The College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University seeks a detail‑oriented, collaborative Finance Specialist II to provide strategic financial and sponsored programs support for the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health. In this role, you will partner with faculty, staff, and research teams to ensure strong financial stewardship, effective grants administration, and consistent, transparent financial processes. You will serve as a key resource for interpreting policies, developing reports and forecasts, and strengthening internal controls—all while contributing to a culture of inclusion, respect, and wellbeing.

The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

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.

Required Qualifications

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.

Preferred Qualifications

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.

Important Details about the Position

This is an onsite position located in Ithaca, NY.
This is a hybrid position with the expectation of 1 day remote per week.
We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for this position.
Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

While the regular business hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, the specific schedule may change to meet the needs of the business, requiring employees to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and University holidays and scheduled breaks.

The Following Documents are Required to be Submitted with your Application

Resume
Cover Letter

What We Offer:

Great benefits! Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

3 weeks of paid vacation
13 additional holiday days with 2 additional floating holidays to be used at your discretion

An 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
- Impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance program
Follow this link for more information: https://hr.cornell.edu/understand-your-benefits

Employees are expected to meet all of the Cornell University Staff Skills for Success, which are essential for individual and organizational success.

Questions?

Gabriel Gonzalez - gag95@cornell.edu

University Job Title:

Finance Specialist II

Job Family:

Fin/Budget/Planning

Level:

E

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$66,663.00 - $77,473.00

Remote Option Availability:

Hybrid

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Gabriel Gonzalez

Contact Email:

gag95@cornell.edu

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

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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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.

2026-02-27

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