Finance and Business Performance Specialist

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

1d•Hybrid

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 position provides financial analysis, operational support, and 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 role works closely with operational leaders to evaluate business performance, identify opportunities for operational efficiency and revenue optimization, and support informed decision-making that advances financial sustainability and Student and Campus Life’s student-centered mission. It serves as a key liaison among unit leadership, the Student and Campus Life Financial Transaction Center, the Treasurer’s Office, University Audit, and other campus partners to support financial integrity, policy compliance, accurate reporting, and responsible stewardship of resources. Through ongoing 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 excellence, 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 demonstrated 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; 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.
Ability to prioritize efficiency, accuracy, and practicality across organizational processes and procedures.
Ability to use ethical judgment, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving to handle urgent, highly sensitive, or confidential work.

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, operational support, and business performance insight.
Support financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and performance management for HRL and CRS.
Collaborate with operational leaders to evaluate business performance and identify opportunities for operational efficiency and revenue optimization.
Provide information and recommendations to support informed decision-making, financial sustainability, and long-range financial planning.
Serve as a liaison between 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 effective stewardship of resources.
Conduct ongoing financial analysis, forecasting, business intelligence, and performance monitoring.
Support financial controls, business analytics, retail performance monitoring, housing performance analysis, compliance activities, and operational reporting.
Cultivate strong relationships with key partners and provide customer service while managing multiple priorities.
Help enhance and leverage business analytical reporting tools, techniques, and procedures.
Troubleshoot urgent, sensitive, or confidential tasks using sound judgment, discretion, and problem-solving skills.