Principal Financial Advisor - Accounting Officer Principal

Responsibilities

Provide in-depth budget and financial analysis for MDA funds so agency leadership, management and staff can make informed financial decisions and take action. Ensure the agency meets its obligations in managing federal, state, and other funds in a manner consistent with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations and policies.

• Develop expert level knowledge of the agency’s budget to provide high-level analysis and expert advice on fiscal questions
• Review and monitor budgets for all MDA funds
• Prepare and interpret budget related reports
• Advise agency personnel on procedures
• Coordinate fiscal year end closing requirements for all assigned agency funding
• Prepare and maintain annual agency spending plans for efficient utilization of resources
• Assist agency staff in biennial budget preparation
• Coordinate fiscal year close and reconcile agency revenue and expenditures
• Perform advanced-level financial analysis and long‑range strategic planning

Minimum Qualifications

Three years of combined government finance or accounting experience in at least three of the following areas:

• Managing expenditure and revenue budgets
• Preparing and presenting budget documents
• Federal accounting, budgeting and reporting requirements
• Financial analysis
• Preparing complex financial reports

Education: A degree in Accounting, Business, Finance or a related field may be substituted as follows: associate’s degree – six months, bachelor’s degree – one year, master’s degree – 18 months.

• Skilled in presenting financial information using a variety of methods and other means of communicating policies and procedures
• Ability to interpret laws, rules and regulations, and direct staff to implement appropriate accounting procedures
• Organizational skills and the ability to identify and solve problems, advise others, handle multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and apply innovative approaches and opportunities for streamlining existing processes
• Skilled in interpersonal relationships to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other state agencies, customers, public vendors and with officials of other governmental agencies
• Writing skills sufficient to prepare clear and comprehensive reports and procedures
• Highly proficient in Excel and strong experience with the Microsoft suite of products
• Ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, or Finance
• Knowledge of MDA’s accounting structure
• Advanced knowledge of establishing and managing appropriations and budgets in various funds including Federal Funds
• Advanced ability to recognize complex accounting problems and design appropriate accounting solutions and to provide leadership and direction to program managers to deal with budget problems
• Experience with the state legislative process; MDA relevant state laws, statutes, rules, regulations and policies governing the use of state and federal funds
• Experience working with enterprise database systems such as the Statewide Integrated Financial Tools (SWIFT), Statewide Employee Management System (SEMA4) and OBIEE data warehouse
• Ability to instill continuous improvement ideas/practices

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Equal Opportunity Employer

Minnesota state agencies are equal‑opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourage persons of color, Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.