Finance Specialist II - Financial Planning & Analysis

Cornell University • Ithaca, MI

1d • $66,663 - $77,473 • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Finance Manager, this position provides financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analysis support for units within the Facilities Management (FM) department. The position serves as a financial resource and business partner for Building Care, Grounds, the R5 Waste & Recycling Program, FM Administration, and Operations, Logistics & Support Services. These operations have multiple funding sources and complex cost recovery methodologies. The Finance Specialist II works closely with unit directors and managers to develop budgets, prepare monthly forecasts, and deliver quarterly and annual financial reporting. The position serves as the primary financial point of contact for assigned units, providing expertise, guidance, and insight to support effective financial management and operational decision-making. Responsibilities include ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial information and adherence to University policies and procedures; developing detailed operating budgets; preparing billing rates and internal cost recovery models; and monitoring financial performance through variance analysis, trend analysis, and management reporting. The position also prepares monthly headcount reports and provides financial information to support workforce planning and operational decisions. The Finance Specialist II collaborates with Finance team members to develop presentations, reports, and analyses that support executive decision-making and strategic planning. The position supports audits, interprets University financial policies and procedures, and provides guidance to departments on financial processes and best practices. The position develops financial models and tools to support long-range forecasting, scenario planning, reporting improvements, and operational metrics. The position identifies opportunities to streamline financial processes, improve reporting capabilities, and increase automation to enhance service delivery. The Finance Specialist II develops and maintains effective working relationships with partners across Cornell University, including the Division of Financial Services, the Division of Planning and Budget, and the Shared Services Center (SSC), as well as other departments and stakeholders. Ours is a values–based organization where all employees are accountable for supporting the organization’s values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity. Employees are required to attend staff development trainings and participate in the performance evaluation process. 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

• Minimum of an associate’s degree with 2 years relevant work experience or bachelor’s degree or combination of education and work experience.
• Ability to develop complex financial models, perform appropriate data analysis, budget and forecasting, and general ledger reconciliations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication skills, organization skills, and the ability to work in a team environment are required.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business or related field strongly preferred in addition to three or more years of in-depth analytical, forecasting and budget experience.
• Computer software proficiency and expertise, especially in the use of MS Office Suite with a strong emphasis on Excel and Power BI.
• Knowledge of Cornell policies, on-line accounting systems (Kuali) and OBIEE Answers experience.

Responsibilities

• Provides financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analysis support for units within the Facilities Management (FM) department.
• Serves as a financial resource and business partner for Building Care, Grounds, the R5 Waste & Recycling Program, FM Administration, and Operations, Logistics & Support Services.
• Works closely with unit directors and managers to develop budgets, prepare monthly forecasts, and deliver quarterly and annual financial reporting.
• Serves as the primary financial point of contact for assigned units, providing expertise, guidance, and insight to support effective financial management and operational decision-making.
• Ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial information and adherence to University policies and procedures.
• Develops detailed operating budgets.
• Prepares billing rates and internal cost recovery models.
• Monitors financial performance through variance analysis, trend analysis, and management reporting.
• Prepares monthly headcount reports and provides financial information to support workforce planning and operational decisions.
• Collaborates with Finance team members to develop presentations, reports, and analyses that support executive decision-making and strategic planning.
• Supports audits, interprets University financial policies and procedures, and provides guidance to departments on financial processes and best practices.
• Develops financial models and tools to support long-range forecasting, scenario planning, reporting improvements, and operational metrics.
• Identifies opportunities to streamline financial processes, improve reporting capabilities, and increase automation to enhance service delivery.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with partners across Cornell University, including the Division of Financial Services, the Division of Planning and Budget, and the Shared Services Center (SSC), as well as other departments and stakeholders.

Benefits

• Educational benefits
• Access to a plethora of wellness programs
• Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
• Health care options to choose from
• Generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation leave, health and personal leave, 13 holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year’s Day), 2 floating holidays
• Superior retirement contributions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree