Finance and Business Performance Specialist
About The Position
The Finance and Business Performance Specialist serves as a financial and business partner for Housing & Residential Life (HRL) and Cornell Retail Services (CRS). In partnership with the Director of Enterprise Finance & Administration and unit leadership, the role provides financial analysis and operational support, and contributes business performance insight. It supports financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and performance management for HRL, an auxiliary enterprise with an annual budget of approximately $126 million, and CRS, with an annual budget of approximately $26 million. The position works closely with operational leaders to evaluate business performance, identify opportunities for operational efficiency and revenue optimization, and support informed decisions that advance financial sustainability and Student and Campus Life’s student-centered mission. It also serves as a liaison among unit leadership, the Student and Campus Life Financial Transaction Center, the Treasurer’s Office, University Audit, and other campus partners, supporting financial integrity, policy compliance, accurate reporting, and responsible stewardship of resources. Through financial analysis, forecasting, business intelligence, and performance monitoring, the specialist provides actionable information and recommendations for operational effectiveness and long-range financial planning. The position also supports financial controls, business analytics, retail and housing performance analysis, compliance activities, and operational reporting, while fostering collaboration, customer service, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least three years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience supporting strategic financial planning, business performance analysis, and/or navigating and leveraging complex financial databases to report on unit performance.
- Customer service skills and ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a broad range of clients, constituents, and customers.
- Effective interpersonal, time management, and organizational skills, with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to exercise discretion, resolve problems using sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
- Working experience with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; database management tools; professional communications tools; and 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
- Partner with Housing & Residential Life and Cornell Retail Services leadership on financial analysis and operational support.
- Support financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and performance management for HRL and CRS.
- Evaluate business performance and identify opportunities for operational efficiency and revenue optimization.
- Provide information and recommendations to support decision making, operational effectiveness, and long-range financial planning.
- Liaise with unit leadership, the Student and Campus Life Financial Transaction Center, the Treasurer’s Office, University Audit, and other campus partners.
- Support financial integrity, policy compliance, accurate financial reporting, and stewardship of resources.
- Support financial controls, business analytics, retail performance monitoring, housing performance analysis, compliance activities, and operational reporting.
- Help enhance and leverage business analytical reporting tools, techniques, and procedures.
- Build collaborative, inclusive working relationships and provide customer service to a broad range of partners.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
