Cornell University is hiring a Finance Specialist II - Public and Ecosystem Health

Cornell University is looking for a Finance Specialist II to join the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health. In this role, you will provide strategic financial and sponsored programs support, partnering with faculty, staff, and research teams to ensure strong financial stewardship, effective grants administration, and transparent financial processes.

What You'll Do

• Manage post-award financial administration, including effort updates, sub-awards, cost-share monitoring, and compliance with sponsor and university policies.
• Track award activity, monitor expenditures, resolve discrepancies, and coordinate post-award actions with OSP, SFS, and the College Research Office.
• Prepare monthly and ad hoc financial reports, annual budgets, variance analyses, and long-range forecasts for faculty and departmental leadership.
• Develop and maintain financial SOPs, strengthen internal controls, and ensure consistent, transparent financial processes across the department.
• Train and support faculty and staff on financial best practices, reporting tools, and departmental procedures.
• Provide backup support for service agreements, consultant contracts, GRA appointments, space inventory, and other departmental financial operations.

What We're Looking For

• Associate degree in finance or related field with at least 2 years of experience in accounting, finance, or business administration or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with a customer-service mindset.
• Ability to build inclusive, collaborative working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Ability to work effectively with college, university, and departmental financial offices.
• Commitment to continuous learning.

Nice to Have

• Experience in higher education with grant applications, accessing Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) portal, funds management, and policy interpretation.
• Experience with a variety of systems used at Cornell: KFS, ID&R Dashboards, Workday, WebFin II, RASS.
• Knowledge of web programs such as NSF Fast Lane, proposal Central, Grants.gov and the NIH eRA Commons.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in financial management, budget preparation, and fiscal operations management in higher education or the public sector.

Technical Stack

• KFS
• ID&R Dashboards
• Workday
• WebFin II
• RASS
• NSF Fast Lane
• proposal Central
• Grants.gov
• NIH eRA Commons

Team & Environment

You will partner with faculty, staff, and research teams in the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, contributing to a culture of inclusion, respect, and wellbeing.

Benefits & Compensation

• Salary range: $66,663.00 - $77,473.00
• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 13 additional holiday days with 2 additional floating holidays
• Award-winning employer provided benefits program
• Comprehensive health care options
• Access to wellness programs
• Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
• Generous retirement contributions
• Educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance program

Work Mode

This is a hybrid position based in Ithaca, NY.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. 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, 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.