Financial Analyst

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically 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. The Financial Analyst will serve as a strong customer service-minded team member who provides high level, confidential financial support to the Lab. As Financial Analyst for multiple Lab programs, you will facilitate and support program initiatives as set by the executive director, center directors and the Lab’s strategic plan. Provide oversight and direction for financial and administrative operations including the following: Serve as a financial business partner to supported programs, developing deep understanding of programmatic activities, providing the other Financial Analyst and programmatic staff with decision support guidance on every aspect of sound business practices, regulation and policy compliance, funding opportunities, cost reductions, etc. Oversee all program accounting activities and collaborate to create and monitor annual budgets, including monthly financial reports and account reconciliations; Develop financial projections and work with finance and program staff to develop and maintain effective funds management strategies based on the mix of resources and projects; Provide strong financial management and stewardship support, identifying and adopting best practices, streamlining processes, and educating program staff on sound business practices; Serve as support for program principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders regarding all aspects of grant and contract proposal submissions and management through closeout; Partner with the Lab’s Director of Administration, Manager of Finance and Contracts, and other members of the finance team to ensure compliance with sponsoring agency guidelines and CU policies; Act as liaison and foster strong working partnerships with Cornell and CALS central offices, account managers at corporate businesses and granting agencies, Office of Sponsored Programs, and other parties; Plan, assign, schedule and coordinate workflow related to financial activity and reporting within the programs; Collaborate with Human Resources staff and program directors to manage effort distribution for program personnel across all funding sources; Represent the Lab on Cornell and CALS projects/committees as requested. Position has direct reporting relationship to the Manager of Finance and Contracts. This is a full-time position at 100% FTE . This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 2-3 days per week and on-site 2-3 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke, or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.

Requirements

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting and/or business administration.
• 3-5 years of financial/accounting experience in academic, research or not-for-profit organizations.
• Proficient with computer applications for financial management and reporting (MS Excel, Word, Access); proven ability to prepare accurate and timely financial reports useful to end user for decision making.
• Excellent oral/written communications and time management skills essential.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with a diverse group of co-workers and collaborators while providing excellent customer service.
• Must be able to use sound judgment in decision making and in accomplishing tasks that are urgent or of a sensitive or confidential nature, balance conflicting priorities, and make decisions from a range of choices.
• Proven ability to find creative solutions when complex issues arise.
• Strong working knowledge of budgeting and accounting principles and practices, grant and contract management, partner agreements such as MOUs and MOAs, personnel policies and procedures, conflict management and exposure to contract negotiations.
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills are critical.
• Must be able to work independently, while collaborating as part of a team.
• Able to build strong working relationships to solve problems and achieve common goals.
• Ability to advocate for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree; 7-10 years of financial/accounting management experience.
• Experience with Cornell policies and procedures in grant and contract management (Research Administration Certificate Program completion, formal Sponsored Financial Services (SFS) training), procurement, and accounting.
• Knowledge and expertise in the use of Cornell’s on-line systems: KFS, OAS queries, ID&R Dashboards, RASS Portal, Workday and external grant submission systems: NSF Fastlane, Grants.gov, Research.gov.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a financial business partner to supported programs, developing deep understanding of programmatic activities, providing the other Financial Analyst and programmatic staff with decision support guidance on every aspect of sound business practices, regulation and policy compliance, funding opportunities, cost reductions, etc.
• Oversee all program accounting activities and collaborate to create and monitor annual budgets, including monthly financial reports and account reconciliations
• Develop financial projections and work with finance and program staff to develop and maintain effective funds management strategies based on the mix of resources and projects
• Provide strong financial management and stewardship support, identifying and adopting best practices, streamlining processes, and educating program staff on sound business practices
• Serve as support for program principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders regarding all aspects of grant and contract proposal submissions and management through closeout
• Partner with the Lab’s Director of Administration, Manager of Finance and Contracts, and other members of the finance team to ensure compliance with sponsoring agency guidelines and CU policies
• Act as liaison and foster strong working partnerships with Cornell and CALS central offices, account managers at corporate businesses and granting agencies, Office of Sponsored Programs, and other parties
• Plan, assign, schedule and coordinate workflow related to financial activity and reporting within the programs
• Collaborate with Human Resources staff and program directors to manage effort distribution for program personnel across all funding sources
• Represent the Lab on Cornell and CALS projects/committees as requested

Benefits

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement; the hybrid schedule will be determined at the time of hire.
• The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid or remote work arrangement at any time.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees