State Extension Finance Specialist (Cornell Cooperative Extension); Ithaca, New York

State Extension Finance Specialist

Finance Specialist IV

Band G - Exempt
Cornell Cooperative Extension

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Ithaca, New York

Who We Are

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world's complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides the educational outreach functions for Cornell University's role as New York State's Land Grant University. Programmatically, Cornell Cooperative Extension connects the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Human Ecology (CHE) with 55 off-campus Associations, and CCE New York City (Off-Campus Extension).

The Finance team within Cornell Cooperative Extension works in a complex system of University-related functions and statutory oversight of Off-Campus Extension. Together, the system includes over 1,500 employees. The Finance Team oversees finance activity within Extension Administration and Off-Campus Extension.

What You Will Do

As the State Extension Finance Specialist, in collaboration with CCE finance leads, develop, maintain, and promote shared best practices and standard operating procedures related to finance across the Shared Business Network (SBN). Serve as campus finance lead for the SBN regions. Oversee the maintenance and implementation of the finance system (Acumatica) across the SBN. Other duties include:

• Work closely with finance leads to assist in finding accounting solutions to support the administrative functions of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE).
• Oversee federal budget components in the University's financial system (Smith-Lever, Hatch, etc.).
• Develop a forecasting module for use in the CCE Associations.
• Collaborate with SBN Finance colleagues to create and implement a state-wide mentor and coaching program.
• Create accounting training for accounting teams and other cross-functional areas ("Accounting for non-accountants").
• Keep abreast of the accounting system needs and work with campus and CCE Administration to evaluate and understand their impact on CCE finance activities.
• Provide consulting, training, and outreach for new accounting policies.

What We Need

We are looking for a talented individual who excels at building and maintaining effective relationships with diverse stakeholders. We need someone who can lead and advocate for finance professionals. Additionally, we need someone who has the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting and/or Finance and 5+ years of relevant experience in leading an accounting and/or finance team or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in leading team members with empathy, collaboration, and empowerment.
• Experience recognizing different points of view and building consensus.
• 4+ years of accounting experience, financial knowledge, and general ledger experience in a diverse, fast, fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP) and ability to ensure adherence to policy and internal controls.
• Proven ability to train accounting practices for diverse cross-functional team members.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Windows-based Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience managing multiple projects, schedules, and priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects with numerous stakeholders and collaborators.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work well with a diverse group in a professional and respectful work environment.
• Experience that demonstrates creativity, reasoning, and solution-finding techniques.
• Knowledge of federal/state regulations governing accountability and expenditures.
• Demonstrated skills in building and maintaining effective working relationships within and outside of all levels of an organization.
• Ability to create strong relationships built on trust, integrity, inclusivity, and diplomatic communication.
• Proven experience in working independently and as a team player
• Knowledge of balancing conflicting priorities, making informed choices, and using sound judgment to complete urgent tasks.
• Ability to adhere to policies and procedures.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver's license and be cleared to drive for university business.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and well-being.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

• Master's degree in business or accounting, or Master of Business Administration.
• Ability to learn Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Shared Business Network.
• 3+ years of Finance team leadership experience.
• Working knowledge in not-for-profit accounting, including Federal and New York State.
• Ability to gain a working knowledge of Cornell Cooperative Extension County funding.
• Ability to become familiar with the Cornell accounting systems, Acumatica, and Velixo.
• Previous experience developing training and presentations helpful.

This position is full-time (40 hours/week) and will be located in Ithaca, New York. Moderate travel (approximately 25%) will be required throughout New York State.

There is the opportunity to work remotely within New York State two days a week; an on-site presence in Ithaca is required three days a week.

Rewards and Benefits

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply

You must submit both a resume/CV and a cover letter.

EEO Statement

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

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

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

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