Finance Analyst (CEMI)

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

8d • Remote

About The Position

This position is located in Ithaca, New York. The successful candidate will have the option to perform this role at a location of their choosing within the United States. The New York Convenience of employer guidelines require New York State individual tax reporting and withholdings for this position. Additional individual state income tax filings may also be required if working temporarily outside New York State. No Visa sponsorship available for this position.

Cornell University, unique among peers, is the federal land-grant institution of New York State, a private endowed university, and a member of the Ivy League. Information technologies (IT) is a strategic enabler for many functions at Cornell. Check out this link to find out more about IT Cornell .

The Cornell Experience Modernization Initiative (CEMI) is a multi-year program designed to improve the experience of students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, patients, and partners by unifying and enhancing administrative systems and processes across all Cornell University locations. Its name CEMI is said as “See Me” because the focus is on you: the people who use Cornell’s systems and data to accomplish your goals.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of IT Finance, the Finance Analyst (CEMI) provides financial analysis, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting support for both Information Technology (IT) and the Cornell Experience Modernization Initiative (CEMI). The role is responsible for:

Processing and reconciling financial transactions.
Monitoring budgets and personnel expenditures.
Preparing financial reports and forecasts and supporting month-end and fiscal year-end financial activities.
Providing accurate financial data, analysis, and recommendations to support operational and strategic decision-making.
Ensure compliance with university financial policies and accounting standards through the review, reconciliation, and resolution of financial transactions and billing activity.
Developing and maintaining financial reporting tools, budget models, dashboards, and executive-level presentations that communicate the financial health, performance, and outlook of IT and CEMI programs.
Working collaboratively with university stakeholders, including Weill Cornell Medicine, the role supports cross-campus financial activities, identifies and resolves discrepancies, monitors budget performance, and provides proactive guidance on financial risks, opportunities, and resource planning to advance organizational priorities and strategic initiatives.

Note: This is a 2-year term appointment which may be ended or extended based on organizational needs, funding availability, and performance. 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field and 2 years relevant combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience performing financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, reconciliation, and financial reporting in a complex organizational environment.
• Knowledge of accounting principles, general ledger activity, account reconciliations, monthly and year-end close processes, and financial controls.
• Experience monitoring budgets, analyzing expenditures, developing forecasts, and identifying and communicating budget variances and financial risks.
• Ability to prepare, analyze, and present financial reports, executive summaries, and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including financial modeling, data analysis, and reporting.
• Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable recommendations.
• Solid organizational skills and attention to detail, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and to work collaboratively across organizational boundaries.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Nice To Haves

• Prior use of Kuali Financial System (KFS), PCR-360, OAS/Answers, TDX and Quickbooks preferred.
• Basic understanding of technology services and assets facilitates communication with IT technical staff.

Responsibilities

• Processing and reconciling financial transactions.
• Monitoring budgets and personnel expenditures.
• Preparing financial reports and forecasts and supporting month-end and fiscal year-end financial activities.
• Providing accurate financial data, analysis, and recommendations to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with university financial policies and accounting standards through the review, reconciliation, and resolution of financial transactions and billing activity.
• Developing and maintaining financial reporting tools, budget models, dashboards, and executive-level presentations that communicate the financial health, performance, and outlook of IT and CEMI programs.
• Working collaboratively with university stakeholders, including Weill Cornell Medicine, the role supports cross-campus financial activities, identifies and resolves discrepancies, monitors budget performance, and provides proactive guidance on financial risks, opportunities, and resource planning to advance organizational priorities and strategic initiatives.

Benefits

• generous retirement contributions
• educational benefits
• comprehensive health care options
• access to a plethora of wellness programs
• employee discounts with local and national retail brands
• three weeks of vacation
• two floating holidays
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level