Overview

Working Title: Principal Financial Advisor

Job Class: Accounting Officer Principal

Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job ID: 91295
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers. Bidders will be considered through 01/20/2026.
• Date Posted: 01/13/2026
• Closing Date: 01/27/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Division/Unit: Finance and Budget Division/Accounting Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: 8:00 - 4:30
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative

The work you'll do

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and improving the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position exists to provide in-depth budget and financial analysis for MN Department of Agriculture (MDA) funds, so agency leadership/management/staff can make informed financial decisions and take action. The role helps ensure that 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.

The position is expected 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 they relate to all assigned agency funding.

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

This position is located in St. Paul and may be eligible to telework up to 50% of scheduled work hours.

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 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

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

Additional required experience includes:

• 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 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, 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 SWIFT, 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 Department may conduct background checks on finalists, including components such as SEMA4 Records Check, Employment Reference Check, Conflict of Interest Review, and Criminal History Check. The Department will not sponsor work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

How To Apply

Select Apply for Job at the top of the page. For questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email (see below) For more information, visit http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Julie Sis or Iryna Podolyan.

About Minnesota Department Of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. Our mission is to enhance Minnesotans' quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to health insurance and other benefits. Benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care and related services
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan
• Employer paid life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Well-being resources

Training and professional development opportunities and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) are available. Some positions may qualify for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. EAP offers support for mental health, finances, relationships, and more.

Equal Opportunity

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations. If you need assistance, contact the Careers Help Desk or email (see below)