CALS- Finance Specialist II- Molecular Biology and Genetics Department

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Finance Specialist II role within the Molecular Biology and Genetics Department at Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) provides complex financial support services. This position operates under the general supervision of the senior director for administration and requires a comprehensive understanding of the accounting rules and processes of CALS, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Office of Management and Budget, and federal accounting standards (A-21). The department has a significant annual operating budget, with substantial funding from endowment income, colleges, and sponsored funds. The role involves managing procurement, accounting, analysis, and reporting, as well as assisting with planning and budgeting. The Finance Specialist II will collaborate with departmental staff on grant proposals, graduate student programs, and facilities support, ensuring adherence to University policies and internal controls. This is a full-time position (100% FTE) that emphasizes fostering a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree or coursework in accounting, business administration or related field with 4-6 years of administrative experience in an academic setting OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated experience with multiple computer software programs (Microsoft office suite, Excel).
Must complete Cornell University Supervisory Development Training within one year of hire into the position.
Compliant with all Cornell University and job-related training requirements.
Must be able to work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under pressure while prioritizing appropriately.
Must be detail oriented, possess excellent organizational skills, and work well supervising a team environment.
Requires reasoning, analytical thought, creativity and innovation in solving minor problems day to day.
Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences.
Proven experience connecting inclusion, belonging and wellbeing practices to business goals.

Nice To Haves

Aptitude and willingness to keep abreast of changes in the University accounting environment and with federal regulations governing expenditures of federal funds.
Experience in a large, complex academic environment.
Turning Point and Harold Craft recommendations.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive financial/administrative services and management in the areas of procurement, accounting, analysis and reporting.
Provide planning, budgeting and analysis in support of the Sr. Director of Administration and the Chair.
Assist senior management by applying expertise in the interpretation and application of University policies, procedures and practices to meeting strategic and operational objectives.
Collaborate with departmental staff responsible for grant proposal preparation, graduates student program, and facilities and research support to develop their working knowledge of University business operations.
Direct workflow for the accounting office (2FTE).
Work with the Sr. Director to improve service delivery, systems and reporting.
Establish close working relationships with accounting colleagues in split bio departments and the managers of these departments.
Collaborate regularly and provide advice and feedback on best practices at the unit level.
Ensure all unit operations are in accordance with University policies and that internal controls are maintained.
Monitor all unit financial transactions.
Provide regular reports to PIs on sponsored funds.
Review transactions.
Provide financial status reports to Sr. Director and Chair and ad hoc reports.
Develop programs/processes that improve service and address customer needs.
Provide recommendations for systems and operational enhancements.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options
Generous retirement contributions
Access to wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
Health and personal leave
Three weeks of vacation
13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
Two additional floating holidays
Tuition-free Extramural Study
Employee Degree Program
Tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program