Finance Specialist II - Financial Planning & Analysis

The Cornell University campus is widely admired as one of the world's most beautiful academic settings. The Division of Facilities and Campus Services (FCS) is committed to providing the highest quality service to faculty, students, staff, alumni, and visitors. With more than 260 major buildings enhancing the magnificent landscape of the Ithaca campus, approximately 1,000 highly talented and dedicated staff serve as stewards of the campus resources and operations.

All employees are accountable for supporting the organization's values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity, in addition to supporting inclusive and sustainable practices in carrying out everyday responsibilities.

Under the direction of the Finance Manager, this position provides financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analysis support for units within the Facilities Management (FM) department. The position serves as a financial resource and business partner for Building Care, Grounds, the R5 Waste & Recycling Program, FM Administration, and Operations, Logistics & Support Services. These operations have multiple funding sources and complex cost recovery methodologies.

The Finance Specialist II works closely with unit directors and managers to develop budgets, prepare monthly forecasts, and deliver quarterly and annual financial reporting. The position serves as the primary financial point of contact for assigned units, providing expertise, guidance, and insight to support effective financial management and operational decision-making.

Responsibilities include ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial information and adherence to University policies and procedures; developing detailed operating budgets; preparing billing rates and internal cost recovery models; and monitoring financial performance through variance analysis, trend analysis, and management reporting. The position also prepares monthly headcount reports and provides financial information to support workforce planning and operational decisions.

The Finance Specialist II collaborates with Finance team members to develop presentations, reports, and analyses that support executive decision-making and strategic planning. The position supports audits, interprets University financial policies and procedures, and provides guidance to departments on financial processes and best practices.

The position develops financial models and tools to support long-range forecasting, scenario planning, reporting improvements, and operational metrics. The position identifies opportunities to streamline financial processes, improve reporting capabilities, and increase automation to enhance service delivery.

The Finance Specialist II develops and maintains effective working relationships with partners across Cornell University, including the Division of Financial Services, the Division of Planning and Budget, and the Shared Services Center (SSC), as well as other departments and stakeholders.

Ours is a values-based organization where all employees are accountable for supporting the organization's values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity. Employees are required to attend staff development trainings and participate in the performance evaluation process.

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.

This is an Endowed position with a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically work on-site two days per week and remotely three days per week. This is subject to change based on University and departmental needs.

We are a value-based organization where all employees are accountable for supporting the organization's values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity. Facilities and Campus Services employees are required to attend staff development trainings and participate in the performance evaluation process.

We require these qualifications:

* Minimum of an associate's degree with 2 years relevant work experience or bachelor's degree or combination of education and work experience.

* Ability to develop complex financial models, perform appropriate data analysis, budget and forecasting, and general ledger reconciliations.

* Strong interpersonal, communication skills, organization skills, and the ability to work in a team environment are required.

* Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members

You will be a top candidate with our preferred qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business or related field strongly preferred in addition to…