This position will serve as the Lead Finance Manager for the expanded Shared Business Network (SBN) Administrative Hub, Northern and Central Regions, for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Broome County, and will provide high-level finance leadership and management of all regional finance functions/operations. As a Lead Finance Manager, this position will provide specialized, high level leadership and recommendations in finance functions, to include, but not be limited to: managing and monitoring regional finance projects; leading the development of new regional accounting/finance policies, procedures and action plans; creating regional financial strategies that adhere to all applicable laws, regulations and Cornell Cooperative Extension guidelines, finance policies, procedures, and action plans; developing and implementing improved financial reporting as needed; leading the Association budget development processes; and assessing, developing and implementing finance training for local Association Finance staff as outlined in the SBN Finance Scope of Work. This position develops and maintains effective working relationships among the SBN North and SBN Central staff, including Finance Staff, Lead Executive Directors, and the SBN North Finance Lead Manager, and will attend and fully participate in all system meetings and trainings (i.e. Finance Lead calls, system conferences) as identified to maintain a high-level of expertise in all Finance functions. The SBN Finance Lead Manager exercises professional judgement, discretion, and confidentiality in oversight of financial operations, and works as an integral team member to lead the financial operations regionally and state-wide to its optimal level. This position will also be responsible for financial management duties in direct support of Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Broome County (outside of the SBN Finance Scope of Work) to include, but not limited to: budgeting, completing complex projects and reports, investments, etc., to include providing finance support for the Taste of New York Program. This position will provide high level assistance to the Executive Director and/or have primary responsibility for decision-making regarding the Association budget and related financial areas. This position often answers policy questions according to established financial guidelines, advising the Executive Director of problems. This position influences and assists in financial decision making. This position is able to work remotely from home but will still need to be available to report to the local office if needed. This position will also have to occasionally travel to the following counties: Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Onondaga, Oswego and Tioga.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

All applicants must apply online to be considered for this position by close of day on June 29, 2022. All applicants must submit a complete application packet, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references.

All External Applicants (including applicants currently employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Associations other than the Association advertising this career opportunity) must submit his/her application via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting.

All Internal Applicants (current employees working for the Association advertising this career opportunity) must apply online via his/her Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/.

Please contact Carol Fetterman, Association Sr. Administrative Assistant at clf62@cornell.edu with questions.

POSITION DETAILS:

This is a full-time, exempt position, 100% FTE. The annual salary for this position is $59,425.00 . This position offers a comprehensive benefit package (based on eligibility requirements), to include: health and dental insurance, NYS Retirement, vacation, sick and personal leave. This position is able to work remotely from home but will still need to be available to report to the local office if needed.

Required Qualifications:

Required minimum equivalency for education, experience, skills, information systems knowledge, etc.

• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Education (Associate's Degree and 2 years of program/functional experience).
• Two (2) years of experience working in an advanced Finance Management role delivering high-level Finance support and services.
• Experience to include budget preparation and management, accounts receivable/payable tracking, expense/revenue tracking, cash flow tracking, reconciliation, reporting, compliance, and grants/contracts management
• Excellent computer skills and demonstrated ability to utilize technology, specifically computer finance programs, database systems, and Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement, discretion and maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with co-workers and customers and to provide excellent customer service.
• Demonstrated ability to work well both in a team setting and independently, and to initiate, organize, and implement established goals.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of varying ages and socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Demonstrated effective and professional oral, written, and visual communications skills.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and maintain involved records and reports.
• Valid NYS Driver's License and the ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or similar area of study.
• Five (5) years of experience in an advanced Finance Management role delivering high-level finance support and services.
• Familiarity with the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) System, and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in Finance/System Administration (i.e. Acumatica).
• Demonstrated knowledge of grant/proposal procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to provide training and training materials using various techniques and technologies.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction - 30%

• With substantial initiative and discretion, strategically plan for the overall Finance functions, special projects and procedures for the Northern and Central Regions.
• Develop regional implementation strategies for Finance systems.
• Lead the development of new accounting/finance policies, procedures, best practices and action plans across the Northern and Central Regions.
• Establish best practice standards for Finance functions throughout the SBN and actively contribute to discussions on development of state-wide Finance best practices.
• Participate with Extension Administration in the development of FORM Code policy and procedures.
• Develop implementation strategies of statewide initiatives at the regional level.
• Plan for and direct resources.
• Develop a framework, regional strategy and training plan that assesses needs, and sets goals and direction for ongoing Finance training in best practices, policies and procedures to promote consistency throughout the SBNs.
• Develop a communication plan for the Northern and Central Regions that supports and communicates the work of the regional Finance team to Executive Directors, local Finance staff, and other identified staff across the identified regions.
• Lead the development of Association budgets.

