Financial Representative at Cornell University

Cornell University is seeking an experienced Accounts Representative V to support the financial operations of its Library departments.

The position involves budgeting, financial reporting, account management, and grant administration.

The successful candidate will prepare financial statements and reports, oversee daily financial transactions and reconciliations, and provide accounting guidance and support to assigned departments.

About the Library Finance & Budget Office

Cornell’s Library Finance and Budget Office provides financial and administrative support to the university’s endowed and contract college Library departments across campus.

Its responsibilities include budget management, financial transactions, grant and gift administration, and financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, develop, and analyze customized financial reports, statements, and spreadsheets for monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting.
• Coordinate the annual budgeting process for assigned Library departments, covering endowed, contract college, appropriated, restricted gift, and sponsored funds.
• Provide financial reviews, reporting, and day-to-day accounting support to designated Library departments.
• Monitor financial transactions and account activities to ensure accuracy, compliance, and proper expense allocation. Investigate discrepancies and prepare journal adjustments when necessary.
• Process purchase orders, vendor invoices, credit memos, travel advances, and employee expense reimbursements in accordance with university policies and procedures.
• Review, audit, approve, and process Library materials invoices and procurement card transactions through FOLIO. Investigate payment discrepancies and maintain accurate vendor records in FOLIO and KFS.
• Administer grants and restricted gifts by monitoring budgets, forecasting expenses, maintaining accounts, and ensuring compliance with applicable award requirements.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered.

• An associate degree and 4–6 years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency with standard desktop applications, including word processing software, spreadsheets, databases, email, and file management systems.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Excellent organizational, written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to complete Cornell’s Accounting Certification program successfully within the first year of employment, if not already certified.

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful completion of Cornell University’s Accounting Certification program.

Work Schedule and Remote Arrangement

This is a full-time position requiring 39 hours per week. The role is fully remote, with core working hours from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The final work schedule will be agreed upon with the supervisor.

Although the position is based in Ithaca, New York, the successful candidate may work remotely from anywhere within the United States.

Employees working remotely may receive multiple W-2 tax forms depending on their work location.

Under New York State’s Convenience of Employer guidelines, employees in this position are subject to New York State individual income tax reporting and withholding requirements.

Additional state tax filings may apply when working temporarily outside New York.

Compensation and Benefits

Cornell University offers a competitive compensation package and has received national recognition for its commitment to employee health, well-being, and sustainability.

The benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive health insurance options.
• Generous employer retirement contributions.
• Access to wellness programs.
• Employee discounts with local and national retailers.
• Three weeks of annual vacation.
• Health and personal leave.
• 13 paid holidays, including an end-of-year winter break from December 25 through January 1.
• Two additional floating holidays to accommodate different faiths, traditions, and personal observances.

Cornell also provides extensive educational benefits, including tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Programs, financial assistance for external education, and the Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance Program.

Employment decisions are based on merit, and the university maintains affirmative action commitments for qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, in accordance with applicable federal laws.

The final hiring rate will depend on the candidate’s relevant professional experience, educational background, applicable skills, and academic discipline.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their resume and cover letter through Cornell University’s online recruitment portal.

Applicants can upload their documents by dragging and dropping files into the designated application area or selecting the upload option. Additional application guidance is available through Cornell’s How We Hire resources.

Current Cornell employees should access internal vacancies through Workday using their university Net ID and password.