Academic Finance Specialist — Budget & Reporting

Cornell University; Ithaca (MI); On-site; USD 67,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University seeks a Finance Specialist II in the Physics Department to manage financial reporting, budgeting, travel operations, and space inventory.

This full-time, 100% FTE role works with the Director of Administration, faculty, and staff to ensure accurate, compliant financial activity and timely reports. The position supports subawards, monitors funds across university and sponsored accounts, and carries out space management; no visa sponsorship or relocation assistance provided.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or coursework in accounting/finance with 4–6 years of relevant administrative or financial experience, preferably in an academic setting; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with financial information, budgets, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and ability to learn and effectively use University financial and administrative systems.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and exercise sound judgment in completing assignments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and colleagues across the University.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and guidelines and communicate them effectively to others.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive financial and personnel information appropriately.
• Compliant with all Cornell University and job-related training requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive financial management, reporting, budgeting, travel, and operational support for the Department of Physics.
• Monitor and analyze financial activity, prepare budgets and financial reports, ensuring sound fiscal management.
• Coordinate with the Director of Administration, Department Chair, faculty, staff, and other offices to ensure accurate and compliant departmental financial operations.
• Oversee departmental financial reporting, budget monitoring, forecasting, and ad hoc reporting for leadership.
• Serve as the department’s primary resource for travel operations, subaward payments, and space inventory coordination.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Independent work

Time management

Problem solving

Education

Associate degree or coursework in accounting/finance

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Kuali

Concur

Job description

Cornell University seeks a Finance Specialist II in the Physics Department to manage financial reporting, budgeting, travel operations, and space inventory.

This full-time, 100% FTE role works with the Director of Administration, faculty, and staff to ensure accurate, compliant financial activity and timely reports. The position supports subawards, monitors funds across university and sponsored accounts, and carries out space management; no visa sponsorship or relocation assistance provided.