Job Information
Cornell Cooperative Extension Finance Director - Ithaca, NY in Ithaca, New York
This position will serve as the Finance Director for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association Tompkins County and will provide administrative direction, management, coordination, and supervision for Association financial staff and operations. This position will liaise with Extension Administration and statewide finance leads for high-level guidance and recommendations on Finance expectations and compliance. This position will play an integral role in grant and contract financial efforts. This position works closely with the Association Executive Director and Board of Directors in financial record keeping, financial analysis, management, and decision making. The Finance Director will work closely with both administrative and program staff to ensure proper financial accounting procedures are followed and will assist with grant and contract development and implementation. This position is responsible for constructing complex financial statements and reports for the Executive Director to track, monitor and verify all accounts assigned. This position is required to use automated systems and be familiar with software to accomplish job functions. This position will provide oversight of financial procedures when working with administrative and program staff as required. This position will implement finance best practices and identify procedures to carry those out. The Finance Director will supervise the Finance Team to include finance managers and regular staff, and will provide guidance and supervision to other staff assisting with finance tasks.
The Finance Director provides high-level leadership and guidance of the financial operations for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County. The position develops and maintains effective working relationships among the Association networks, including finance staff, administrative staff, program staff, and the Executive Director. The Finance Director exercises professional judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in oversight of the financial operations.
This is a full-time, 40 hour/week, benefits-eligible, exempt salaried position.
The compensation starting at $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in one of the following: Business, Accounting, Finance or similar and experience relevant to the role; or CPA licensure with an Associate degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or similar and at least 4 years’ transferrable program/functional experience.
Experience must include budget preparation and management, accounts receivable/payable tracking, expense/revenue tracking, cash flow tracking, reconciliation, reporting, compliance, and grants/contracts management.
High-level skills in spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel), accounting software, word processing (Microsoft Word), and internet, cloud-based software. Demonstrated ability to perform advanced spreadsheet and database functions including creating, manipulating, reporting, and maintaining electronic spreadsheets and databases.
Knowledge of financial operations as well as grant/proposal procedures. Thorough knowledge of, and experience with, accounting policies, practices, procedures, and systems
Ability to work well both in a team setting and independently, and to initiate, organize, and implement established goals.
Judgment, discretion, and confidentiality is critical to this position.
Experience in training and team leadership.
Must be able to communicate effectively: Analyze information, understand the audience, and anticipate outcomes.
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, Internet and visual channels.
Ability to clearly communicate (read, write, and speak) in English.
Ability to provide training and training materials using various techniques and technologies.
Ability to transport supplies and equipment with or without accommodation.
Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications:
In-depth knowledge and experience with Cornell Cooperative Extension accounting principles and practices and financial management practices and experience with Acumatica.
Previous work with fund-based accounting and/or non-profit accounting.
Five (5) years of experience in an advanced Finance Management role delivering high-level finance support, services, and finance/system administration.
Knowledge of FASB (Financial Accounting Standards Board) and GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) Standards. .
Certified Public Accountant licensure.
Experience in complex budget preparation and management, accounts receivable/payable tracking, expense/revenue tracking, cash flow tracking, reconciliation, reporting, compliance, grants/contracts management, and financial statement preparation.
Experience working with complex, non-profit organizations.
Demonstrated ability to learn networks, electronic communication, and word processing.
Demonstrated knowledge of how human resources processes interface with finance processes.
Demonstrated ability to prepare and maintain detailed records and reports
Demonstrated ability to provide supervision and guidance to staff.
Experience working in a Windows environment.
Experience with project planning nd project management.
Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
Administrative Responsibilities:
Direction - 25%
Contribute to the planning and development of local automated financial systems, finance policies, and action plans.
Assist with development Association budgets.
Recommend and create internal operating policies and procedures for administrative and accounting functions, seeking input from those affected.
Assist with planning for staffing needs for finance team functions.
Management - 40%
Provide oversight for all finance-related functions, as well as guidance and supervision for all members of the CCE Tompkins Finance Team.
Ensure Association Executive Director, Leadership Team, Supervisors, and Finance staff are effectively made aware of local or state-wide Finance expectations and compliance.
Liaise with CCE Admin finance team and SBN Lead group for high-level guidance and recommendations.
Provide support in all cost analyses, in determining appropriate methodology and in completing analyses.
Monitor budgets, expenditures and revenues while maintaining ongoing supervision of financial accounts, ensuring adherence to various external and internal regulations.
Monitor internal operating policies and procedures for administrative and accounting functions.
Monitor all association cash transactions and recording procedures.
Review, monitor and assist in the grant proposal process as assigned.
Manage, monitor and provide the financial and business functions of the accounting process for association accounts.
Design, develop, analyze and prepare association financial reports, analyze trends, examine expenditures, and recommend cost control measures.
Ensure compliance with all local grant and contact budgets, internal controls, GAAP regulations, and Cornell Accounting procedures.
Ensure payments, petty cash, and other financial transactions are processed accurately and timely.
Monitor and periodically forecast year-end projections based on current actual financial data, making recommendations and correction as needed.
Assist with negotiation of long-term agreements and contracts necessary for the operations of the association.
Provide oversight of financial procedures when working with Association Administrative and Program staff that are preparing financial transactions to ensure this is accomplished in accordance with established best practices and timelines.
Provide oversight (with hands-on assistance when needed) for the following: journalize cash receipts and accounts receivables; journalize bank deposits and withdrawals (transfers between checking and money market account); reconcile check book..
Provide guidance, develop training materials, and assist in training all staff on finance policies and procedures.
Coordination/Operation - 30%
Responsible for automated financial systems, payroll, financial process, and investments.
Prepare various reports and analyses as required and requested, including year-end reports.
Coordinate audits and follow-up on results and findings.
Prepare and journalize cash disbursements, accounts payables and general journal entries.
Prepare reimbursement claim vouchers for all grants and contracts on monthly and quarterly basis as required.
Invoice and coordinate grants billing.
Prepare and interpret financial data for internal and regulatory reporting and presentations.
Effectively maintain professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.
This position may require the transport of Association materials/resources.
Professional Improvement - 5%
In cooperation with the Executive Director and HR Director to jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.
Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.
Health and Safety - Applies to all duties and functions
Support the association to maintain a safe working environment.
Be familiar 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.
EEO/EPO and Policy - Applies to all duties and functions
Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.
Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Tompkins County policies and procedures, and Skills for Success.
Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.
This is a full-time, 40 hour/week, benefits-eligible, exempt salaried position.
The compensation starting at $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience .
Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:
Vacation, Sick and Personal time
Paid Holidays
NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)
NYS Retirement
Long-term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity
Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance
Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance
Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance
Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
Voluntary Pet Insurance
Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program
Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:
https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs
How To Apply: Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Current employees of Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/ . For details on how to apply, visit: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply
All applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, resume and indicate three individuals who may be contacted as a reference. Please consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know. Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting.
All applications must be received online by December 6, 2023. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.
No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.
The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact CCE Tompkins HR at tompkins-hr@cornell.edu .
For additional questions please contact CCE Tompkins HR at Tompkins-HR@cornell.edu.
Job Title:
Association Finance Manager
Level:
002
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Sherrhonda Daniels
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.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.
Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs) . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
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. As provided in New York State County Law Article 5, Section 224, the independent county and regional extension service associations are locally operated under the direction of Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. County and regional extension service association employees are employed by their association to engage in educational work and are not employees of Cornell University. Look for us on the web at cce.cornell.edu/.