Finance Manager

This position is located on the Cornell University Campus in Ithaca, New York. You will be expected to work in Ithaca, although you may be permitted to perform a portion of your work remotely.

Note: No Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Who we are:

Located in Ithaca, N.Y., Cornell University is a bold, innovative, inclusive, and dynamic teaching and research university where staff, faculty, and students alike are challenged to make an enduring contribution to the betterment of humanity. Cornell University is one of the largest and most diverse institutions in the Ivy League. We are a community of 22,000 students and more than 10,000 faculty and staff members representing more than 80 countries and hundreds of disciplines—global cultures, backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and ideas.

The Division of Budget and Planning supports Cornell University’s academic mission and long‑term sustainability through institutional budgeting, financial and strategic planning, resource allocation, and analysis. The Division is responsible for developing planning assumptions; preparing and consolidating operating and capital budgets across the Ithaca campus, Cornell Tech, and Weill Cornell Medicine; supporting space and capital planning; and overseeing institutional research, accreditation, and external reporting.

Within the Division, the University Budget Office works closely with colleges and administrative units to develop, implement, and report on the Ithaca campus operating plan. The office serves as a steward of institutional resources by forecasting revenue and expenses; providing analytical context for planning assumptions and budget policies; coordinating allocation and policy issues with senior leadership; monitoring resource use; modeling the impact of program and policy changes; and providing specialized budget services to meet New York State (NYS) and SUNY requirements. The Budget Office also maintains budget schedules, systems, and tools, and provides training to support the annual budget development process.

Additional information about the Division of Budget and Planning and the University Budget Office is available at Division of Budget and Planning website.

What you will do:
Reporting to the Associate Director of Budget and Finance, the Finance Manager will serve as a strategic financial leader for Facilities and Campus Services, providing expert guidance in budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and analysis for a large, highly complex unit encompassing multiple and varied funding sources.

This role is responsible for:

• Directing, developing and executing annual and long-range budgets, conducting complex financial analyses, monitoring trends and variances, and delivering actionable recommendations that support executive decision-making and organizational goals.
• Playing a key role in translating financial data into meaningful information through the development of reports, dashboards, metrics, and forecasting models that drive operational and strategic outcomes.
• Leading efforts to enhance financial and business processes by overseeing the development, implementation, and integration of systems that support efficient operations and standardized University-wide reporting.
• Identifying opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement, researching and implementing best practices that increase effectiveness, efficiency, and service quality across the organization.
• In partnership with leadership, help shape policies, procedures, and operating standards that strengthen financial stewardship, operational excellence, and compliance with University and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to Directors, Associate Vice Presidents, and senior leadership, and provide financial guidance on cost-recovery strategies, resource planning, revenue and expenditure management, and achievement of operating objectives.
• Overseeing financial accounts, ensuring sound fiscal management, maintaining compliance with accounting standards and internal controls, and supporting internal and external audits as needed.
• Provide leadership and talent development for a team of finance professionals: establishing clear performance expectations, providing ongoing coaching and feedback, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and ensuring staff receive the training, development opportunities, and support needed to maximize individual and team performance.
• Working closely with Financial Services, the University Budget Office, University Audit, colleges, and administrative units throughout the institution.
• Representing the University on committees and working groups at the institutional, state, and federal levels, contributing expertise and advancing strategic initiatives that support the University's mission and long-term success.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

What is required:

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial planning, analysis, and management, including experience working within complex enterprise organizations and appropriated-fund environments.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain sophisticated financial models, conduct complex quantitative and qualitative analyses, and translate data into strategic business recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and relationship-building skills with the ability to effectively partner with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop and deliver clear, concise reports, executive briefings, and formal presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and persuade stakeholders, build consensus, and lead cross-functional initiatives to successful outcomes.
• A highly collaborative leader who excels at building strong partnerships across a diverse and complex organization.
• Experience coordinating and managing complex projects, programs, or major organizational activities involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Proven problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, including the capacity to develop innovative solutions, improve processes, and address complex business and financial challenges.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in interpreting policies, procedures, and regulations, including determining when alternative approaches or deviations from standard practices are appropriate.
• Experience contributing to and influencing strategic and operational decision-making through expert analysis, recommendations, and trusted advisory support.
• Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences.  

Preferred qualifications for the position include:

• CPA/CMA certification, MBA or other relevant advanced degree. 
• Training in financial management and cost accounting principles, or equivalent experience is desired.
• Previous experience in a financial leadership role.

What we offer:

Great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care, generous paid leave provisions, 3 weeks of vacation, 14 university paid holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year’s Day) and superior employer retirement contributions.

Cornell is situated in picturesque Ithaca, New York, the heart of the Finger Lakes. Ithaca is home to two academic institutions, state parks, waterfalls, gorges, and a wide range of art galleries, theaters, eateries, wineries, and breweries. Ithaca is an active and diverse community to work and thrive in and has something to suit all ages and interests!

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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

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter.  You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected].

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected].

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

EEO Statement:

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.