Grants and Contract Specialist (Cornell Cooperative Extension); Ithaca, New York

Grants and Contract Specialist

Accounts Representative V

Band E - Nonexempt
Cornell Cooperative Extension
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Ithaca, New York

Who We Are

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world's complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides the educational outreach functions for Cornell University's role as New York State's Land Grant University. Programmatically, Cornell Cooperative Extension connects the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Human Ecology (CHE) with 54 off-campus Associations, Northeastern Integrated Pest Management (NE-IPM), New York State Sea Grant, Area Ag Specialists, Harvest New York, and CCE New York City.

The Finance Team within Cornell Cooperative Extension works in a complex system of University-related functions and statutory oversight of Off-Campus Extension Associations. Together, the system includes over 1,500 employees. The Finance Team comprises approximately six staff and oversees finance activity within Extension Administration, Area Ag Teams, and off-campus Extension Associations.

What You Will Do

You will provide financial management support for Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Area Ag Program Teams. Additionally, you will advise and assist Principal Investigators/Project Directors with submitting revised budgets, extension requests, issuing subcontracts, and independent contractor agreements. Other duties include:

• Providing monthly ad-hoc transactions or budgets to actual reports to Principal Investigators.
• Monitoring sponsored/non-sponsored project accounts for accuracy and irregularities.
• Collaborating with colleagues to develop, implement, and maintain effective operating procedures.
• Monitoring sponsored accounts, transactions, and subcontracts for compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Facilitating independent contractor process; reviewing independent contractor and subcontractor invoices.
• Providing pre- and post-award grant and contract administration support.
• Ensuring compliance with sponsor, College and University policies and procedures for all grant and contract funding.
• Preparing cost-sharing reports.

What We Need

We are looking for a talented individual that excels at building and maintaining effective relationships with diverse stakeholders. We need someone who can provide guidance and advice in support of management for grant and contract operations. Additionally, we need someone who has the following:

• Associate's degree and 4+ years within accounting, finance, and/or working with grants and contracts or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of federal/state regulations governing accountability and expenditures.
• Ability to adhere to policies and procedures.
• Excellent computer skills utilizing Windows-based Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Must be detail-oriented with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to compile, analyze, problem-solve, and report on complex data.
• Experience that demonstrates creativity, reasoning, and solution-finding techniques.
• Excellent customer service skills and demonstrated ability to communicate with a broad range of people.
• Must be able to successfully complete and maintain certification in Cornell's Accounting Certification Program within six months of start date.
• Experience in handling confidential information with utmost discretion and integrity.
• Must be able to work independently while assisting the efforts of an overall team, while fostering a respectful work environment.
• Knowledge of balancing conflicting priorities, making informed choices, and using sound judgment in completing urgent tasks.
• Must be able to adapt to changes in procedures and processes.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business Administration.
• Experience managing and interpreting business policies.
• Ability to learn Cornell University accounting systems as well as financial policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of federal/state regulations governing accountability and expenditures.
• Ability to become familiar with the Office of Sponsored Projects Portal, Kuali Financial System (KFS), I Want Docs (IWD), Research Administration Support System (RASS), and E-Shop.
• Demonstrated proficiency in reporting and extracting information from a data warehouse system.
• Previous experience developing web resources and presentations.

This position is full-time (39 hours/week) and will be located in Ithaca, New York. There is the opportunity to work remotely within New York State two days a week; an on-site presence in Ithaca is required three days a week.

Rewards and Benefits

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, and sustainability initiatives.

• You can also view additional information regarding job competencies and staff skills for success.
• Cornell has a comprehensive total rewards program that offers several benefits options to meet your needs. More information on our wonderful programs can be found at https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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