Chief Financial Officer Full Time

Working Title: Chief Financial Officer
Job Class: Agency Chief Financial Officer
Agency: Teachers Retirement Association

• Job ID: 91906
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/03/2026
• Closing Date: 03/04/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Teachers Retirement Assoc / TRA-Managerial
• Division: TRA Finance
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday – Friday
• Travel Required: Yes – Up to 10%
• Salary Range: $51.96 – $74.54 / hourly; $108,492 – $155,639 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 – Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt – Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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 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.

Job Summary

Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) has been providing pension coverage to Minnesota educators for decades, with a mission to help members and their beneficiaries plan for an independent and financially secure retirement. We are currently seeking job candidates with strong leadership skills related to accounting and financial reporting for our Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role.

The CFO for the TRA supports the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director, as a strategic business partner, in managing and leading the financial operations of the organization. The incumbent hired into this role will consult with TRA staff on complex financial matters and set critical organizational goals as a member of TRA’s Executive Team. The CFO will also provide regular information/guidance to TRA’s Board of Trustees. Lastly, the incumbent will be required to oversee several financial functional services, such as, public pension accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, risk management, tax compliance, contract administration, administrative and board support services, and member/employer records management.

This position is located at our Saint Paul, Minnesota office. The role is telework eligible, but will require the incumbent to work a schedule that includes some in-person work. Travel maybe required occasionally, up to 10%.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business/Public Administration, or a related degree plus five (5) years of experience managing or supervising finance-related activities of a complex business or government program.

Experience must further demonstrate:

• Experience working with Statewide Integrated Financial Tools (SWIFT) or similar financial reporting system; Workiva or similar compliance, reporting, and GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) system; and NetSuite or similar finance, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system.
• Experience determining, developing, and executing financial policies and directives.
• Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Excel or similar software program.
• Considerable knowledge of governmental Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applications; Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB), risk management and internal control principles; budgeting; auditing; program management; financial reporting principles; procurement and contract management practices; strategic planning concepts and methods; and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) preparation.
• Excellent oral communication and presentation skills to articulate complex financial topics with clarity, and provide expert guidance to Executive Management and the Board of Trustees on financial decisions and organizational policy.
• Strong writing skills to prepare agency financial publications and communications.
• Proven leadership ability and interpersonal skills to build collaborative relationships; influence decision-making; effectively motivate and manage a diverse team; and champion a work culture that advocates for inclusion.
• Effective project management skills and a demonstrated record of successfully implementing enterprise process improvements.

Successful candidates also must be able to secure their own transportation for in-state business travel, conferences, and/or trainings. Travel may be required up to 10% of the time for this role.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business/Public Administration, or a related degree.

Certified Public Accountant, Certified Public Finance Officer, or similar professional certification (e.g., Certified Government Financial Manager, Certified Internal Auditor).

Administrative experience in public pension plan administration.

Knowledge of public pension retirement plan design, function and administration; actuarial principles, methods and assumptions.

Experience with public sector financial management.

Physical Requirements

This position requires occasional transporting of articles such as file folders, ledgers and/or small tools. May be required to move or maintain a stationary position for long periods of time.

Additional Requirements

** Successful candidates must pass past-employer reference checks and a criminal background check. **

It is the policy of TRA that all finalist(s) submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• State of Minnesota state government employment records check (applies to current and past State of Minnesota state government employees only)
• Criminal History Check
• Employee Reference Check
• Social Security and Address Verification
• Education Verification
• Driver’s License Check

Application Details

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, or are an individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation for a scheduled interview, contact Justin Johnson at jjohnson@minnesotatra.org.

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 Justin Johnson at jjohnson@minnesotatra.org.

Working together to improve the state we love.

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

Benefits

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

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• 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)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• 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

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

Teachers Retirement Association also offers free ramp parking at our Saint Paul Office location.

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.

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