Careers

Assistant Director of Finance & Budget - Lab of Ornithology

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

As a leader in the financial support team of nine, this role is critical to effective financial budget support, decision support, and policy compliance for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The Lab is a dynamic group of academics and scientists intent on working with people all over the globe to understand and protect the natural world around us.

The successful candidate is a dynamic, experienced, creative problem solver who engages with the Lab's mission and its people. This position is deadline driven, requires high energy and an extensive knowledge of accounting in a higher education setting. Ability to quickly analyze large financial datasets, complete complex reconciliations and understand the strategic need behind programmatic activities is required.

What You Will Do

Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Finance and Contracts, and in collaboration with the financial team, the Assistant Director of Finance and Budget will be responsible for the following:

• Provide high level, confidential financial support.
• Provide essential financial reporting and budget development support for all programs within the Lab.
• In collaboration with the Senior Director of Finance and Contracts, monitor and analyze the Lab's operational and capital budget and activity.
• Participate in all budget, forecast and reporting meetings with center directors and Executive Director .
• Coordinate the preparation and consolidation of the Lab's budget, currently at $46.1 million in expenditures.
• Monitor over 1,000 active accounts, with multiple, complex funding sources including grants, restricted and unrestricted gifts, memberships and multiple streams of ecommerce revenue.
• Responsible for internal and external executive level financial reporting, budget analysis, and forecasting.
• Interpret policies and establish review procedures to assure appropriate stewardship of university, donor, and sponsored funds. Recommend appropriate alternative strategies for management of revenue and expenditures within policy guidelines.
• Prepare semiannual financial reports for the Lab's Administrative Board and Finance Committee.
• Provide day-to-day work direction/supervision to Accountant-Financial Business Partner and business center transaction specialist.
• Serve as primary backup for all financial matters in the absence of the Senior Director of Finance and Contracts.

About Us

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a globally renowned nonprofit institution that advances research, education, citizen science, and conservation to improve the understanding and protection of birds and biodiversity. A vibrant unit within Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the Lab has 6 interdisciplinary centers directed by full-time faculty and staff. The Lab is committed to fostering a healthy workplace that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds as well as supporting growth and advancement opportunities.

The Lab is an inclusive community, and we recognize that diverse, inclusive communities create more innovative and impactful work to address global challenges and benefit humanity and nature. The Lab is committed to fostering a healthy workplace that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds as well as supporting growth and advancement opportunities. The Lab welcomes staff who are still learning in their careers and who are motivated to take on new challenges.

What We Need from You

• Bachelor's Degree in financial/business management, or equivalent.
• A minimum of 5 years of financial or accounting experience in a complex academic or research setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in budgeting and financial reporting/principles; excellent analytical, data interpretation, and forecasting skills required.
• Advanced proficiency with computer applications for financial management and reporting (e.g., MS Excel, MS Word, Powerpoint).
• Comfortable working with new and developing administrative systems.
• Prior supervisory and leadership experience are required.
• Must be able to communicate and present information to a variety of audiences.
• Excellent oral/written communication, organizational, and time management skills are essential.
• Ability to establish and sustain effective relationships with all constituents.
• Ability to work with and represent work units professionally and ethically with tact, diplomacy, and advocacy.
• Must have the ability to interpret policy and solicit input from college and university resources to inform management decisions.
• Use sound judgment in decision making and in accomplishing tasks that are urgent or of a sensitive or confidential nature, while meeting competing deadlines and priorities.
• Ability to foster a team environment while meeting individual and unit goals in accordance with the broader mission.
• Requires conceptual and imaginative thinking in a highly complex atmosphere.

This position is located at the Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, New York. This position is in-person but a hybrid work arrangement might be considered in the future

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you!

We would view these additional qualifications as incredibly helpful in this role:

• Advanced degree in a relevant field.
• 7 or more years concentrated experience in a financial office setting involving complex financial structures and multiple revenue sources.
• Cornell experience with policies and procedures in the areas of accounting, budgeting, procurement, and disbursements strongly preferred.
• Knowledge and expertise in the use of Cornell on-line systems: KFS, OAS financial dashboards, Workday, Longview, RASS, and Concur.

Your Total Rewards

Salary range is $82,500 - $90,770

Cornell provides great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options to choose from, generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation leave, health and personal leave, 13 paid holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year's Day), educational benefits, and superior retirement contributions.

How to Apply: Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

You must submit both a Resume and Cover letter.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations.

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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:

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• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

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Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

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Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.