Principal Financial Advisor

This position will provide in-depth budget and financial analysis for Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) funds, so agency leadership, management, and staff are able make informed financial decisions and take action. This position helps ensure that the agency meets its obligations in managing federal, state, and other funds in a manner that is consistent with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and policies. 

This position is required to 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, and coordinate fiscal year end closing requirements as it relates to all assigned agency funding. 

This position will also prepare and maintain annual agency spending plans to ensure the most appropriate and efficient utilization of resources available to the agency, to assist agency staff in biennial budget preparation, coordinate fiscal year close, and reconcile agency revenue and expenditures. This position will provide advanced level financial analysis and performs long range strategic planning.

This position is located in St. Paul and may have the ability to telework part of the time. 

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Three years of accounting or budgeting experience developing budgets and spending plans, establishing and maintaining accounting systems or related advanced level accounting work.

An advanced degree in Accounting, Business, Finance or related field may substitute for years of experience as follows:  Associate Degree – six months; Bachelor’s Degree – one year; Master’s Degree – two years.

Additional required experience includes:

• Knowledge of accounting systems, budget policies and practices sufficient to prepare and review budgets and fiscal documents.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and practices enough to coordinate various phases of departmental accounting functions and to audit and interpret financial and budget documents.
• Experience preparing and interpreting complex fiscal reports and records, identifying problems quickly, researching and evaluating relevant issues, formulating solutions and communicating alternatives to appropriate personnel.
• Knowledge of federal accounting, budgeting and reporting requirements.
• Experience interpreting laws, rules and regulations, and directing staff to implement appropriate accounting procedures.
• The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Accounting, Business, or Finance.

Advanced knowledge of establishing and managing appropriations 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 statewide Integrated Financial Tools (SWIFT) or other financial accounting software.

Experience with Statewide Employee Management System (SEMA4), the State’s OBIEE data warehouse, Crystal Reports, the State’s Budget Planning and Analysis System (BPAS), Fiscal Note Tracking System (FNTS) or the Appropriation Maintenance Application (AMA).

Skilled in presenting financial information using a variety of methods including PowerPoint, Skype, projectors and other means of communication policies and procedures.

Experience with the state legislative process and relevant state laws, statutes, rules, regulations and policies governing the use of state and federal funds.