Board of Directors as Secretary, and as a member of the Finance Committee and Operations Committee.
- Partner with the UMAA leadership team to build a high performing team with strong internal culture.
Accounting and Finance:
- Lead the design and execution of UMAA's financial activities.
- Build, monitor, and maintain effective internal controls and ensure adherence to financial policies.
- Prepare annual operating and capital budgets in consultation with the leadership team.
- Direct the annual external audit and tax compliance engagements.
- Manage the cash flow of the organization.
- Monitor and report the performance, management and use of invested funds.
- Review monthly financial performance with budget owners and management team, assess variances from budgets and revise forecasts.
- Oversee the monthly closing process and preparation of internal departmental reports and financial statements.
Management and Administration:
- Lead the UMAA's HR operations, coordinating with University Human Resources to leverage their expertise and capacity.
- Oversee the recruiting, hiring, onboarding and departures process for new employees.
- Engage legal counsel for the UMAA as necessary.
- Oversee UMAA's insurance needs and risk management.
- Collaborate with other University departments to support UMAA's mission and achieve goals.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.
- Ten (10) years of experience as a professional accountant.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A creative, entrepreneurial mindset.
- Experience working in a higher education or non-profit setting.
- Advanced degree in related field.
- Professional certification in related field - CPA, CMA, CGMA, CFA, etc.
- Knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and taxation.
- Able to assess the adequacy of internal controls and develop controls to address deficiencies.
- Self-motivated, able to work independently and assume high-level responsibilities.
- Detail oriented.
- Organized and able to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Able to communicate financial information to non-financial staff.
- Understanding of the human resources operations.
- Knowledge of organizational risk assessment and insurance coverage.
About the Department
The University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) fosters a lifelong spirit of belonging and pride by connecting alumni, students, and friends to the University of Minnesota and each other. The association advocates for the University and its alumni with a credible, independent, and collaborative voice.
Benefits
Working at the University
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 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.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the search firm, Truity. To be considered for this position, go to the Truity site (https://truitypartners.com/) and click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to upload a cover letter and resume.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
Diversity
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
Employment Requirements
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.
About the U of M
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).
