Finance and Business Performance Manager
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 manager partners with operational leaders to evaluate business performance, identify opportunities for revenue growth and operational efficiency, and support decisions that advance financial sustainability and Student and Campus Life’s student-centered mission. The role is a key liaison among unit leadership, the Student and Campus Life Financial Transaction Center, the Treasurer’s Office, University Audit, and other campus stakeholders, supporting financial integrity, policy compliance, accurate reporting, and responsible stewardship of resources. Through financial analysis, forecasting, business intelligence, and performance monitoring, the manager provides recommendations that support 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. Student & Campus Life supports approximately 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students across multiple campuses in the U.S. and abroad. Campus Life Enterprise Services includes Cornell Dining, Cornell Catering, Housing and Residential Life, Conference and Event Services, The Cornell Store(s), and a dedicated marketing and communications team. CLES has an annual budget of approximately $230 million and employs over 800 regular staff and over 800 contingent and student employees.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 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 ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a broad range of clients, constituents, leaders, and customers.
- Effective interpersonal skills and a strong teamwork philosophy.
- Ability to exercise discretion, resolve problems using creativity and sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; database management and professional communications tools; and 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 educational 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
- Provide strategic financial leadership, operational analysis, and business performance support for Cornell Dining and Conference & Event Services.
- Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and performance management processes for Cornell Dining and CES.
- Partner with operational leaders to evaluate business performance and identify opportunities for revenue growth and operational efficiency.
- Support informed decision-making that advances financial sustainability and the student-centered mission of Student and Campus Life.
- Serve as a liaison between unit leadership, the Student and Campus Life Financial Transaction Center, the Treasurer’s Office, University Audit, and other campus stakeholders.
- Help ensure financial integrity, compliance with university policies, accurate financial reporting, and effective stewardship of resources.
- Provide operational and business recommendations through financial analysis, forecasting, business intelligence, and performance monitoring.
- Support organizational strategy, operational effectiveness, and long-range financial planning.
- Oversee meal plan administration, financial controls, business analytics, and operational reporting.
- Supervise staff and foster accountability, continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer service excellence.
- Cultivate strong working relationships with partners, manage multiple priorities, and support inclusive, collaborative workplace practices.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
