Lead Finance Manager

About the role

The Lead Finance Manager provides regional financial leadership and support to eight Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Associations in the Capital Region through hands-on accounting support, financial and accounting guidance training, and payroll functions. This role strengthens budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, grant management, and audit and year-end processes. The position also provides interim finance support during vacancies and other staffing transitions. The Lead Finance Manager also provides direct financial management services for one assigned CCE Association.

Responsibilities

• Strengthens budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, grant management, and audit and year-end processes.
• Provides interim finance support during vacancies and other staffing transitions.
• Provides direct financial management services for one assigned CCE Association.
• Communicates clearly and approachably with executive directors, staff, and board members, many of whom have limited financial and accounting expertise.
• Works with Cornell Cooperative Extension Administration and other statewide Finance Leads to maintain shared financial software applications, policies, procedures, and consistent financial practices.
• Collaborates closely with the IT Lead and HR Lead as part of the regional Shared Business Network (SBN) team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field.
• An associate’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field plus two years related experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience relevant to the role of the position.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, etc.) and skills (budgets, audits, etc.).
• Proficient in financial software (e.g., ERP systems - Acumatica, QuickBooks, Excel, etc.) and MS Office Suite.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related field.
• An associate’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field plus two years related experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience relevant to the role of the position.

Skills

• Clear, approachable communication skills.
• Problem-solving complex financial challenges.
• Comfortable performing routine accounting functions.
• Providing training and presentations.
• Collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension Administration and other statewide Finance Leads.
• Knowledge of accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, etc.) and skills (budgets, audits, etc.).
• Proficiency in financial software (e.g., ERP systems - Acumatica, QuickBooks, Excel, etc.) and MS Office Suite.

Benefits

• Compensation is paid at the rate of $85,000 annually and includes 21 vacation days, 14 holidays, 3 personal days and 12 sick days annually.
• Mileage for work related travel is reimbursed.
• Excellent benefits package includes health insurance, dental insurance, NYS Retirement (NYSERS), and much more.

Pay

• $85,000 annually.

Schedule

• Onsite position.
• No remote work available.