Management - 35%

• Provide leadership and guidance on all Finance related regional activities.
• Provide guidance of the finance functions of the Taste NY Program for CCE of Broome County, and other local finance assignments as determined.
• With substantial initiative and discretion, assist with guiding the overall administration of the assigned Associations within the Northern and Central Regions.
• Provide guidance and support to regional Finance staff, including local Finance staff and Executive Directors.
• Ensure Association Executive Directors, Supervisors, and Finance staff are effectively made aware of local, regional, or state-wide Finance expectations and compliance.
• Consult regularly with Association leadership to assure they understand and can integrate finance strategy and processes into their operations.
• Work in concert with Extension Administration Finance team to provide Finance management to the Northern and Central Regions, continually evaluating financial processes for efficiency, cost savings and conflict of interest compliance.
• Lead and ensure adherence to regional and state-wide record retention and confidentially standards.
• With a high level of initiative and discretion, serve as back-up for the SBN North Finance Lead Manager when needed.
• Partner with the SBN North Finance Lead Manager to manage Finance trainings and communications for the Northern and Central Regions in accordance with established regional strategies for the local Finance staff and/or Association Executive Directors as appropriate.
• With substantial initiative and discretion, manage and lead the overall Finance function (major finance activities and operations) of Associations within the Northern and Central Regions.
• Manage and resolve issues or problems that arise within the Finance area for the Northern and Central Regions.
• Provide leadership in the support of Finance Systems (i.e. Acuamatica, FIDO, Invoice System, Business System Launch Pad) to ensure effective utilization that will result in: data integrity, compliance in finance procedures, interpretation and support for the effective, efficient finance functions, and understanding and consistent implementation of established Finance policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Act as initial provider to Association Finance staff in routine matters; including FORM Code interpretation (Work with Extension Administration to provide assistance in complex matters).
• Work closely with local Finance staff to make sure transactions are coded properly and consistently according to FORM Code, FASB, and GAAP.
• Review Finance data and analysis to form observations, adjust operations and service to performance standards, and develop subsequent refinements and recommendations to shape ongoing improvements to support Association, SBN, and statewide strategies.
• Monitor internal financial operating policies and procedures for the Northern and Central Regions.
• Perform Association budget monitoring - through use of system-wide accounting software.
• Provide oversight and guidance for to all financial efforts, including management of standardized regional financial processes and procedures, including, but not limited to: month-end/year-end requirements and Finance staffing plans/back-up plans.
• Provide management and monitoring of Finance special projects as determined, including management of regional/state-wide Finance project month-end and year-end deadlines.
• Work with the SBN North Finance Manager to identify and resolve issues or problems within the financial system or reports for the region.
• Implement the established communication plan for the Northern and Central Regions that supports and communicates the work of the regional Finance team to Executive Directors, local Finance staff, and other identified staff across the identified regions.
• Engage finance staff, within the SBN, in a team approach to identify and resolve finance related issues, and identifying and developing solutions that yield increased efficiencies and accounting effectiveness.
• Provide individual coaching and informal feedback to Association Finance staff.
• Alert Association Executive Directors of Finance performance issues within an Association and work closely with Executive Directors in identifying and managing a plan to resolve those issues.

Coordination/Operation - 30%

• Exercise a high level of confidentiality and independent judgement in performing all position responsibilities.
• Perform substantially complex Finance tasks to support the administration of Associations within the Northern and Central Regions.
• With substantial initiative and discretion, coordinate and implement all Finance best practices and procedures (i.e. FORM Codes) for the Northern and Central Regions to ensure consistent implementation across the region.
• Facilitate conversations with Executive Directors, local Finance staff and Extension Administration Finance team as appropriate on the implementation of regional Finance changes.
• Implement new Finance-related technologies as requested by Extension Administration or Cornell University.
• Prepare and interpret financial data for internal and regulatory reporting and presentations.
• Perform regular audit reports for Associations, and with a high level of initiative and discretion, work closely with Association Executive Directors and Local Finance staff to correct system issues when needed.
• Coordinate all required reporting for Associations including specific programs - i.e. Taste New York Program - and /or departments and Extension Administration, including year-end reports.
• Provide Extension Administration with reports as requested.
• Perform general ledger adjustments and maintenance.
• Provide troubleshooting and support for all Finance questions (i.e. systems, procedures, processes, protocol) for the Northern and Central Regions.
• Work to effectively maintain existing relationships with Executive Directors, local Finance staff, Lead Executive Directors, the SBN North Finance Lead Manager and Extension Administration Finance staff for the purposes of delivering efficient, effective and accurate Finance support in the implementation of Finance policy, procedures and best practices across the Northern and Central Regions.
• Attend Finance/Board meetings as needed/requested, working closely with local Finance staff to prepare Executive Directors properly for Board meetings (provide correct documentation and financial explanations as appropriate).
• Coordinate the delivery of Finance trainings, updates and best practice recommendations via various delivery methods (i.e. webinars, SharePoint site, recorded presentations) to Executive Directors, and local Finance staff, leadership staff, and employees, as appropriate, across the Northern and Central Regions that enhance the Finance knowledge and expertise at the Association level.
• Attend all system meetings and trainings (i.e. Finance Lead calls, system conferences) as identified to maintain a high-level of expertise in all functions of Finance.
• Work to stay current on all systems changes/updates; implement and communicate those changes as appropriate.
• Communicate identified issues to and partner with the SBN North Finance Lead Manager.
• Provide training to regional Finance staff, including local Finance staff and Executive Directors.
• Assume responsibility for the coordination of Finance special projects and assignments as identified.

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 5%

• In cooperation with the Association Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes in programming and association priorities.
• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Extension programs and other duties as assigned.
• Collaborates with staff and management to develop business knowledge that will assure appropriate judgment in accomplishing Finance activities.
• Actively seeks out and participate in Finance related professional development opportunities.
• Takes initiative to share Finance best practice, knowledge and resources gained through professional development activities within the state-wide system.

Health and Safety - Applied to all duties and functions.

• Support the association to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
• Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy - Applied to all duties and functions.

• Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.
• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Broome County policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Job Title:

Level:

Pay Rate Type:

Company:

Contact Name:

Number of Openings:

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.