Post Award Associate II
About The Position
The Post Award Associate II supports Cornell University's Research & Innovation team within the Division of Budget and Planning, primarily serving the Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology and other research facilities, laboratories, institutes, and centers as needed. The role reports to the Associate Director of Post Award Finance and partners with faculty, institute leadership, and finance colleagues to provide post-award financial management and analytical support for sponsored and non-sponsored activities. The position supports fiscal stewardship and research operations through budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, account monitoring, and compliance oversight. It contributes to financial decision-making, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability in a collaborative research environment. The position is based on Cornell's Ithaca campus; some work may be performed remotely.
Requirements
- Associate's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field and 2–4 years of relevant experience in accounting, finance, business administration, or sponsored research administration, including post-award financial reporting, budget management, expenditure monitoring, and account reconciliation; or equivalent education and relevant experience.
- Knowledge of financial analysis, budgeting, accounting principles, and financial stewardship of sponsored and non-sponsored funds.
- Strong analytical and reporting skills, including the ability to analyze financial data, identify issues, recommend solutions, and support informed decision-making.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications, including working with complex financial data and reporting tools.
- Experience with enterprise business systems, including financial, purchasing, payroll, and human resources systems, and ability to learn and apply new technologies and tools.
- Experience working in a medium to large complex organization with established financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Strong customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills, with ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, stakeholders, and community members.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively while exercising sound judgment.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
- Positive, adaptable, service-oriented approach and commitment to continuous improvement and teamwork.
- A cover letter and resume are required for consideration.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or another related field.
- Significant experience with Cornell or other university policies, procedures, and systems related to financial management, sponsored projects, travel, payroll, and human resources.
- Experience processing faculty salary transactions for both Contract College and Endowed units.
- Experience providing administrative support in a natural sciences research environment.
Responsibilities
- Advise institute leadership on financial matters, including policy interpretation, data-driven decisions, and financial management tools.
- Prepare monthly and ad hoc financial reports and forecasts for a complex portfolio of sponsored research and administrative funds.
- Collaborate with the Director of Administration on the annual budget process, including preparing expense forecasts, interpreting institutional guidelines, completing budget submissions, and entering data into the university budget system.
- Monitor, maintain, and close sponsored and non-sponsored accounts with faculty, Sponsored Financial Services, and the Office of Sponsored Programs, ensuring compliance with sponsor and Cornell policies.
- Perform purchasing functions, particularly those involving capital assets and related service agreements.
- Manage funding sources including gifts, endowment income, sponsored awards, and institutional allocations.
- Process payroll-related transactions, including graduate student appointments and financial aid; faculty summer salary and salary recovery; effort costing; and retroactive salary expense transfers for institute personnel.
- Help foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment through respectful, collaborative communication and support for work/life integration.
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 and 13 listed holidays, plus two floating holidays.
- Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program.
- Tuition aid for external education.
- Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
