Post Award Associate II

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Post Award Associate II supports Cornell University's Division of Budget and Planning, within the Research & Innovation team, which provides financial leadership, budget oversight, reporting, and compliance support to research facilities, laboratories, institutes, and centers. The role primarily supports the Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology and may support other research units as needed. Reporting to the Associate Director of Post Award Finance, the position partners with faculty, institute leadership, and finance colleagues to provide post-award financial management and analytical support across sponsored and non-sponsored activities. The role contributes to budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, account monitoring, and compliance oversight to promote sound stewardship of research resources and support operational and long-term planning.

The position is based on Cornell's Ithaca campus. Employees are expected to work in Ithaca, though a portion of the work may be performed remotely. No visa sponsorship is available. Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

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 an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated 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.

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 decision-making, and tools for effective financial management.
• Prepare monthly and ad hoc financial reports and forecasts for a complex portfolio of sponsored research and administrative funds.
• Partner with the Director of Administration in the annual budget process by 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 in partnership with faculty, Sponsored Financial Services, and the Office of Sponsored Programs, ensuring compliance with sponsor and Cornell policies.
• Perform purchasing functions, particularly for capital assets and related service agreements.
• Manage funding from 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 for endowed and contract college faculty; effort costing; and retroactive salary expense transfers for Institute personnel.
• Help foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment through respectful, collaborative, inclusive 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 holidays, including an end-of-year winter break from December 25 through January 1.
• Two additional floating holidays.
• Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program.
• Tuition aid for external education.
• Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

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