Finance and Business Performance Manager

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Finance and Business Performance Manager serves as the financial and business advisor for Cornell Dining and Conference & Event Services (CES), providing strategic financial leadership, operational analysis, and business performance support in partnership with the Director of Enterprise Finance & Administration and unit leadership. The position oversees financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and performance management for Cornell Dining, a complex auxiliary enterprise with approximately $90 million in annual revenue and about 30 dining locations, and CES, with an annual budget of approximately $500,000.

The role partners with operational leaders to evaluate business performance, identify revenue growth and efficiency opportunities, and inform decisions supporting financial sustainability and Student and Campus Life’s student-centered mission. It liaises with unit leadership, the Student and Campus Life Financial Transaction Center, the Treasurer’s Office, University Audit, and other campus stakeholders to support financial integrity, university-policy compliance, accurate reporting, and stewardship of resources.

Through financial analysis, forecasting, business intelligence, and performance monitoring, the manager provides recommendations supporting organizational strategy, operational effectiveness, and long-range financial planning. The position also oversees meal plan administration, financial controls, business analytics, and operational reporting, supervises staff, and fosters accountability, continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer service excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus at least five years of relevant experience, or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in strategic financial planning, business performance analysis, and/or navigating and leveraging complex financial databases to report on performance.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex administrative, financial, or operational functions.
• Customer-service orientation and demonstrated written and verbal communication skills with a broad range of clients, constituents, leaders, and customers.
• Effective interpersonal skills and a strong teamwork philosophy.
• Ability to exercise discretion, resolve problems with creativity and sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, database management tools, and professional communications tools.
• Demonstrated experience using advanced spreadsheets and databases.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Nice To Haves

• MBA, CPA, or additional education, certification, or experience relevant to the field.
• Prior experience with a retail services business or auxiliary services in a higher-education environment.
• Accounting or financial planning experience using Oracle.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and performance management for Cornell Dining and Conference & Event Services.
• Partner with operational leaders to evaluate performance, identify revenue growth and operational efficiency opportunities, and support informed decision-making.
• Provide strategic financial leadership, operational analysis, business intelligence, forecasting, and business performance recommendations.
• Serve as a liaison among unit leadership, the Student and Campus Life Financial Transaction Center, the Treasurer’s Office, University Audit, and other campus stakeholders.
• Support financial integrity, compliance with university policies, accurate financial reporting, and effective stewardship of resources.
• Oversee meal plan administration, financial controls, business analytics, and operational reporting.
• Supervise staff and foster accountability, continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer service excellence.

What This Job Offers

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