Chief Financial Officer - College of Biological Sciences

The College of Biological Science (CBS) includes five academic departments, one research institute, two field stations, and a plant conservatory with approximately 150 faculty, 210 staff, and 60 postdoctoral researchers. Two academic departments are shared with the Medical School. CBS serves approximately 2,300 undergraduates and 280 graduate students. In fiscal year 2024, CBS’ annual operating budget totaled $112.8 million and included $35.5 million from the 203 active grants, including 102 grants exceeding $100,000 in expenditures. CBS provides essential financial support to shared infrastructure, initiatives, and multi-collegiate events that foster research collaborations. 

Strategy 

• Lead the development, implementation, and assessment of CBS’ short- and long-term financial strategies: 
  • Analyze, interpret, and communicate information about the financial performance of the college. 
  • Make recommendations concerning the strategic allocation of resources, business processes, and policies. 
  • Develop strategies to improve financial performance and efficiency. 
  • Identify trends and changes in resources and expenditures that may require action.
• Collaborate with the CBS dean and senior leadership team to implement and oversee a comprehensive model for the creation, reporting, and use of administrative data for planning, decision-making, and daily operations in the college.
• Collaborate with the Medical School Dean's Office on finance and facilities matters and other shared interests. Ensure the values of the partnership are reflected in our processes, procedures, and the success of our shared departments.
• Foster a workplace environment where unit leadership and employees are committed to principles and practices of respect, diversity, inclusivity, continuous improvement, excellent customer service, integrity, and teamwork.

Facilities, Space, and Capital Planning

• Serve in the formal University roles of chief financial manager (CFM) and Resource Responsibility Center (RRC) contact for CBS. Maintain open and frequent contact with many central administration offices, including the Office of Budget and Finance, the Controller’s Office, Sponsored Projects Administration, and the Office of Human Resources to ensure compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Work with the dean and other collegiate leaders on the collegiate budget and planning process, including preparation of the annual budget, the allocation of resources to CBS units, and the development of CBS strategy and options in the annual campus Compact process. Align resource allocation with the financial strategy, the values and priorities of the college and University, and operating objectives and processes.
• Determine overall objectives, priorities, and processes to ensure effective financial systems and practices that can be consistently deployed throughout CBS within the framework of University guidelines.
• Interpret, document, and systematize communication of financial policy and processes for CBS leadership, faculty, and staff; follow through as necessary and appropriate.
• Oversee financial issues including the following within CBS: sponsored and non-sponsored projects financial administration, capital asset inventory, tuition and fee policies, internal service organizations, external sales, royalties, effort certification, endowments, scholarships, payroll, financial transaction, and reporting systems.
• Oversee the college financial services made up of the CBS Financial Services team and BioGEN Financial (in cooperation with the Medical School), both of which are made up of a wide-ranging team handling grants and contracts, external sales, financial reporting, financial management and accounting, scholarship management, gift processing, and budgeting. Directly supervise the CBS finance manager and have dotted-line supervision of the finance supervisor of BioGEN.
• Serve as collegiate point of contact for the Department of Internal Audits. Coordinate internal financial audits, which includes coordinating submission of documentation requested by Internal Audits, drafting response to any findings, and ensuring that auditor findings are resolved.   

Facilities, Space, and Capital Planning

• Oversee facilities, space, and capital planning for CBS including research, teaching, field station, and administrative needs. Determining funding availability for facility-related projects as identified and prioritized by the CBS facilities manager in consultation with college leadership. 
• Supervise and oversee work plan for the CBS facilities manager.
• Oversee generation of CBS’ submissions for the Six-Year Capital Plan, Annual Capital Budget, and other capital planning documents.

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 12 years of related experience of progressively responsible fiscal and management experience, including: 
  • Leading an organization in the development and implementation of its financial strategies
  • Overseeing an organization's fiscal administration and budget

• Master’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting or related area
• Related experience at the University of Minnesota, another institution of higher education, or another large, complex, and mission-driven organization

Starting salary range: $155,000 to $170,000

Work arrangements: The University of Minnesota endorses a Work. With Flexibility. approach, and we offer a flexible work environment that meets the needs of the students, faculty, staff, and partners we serve. This is a primarily in-person role with some flexibility for remote work. This position is located on the St. Paul side of the Twin Cities campus.

Benefits: As a Professional and Administrative (P&A) employee, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with low-cost health coverage, professional development opportunities, and retirement plan with 10% employer contribution. (See our benefits page for more information.) 

To be considered for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter. 

Apply here

Priority review of applications will begin September 29, 2024. For questions or nominations, please contact Jennifer Erickson (jrostami@umn.edu).