About the Role
Provides regional financial leadership and support to eight Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Associations, strengthening budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, grant management, and audit processes. Offers interim finance support during staffing transitions and direct financial management for an assigned CCE Association. Requires clear communication, a "no job too big or too small" mindset, and comfort with routine accounting, training, and complex problem-solving. Collaborates with statewide Finance Leads and works as part of a regional Shared Business Network (SBN) team.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Cornell Cooperative Extension Administration and finance leads to develop, implement, and communicate statewide financial policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Support the effective utilization of financial and accounting software applications.
- Work closely with executive directors and finance staff by providing education, guidance and support on all finance and accounting functions.
- Help ensure compliance with regulations and CCE requirements.
- Monitor trends, identify issues, and work closely with executive directors and local finance staff to provide support in resolving issues.
- Answer questions and help people understand budget and financial processes.
- Provide regional leadership in the support of finance systems; help ensure accuracy and compliance with financial systems.
- Provide direct financial management for one CCE Association.
- Serve as an advisor to the executive director, answer questions, present financial statements at board and committee meetings.
- Plan, manage, and oversee budgets, accounting functions, and grant and contract financials.
- Help ensure appropriate oversight of financial records at all times.
- Provide training (one-on-one and in group settings) on finance topics and financial systems.
- Perform regional payroll entries and payroll costing allocations to ensure accurate processing.
- Directly perform accounting functions for one CCE Association including accounts payable/receivable, staff reimbursements, fixed assets, bank reconciliations, journal entries, cost allocations, and preparing financial reports.
- Ensure timely processing and payment of all invoices for payout.
- Monitor funding streams and appropriations received through Cornell University.
- Serve as a regional finance staff floater to maintain operations during vacancies and other staffing transitions.
- Attend regional and statewide calls, meetings, trainings, and conferences.
- Perform other administrative and accounting functions as assigned.
- Complete and submit all required data, reports, records, and documentation on time.
- In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan.
- Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.
- Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
- Be familiar with 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.
- Adhere to established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Albany County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.
- Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field. An associate’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field plus two years related experience may substitute for a Bachelor’s degree.
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience relevant to the role of the position.
- Strong knowledge of accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, etc.) and skills (budgets, audits, etc.).
- Proficient in financial software (e.g., ERP systems - Acumatica, QuickBooks, Excel, etc.) and MS Office Suite.
- Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to train others, present financial information to executive directors and board members, and work effectively in decentralized, sometimes ambiguous environments while upholding required standards and consistency.
- Ability to meet regular travel requirements associated with this position.
- A valid NYS driver's license and ability to drive and driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage are required.
- Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.
- Financial management experience in a government, non-profit, or public sector setting.
- Experience with accrual basis of accounting.
- Experience with managing and preparing for audits.
- Experience managing budgets with diverse income streams.
- Experience with Acumatica.
Skills
- Accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, etc.)
- Budgeting
- Audits
- Financial software (e.g., ERP systems - Acumatica, QuickBooks, Excel, etc.)
- MS Office Suite
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Training
- Financial reporting
- Internal controls
- Compliance
- Grant management
- Payroll functions
- Accrual basis of accounting
Location
- Onsite
Work Type
- Full-time
- Onsite
Experience Level
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience relevant to the role
- Lead
Education Level
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field
- Associate’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field plus two years related experience
Salary/Compensations
- $85,000 annually
Benefits
- Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, and holiday pay)
- 21 Vacation days
- 14 Holidays
- 3 Personal days
- 12 Sick days
- Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- NYS Retirement (NYSERS)
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Total Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity Plan
- Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
- Voluntary Term Life Insurance
- Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance
- Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
- Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
- Voluntary Pet Insurance
- Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program
About the Company
- 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.
Equal Opportunity
- Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.
