Mid-Atlantic HERC

Financial Reporting Specialist

The Opportunity

This position provides comprehensive financial, administrative, and post-award research support within the Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment. It oversees financial operations, ensures compliance with university and sponsor regulations, and manages transactions across multiple funding sources. The role also serves as a key advisor to faculty and staff, resolving complex financial issues and supporting sound fiscal stewardship.

The the Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment advances research, teaching, and outreach to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges. It fosters innovation and discovery to create resilient, sustainable, and equitable solutions. Its work benefits New York State while contributing to global progress.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide financial, administrative, and post-award research support for departmental, university, and sponsored funds.
• Monitor accounts and review financial transactions for accuracy, compliance, and proper allocation.
• Oversee salary distributions, labor allocations, fringe benefits, and indirect cost charges.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, sponsor guidelines, and external regulations.
• Interpret financial policies and advise faculty, staff, and administrators on fiscal matters.
• Resolve complex accounting and financial issues across multiple funding sources.
• Establish and manage sponsored research accounts for assigned faculty and Principal Investigators.
• Monitor grant expenditures and ensure alignment with approved budgets and sponsor requirements.
• Coordinate subcontracts and prepare cost-sharing reports.
• Support grant award closeout activities in collaboration with Sponsored Financial Services and central offices.
• Maintain accurate financial records and documentation in accordance with institutional policies.
• Assist with capital asset inventory and tracking.
• Develop and improve departmental financial procedures and internal controls.
• Provide backup support within the finance cluster as needed.
• Participate in ongoing professional development related to financial systems, policies, and sponsored research regulations.

What We Need

A resume and cover letter are required for further consideration.

• Associate's degree with 2-4 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Accounting experience and/or formal coursework in accounting principles and applications.
• Strong understanding of financial transactions, including account numbers, object codes, and their impact on financial statements.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to compile, interpret, and report complex financial data.
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
• Sound judgment in handling urgent, sensitive, or confidential matters.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with standard office software applications.
• Ability to adapt to changing processes, procedures, and priorities in a dynamic work environment.
• Demonstrated accountability, professionalism, and reliability.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a team.
• Capacity to make informed decisions and seek guidance appropriately in complex or unusual situations.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it's ok if you don't.

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• 2-4 years of focused experience in a financial office environment
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, KFS, Workday, and OBIEE dashboards
• Familiarity with Cornell University or other higher education institutions
• Sense of humor a plus!

This is a full-time (39 hours per week) Contract College position based in Ithaca, New York. The role requires an on-campus presence four days per week, with the flexibility to work remotely one day per week, subject to business needs and college policy. Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with additional flexibility as needed.

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 1 day per week and on-campus 4 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.
  
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

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Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.