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Finance Specialist II
The Opportunity
As a university founded to be a place where “…any person can find instruction in any study,” inclusion and belonging are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all. Cornell Core values
As a people manager and university leader you will model and support a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing by fostering an environment where everyone has the ability to thrive and navigate work and life’s challenges because they feel like they belong and have the tools and support they need.
While position responsibilities vary greatly, the Skills for Success and Leadership Skills for Success are foundational to what is expected of every employee and leader working at Cornell. These skills are essential for individual and organizational success. Staff Skills for Success; Leadership Skills for Success
About the College
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.
The Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics shares a leading role in research and teaching in modern biology at Cornell University. Faculty members are responsible for teaching over 70 courses. The research and teaching interests of the faculty include fundamental, as well as medically relevant problems in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, population genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, development, and macromolecular structure. The faculty also play key roles in life science and genomics research on the Ithaca campus and increasingly at Weill Medical (NYC). The department has over 30 faculty, 3 lecturers, and 2 research scientists, 35 other academics, over 30 non-academic staff; 20 visitors, temps and interns; and approximately 200 graduate students (spread across three fields). The annual operating budget is approximately $25-million, of which $13-million is grant and contract related. The department is located primarily in the Biotechnology building and Weill Hall which houses both individual laboratories and core facilities.
What We Need
Working independently under the general supervision of the senior director for administration, provide a wide variety of complex financial support services to the faculty, staff, and students of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics.
Operating revenues are derived from endowment income of $ 1.5 million; approximately $6 million from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; and sponsored funds of approximately $16 million ($12 million in directs) annually. The department is large and complex and the incumbent must be fully conversant with the accounting rules and processes of the Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Arts and Sciences, as well as the Office of Management and Budget and the federal accounting standards of A-21.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to: provide comprehensive financial/administrative services and management in the areas of procurement, accounting, analysis and reporting; planning, budgeting and analysis in support of the Sr. Director of Administration and the Chair. Assists senior management by applying his/her expertise in the interpretation and application of University policies, procedures and practices to meeting strategic and operational objectives.
Collaborates with departmental staff responsible for grant proposal preparation and graduates student program as well as facilities and research support to assist them in developing working knowledge of University business operations so that all will utilize appropriate judgment in accomplishing their administrative duties.
Directs workflow for the accounting office (2FTE). With the Sr. Director, works to improve service delivery, systems and reporting. Establishes close working relationship with accounting colleagues in the split bio departments and the managers of these departments. Collaborates regularly and provides advice and feedback on best practices at the unit level. Insures all unit operations in accordance with University policies and that internal controls are maintained. Monitors all unit financial transactions; provides regular reports to PIs on sponsored funds; reviews transactions, provides financial status reports to Sr. Director and Chair and ad hoc reports. Develops programs/processes that improve service and addresses customer needs. Provides recommendations for systems and operational enhancements.
This is a full-time position at 100% FTE.
While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
Required training for People Leaders:
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Must complete Cornell University Supervisory Development Training within one year of hire into the position. Recommendations: Turning Point and Harold Craft.
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Compliant with all Cornell University and job-related training requirements.
Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.
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Associate’s Degree or coursework in accounting, business administration or related field with 4-6 years of administrative experience in an academic setting OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
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Demonstrated experience with multiple computer software programs (Microsoft office suite, Excel ).
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Must complete Cornell University Supervisory Development Training within one year of hire into the position. Recommendations: Turning Point and Harold Craft.
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Compliant with all Cornell University and job-related training requirements.
- Must be able to work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under pressure while prioritizing appropriately.
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Must be detail oriented, possess excellent organizational skills, and work well supervising a team environment. Requires reasoning, analytical thought, creativity and innovation in solving minor problems day to day.
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Must complete Cornell University Supervisory Development Training within one year of hire into the position.
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Compliant with all Cornell University and job-related training requirements.
- Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences.
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Proven experience connecting inclusion, belonging and wellbeing practices to business goals.
If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it’s ok if you don’t.
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Aptitude and willingness to keep abreast of changes in the University accounting environment and with federal regulations governing expenditures of federal funds.
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Experience in a large, complex academic environment.
Rewards and Benefits
Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
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Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
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Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell
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Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell
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Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell:
Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.
University Job Title:
Finance Specialist II
Job Family:
Fin/Budget/Planning
Level:
E
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Pay Range:
$66,663.00 - $77,473.00
Remote Option Availability:
Onsite
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
J'Frances White
Contact Email:
[email protected]
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Non-Union Positions
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Union Positions
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.
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Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
2026-07-29
