Sponsored Finance Specialist

About this role

This position is located in Ithaca, New York . The successful candidate will have the option to perform this role at a location of their choosing within the United States.

The New York Convenience of Employer guidelines require New York State individual tax reporting and withholdings for this position. Additional individual state income tax filings may also be required if working temporarily outside New York State.

No Visa sponsorship available for this position.

Who we are: Cornell University, unique among peers, is the federal land-grant institution of New York State, a private endowed university, and a member of the Ivy League. The Division of Financial Services provides central financial functions in support of the university’s academic mission. Our vision is "To deliver world-class financial services to the university." Together, we strive to adhere to this vision by promoting an environment where best practices are championed, and our employees are empowered to do their best work in all areas of financial service.

Our Team: The Sponsored Financial Services (SFS) unit provides post-award financial administration of approved sponsored grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements on behalf of Cornell University. We also provide: • Leadership in the development of strategies to meet the financial requirements of sponsoring organizations and supported units effectively and efficiently. • Service to all units, unit administrators, and grant/contract principal investigators through assistance in the business/financial aspects of sponsored projects. • Expertise in the administration of sponsored grants/contracts, including financial services to university units and sponsoring agencies. • Advice to unit personnel and principal investigators in the financial management of their programs within the terms and conditions of the grant/contract federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance ), association guidelines, and Cornell policies.

As a team member, you will have the opportunity to support the exciting research and extension activity for the Ithaca campus and support the organization’s values of collegiality, integrity, initiative, excellence, civility, and stewardship.

What you will do: Under the general guidance of a team leader or manager, only referring matters when necessary, the Sponsored Finance Specialist facilitates Cornell’s world class faculty-led research by providing post award financial administration of sponsored projects and is viewed as an expert resource to the university community regarding award requirements and university compliance issues.

The Sponsored Finance Specialist is responsible for the review of sponsored projects, ensuring compliance with specific financial terms and conditions outlined in award documents as well as conformity with federal Uniform Guidance and University policies. Specific areas of performance include review of invoices, letter of credit draws, creation and submission of financial reports as specified by each sponsor/agreement, project closeout, and analysis of award expenses for allowability, allocability, and necessity. In addition, this position provides leadership, service, and advice to department personnel with respect to their management of the financial aspects of their awards, particularly relative to compliance issues. You will work closely with the Office of Sponsored Programs staff to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with sponsor requirements, and provide a variety of non-standard responses to a wide range of federal, state, university, corporate and nonprofit sponsors with financial inquiries/concerns.

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.

Required Qualifications: We are looking for an organized, methodical, and detail‑driven individual with strong business acumen and excellent communication skills who is eager to become a subject matter expert in sponsored project administration. Additionally, you will have:

• An associate’s degree , preferably in business or accounting/finance, with at least three years of accounting related experience and/or four or more years of finance related experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. • Excellent communication techniques and a customer service-oriented mindset that is critical to supporting a wide range of inquiries and contractual obligations. • The ability to navigate language pertaining to financial terms and conditions, including the ability to research various agency specific terms and conditions and apply judgement where necessary. • The ability to work independently with limited supervision . This includes the ability to prioritize and manage competing deadlines of varying complexity and urgency. • Strong analytical skills, including the ability to navigate financial transactions and reconciliation of financial activity. • Proficiency in PC systems (Excel, Word, E-mail, Query and Analysis tools, etc.) is required. • The ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. 

Preferred Qualifications: • Experience working in a finance or higher education environment where you succeeded in tackling challenges in a fast-paced organization. • A bachelor’s d egree preferably in business or accounting/finance. • Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA), Cornell Research Administration Certification or similar certification pertaining to research administration preferred. • Experience with Kuali Financial System and Oracle

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