Accounts Rep IV - Dept. of Molecular Biology & Genetics (CAS)

Accounts Rep IV

The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG), a very large, diverse and active research and teaching department that encompasses both statuary and endowed components, shares a leading role in research and teaching in modern biology at Cornell University. We have an administrative team of ten (10) staff supporting 36 faculty, 65 laboratory and teaching support staff, and 200 graduate students of the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Agriculture and Life Sciences. On average, the department manages a total of $24.3 million in annual expenditures with approximately $12.5 million related to sponsored projects.

The Account Rep IV will enjoy working in a complex and fast-paced environment to support accounting functions of MBG. This position also works closely with two full-time student services personnel to support the appointments and funding for approximately 200 graduate students and more than 110 field faculty spanning more than 20 departments and 5 colleges.

Under the supervision of the Department Accounting Manager and as a member of the finance team that supports MBG, the ideal candidate will:

• Make appropriate judgments about financial activities in a manner that aligns with department and university policies on accounts management, grants and contracts management, sponsored project accountability, college reporting, and accountability for funds management;
• Maintain a case load of department and PI accounts;
• Work directly with Principal Investigators (PIs) and their lab personnel to order supplies and services, provide regular account balances, projections and post-award reconciliation, and process travel reimbursements in the university travel system;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with University Business Service Units, University central offices (e.g. Sponsored Program Services, payroll, purchasing), and the faculty, staff and students of Molecular Biology and Genetics.
• Stay updated on changes in university policies and procedures as they relate to financial processes and research administration.
• Support the financial aspects of the 3 graduate programs within MBG:
  • Request and review funding to support all graduate students;
  • Conduct the TA application and work closely with the faculty member assigning TA appointments.
  • Create appointments in Salesforce for all GRAs, TAs, and work with the Graduate School on fellowship appointments;
  • Request college waivers for tuition as necessary;
  • Stay apprised of all Graduate School and college policies regarding student appointments and funding;
  • Review and reconcile the accounts that support our graduate programs;
  • Work with Sr. Administrative Manager on graduate funding model.

Important note: All responsibilities of this position are performed for both Endowed and Contract College faculty and departmental financial activity.

Although it is not expected that candidates will currently possess knowledge of policies and best practices for both colleges, eventual full knowledge of both entities will be necessary.

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:

• Associates Degree and 2-4 years' relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must understand, or have ability to learn, how to accurately apply account numbers, object codes, rules to transactions and understand impact on financial statements.
• High level of proficiency with MS Excel, MS Word and other basic computer applications.
• Familiarity with sponsored programs, policies, and procedures.
• Must have excellent customer service skills and demonstrated ability to communicate and work with a broad range of people.
• Attention to detail, organizational skills and prioritization skills are required.
• Able to work quickly and effectively under pressure; use judgment in accomplishing tasks that are urgent or of a sensitive or confidential nature; balance conflicting priorities; and make decisions from a range of choices.
• Demonstrate ownership/accountability in all work responsibilities.
• Must be comfortable working in an environment where change in process/procedures is the norm.
• Must be able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team
• Must be willing to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities as needed.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Cornell policies and procedures in accounting preferred (sponsored project, travel, purchasing, etc)
• Concentrated experience in a financial office setting.
• Cornell University Research Administration Training Certification.
• Expertise in Excel, KFS, Workday, OBIEE dashboards, Concur, and Salesforce.

Applications will be accepted through Thursday, August 27th. Your complete application will include BOTH cover letter and resume. We have found it most helpful to save as one document prior to attaching.

No visa sponsorship is provided for this position.

Job Family: Fin/Budget/Planning

Level: D

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

Pay Range: $26.08 - $30.31

Remote Option Availability: Onsite

Company: Endowed

Contact Name: Melissa Oliver

Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io