What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Financial Advisor - Accounting Officer Principal position at Minnesota Department of Agriculture?
Working Title: Principal Financial Advisor
Job Class: Accounting Officer Principal
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota 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 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 also exists to 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 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 their 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.
Additional required experience includes:
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Iryna Podolyan at Iryna.Podolyan@state.mn.us
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Megan Lichty at megan.lichty@state.mn.us.
About Minnesota Department Of Agriculture
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.
Our mission is to enhance all 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.
Our three general areas of responsibility include:
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
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 encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
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.
Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Job Class: Accounting Officer Principal
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Job ID: 93666
- 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 04/27/2026.
- Date Posted: 04/21/2026
- Closing Date: 05/04/2026
- 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
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota 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 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 also exists to 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 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 their 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
- Prepare and present budget documents
- Federal accounting, budgeting and reporting requirements
- Financial analysis
- Prepare complex financial reports
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 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
- 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 the Statewide Integrated Financial Tools (SWIFT), Statewide Employee Management System (SEMA4) and OBIEE data warehouse.
- Ability to instill continuous improvement ideas/practices.
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. 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
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Iryna Podolyan at Iryna.Podolyan@state.mn.us
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Megan Lichty at megan.lichty@state.mn.us.
About Minnesota Department Of Agriculture
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.
Our mission is to enhance all 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.
Our three general areas of responsibility include:
- Protecting our food supply;
- Protecting our natural resources; and,
- Cultivating our agricultural economy.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
- 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
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
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 encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
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.
Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Salary : $67,651 - $99,722