Transaction Specialist

Cornell University • Ithaca, MI

7d • $26 - $30 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Transaction Specialist supports financial operations for the Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-Based Sciences and Education (CLASSE) and other Cornell research facilities, laboratories, institutes, and research centers. Reporting to the Service Facility Finance Manager, the position works closely with the CLASSE Business Office and the Research & Innovation Finance team to manage transactions across service facility revenue, sponsored projects, gifts, and institutional allocations. The role supports the financial stewardship and operational success of Cornell’s research enterprise by maintaining accurate financial records and documentation, ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures, and helping manage complex research facilities and core operations.

The position is located on Cornell University’s Ithaca campus. The employee is expected to work in Ithaca, with the possibility of performing part of the work remotely. No visa sponsorship is available. Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree and at least 2 but fewer than 4 years of experience in accounting, finance, or business administration, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Excellent customer service, communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and partners across the university.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and proactively address issues in a demanding environment.
• Ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment where processes and procedures frequently evolve.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with tact, diplomacy, advocacy, and professionalism.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 3 to 5 years of finance and accounting experience.
• Experience supporting sponsored projects, including proposal administration, fund management, and post-award financial activities.
• Knowledge of sponsored fund management, university accounting practices, and applicable policies and procedures.
• Experience with Cornell policies and extensive experience using university administrative systems, including Kuali, OBIEE Answers, OSP Portal, Longview, and other financial and budget applications.

Responsibilities

• Process, review, and reconcile financial transactions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and adherence to university policies and procedures.
• Independently research and resolve complex or non-routine financial transactions, discrepancies, and processing issues.
• Maintain accurate financial records and documentation in support of multi-million-dollar research facilities and core operations.
• Serve as a resource on financial transaction processes, funding sources, systems, and institutional requirements.
• Collaborate with finance staff, business office partners, and departmental stakeholders to gather information, resolve issues, and support efficient financial operations.
• Contribute to a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment through respectful, collaborative, and inclusive conduct.

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, and two 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree