Temporary Finance Assistant
Temporary Travel and Financial Reporting Representative
Nonexempt
Lab of Ornithology
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
Ithaca, New York
Who We Are
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: natural and human systems; food, energy, and environmental resources; and social, physical, and economic well-being.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a renowned nonprofit, member-supported institution dedicated to advancing the understanding and protection of birds, wildlife, and our shared planet through research, education, citizen science, and conservation. We join with people from all backgrounds and abilities to make new scientific discoveries, share insights, and foster conservation action. Our collaborative relationship with the broader Cornell community allows us to tackle the big challenges for science and society, and to translate cutting-edge science, technology and storytelling into real-world impact. Our online resources allow millions of people around the globe to deepen their connection with the natural world.
What You Will Do
As the Travel and Financial Reporting Representative, you will work closely with the Finance Specialist to provide financial support to faculty, staff, and students. You will process and monitor a wide range of travel and financial transactions. Responsibilities include:
Review expense reports; ensure proper documentation is included and expenses are in compliance with Lab, Shared Service Center, and University policies.
Serve as the Lab’s main point of contact to the Shared Services Center at central Cornell University.
Review reimbursements for funding limits and contact program if additional funding needed.
Monitor monthly donation box and membership cash account, process edoc and coordinate pick-up.
Prepare documentation requests for payment processing.
Work with the Financial Specialist to process gift payments from Lab supporters.
Initiate Travel Award and Travel Stipend payments.
What We Need
We are looking for a talented individual who excels at building and maintaining effective relationships with different stakeholders, has proven finance-related skills and experience, and is enthusiastic about supporting the Lab of O. Specifically, we need someone who has the following:
High school diploma and 2+ years of experience in accounting, finance, or travel management, or equivalent combination of education.
Ability to work in a complex, high-demand environment with experience prioritizing multiple deliverables.
Ability to maintain detailed documentation in a shared, cloud-based environment.
Must have excellent customer service skills and communication skills (written/verbal) with a broad range of people to build and maintain effective working relationships.
Accuracy, attention to detail, analytical, time management, problem-solving, and organizational skills are critical.
Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a fast-paced, customer-oriented, team-based work environment.
Must be able to effectively organize, plan, and prioritize multiple competing work activities under pressure.
Exercise sound judgment and decision-making in accomplishing a high volume of transactions and communications that are urgent or of a sensitive or confidential nature.
Ability to take direction from more than one individual.
An overall positive attitude and demonstrated professionalism always are essential.
Must be comfortable working in an environment where change in process/procedures is the norm.
Experience with standard office productivity tools (Microsoft Office suite – Excel, Word, etc.).
Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging and wellbeing.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable 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 preferred with 4 + years of concentrated experience in a financial office setting.
Strong working knowledge of Cornell contract accounting policies and practices; grant and contract management; financial policies and procedures.
Proficient in use of Cornell administrative and financial computer applications such as Concur, OBIEE Dashboards, Kuali Financial System, and Workday.
Expertise in Excel.
Prior work experience at Cornell University or other higher education environment.
This is a temporary, full-time position at 39 hours per week and will be located in Ithaca, New York. This is a six-month term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance.
This position is eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, with hybrid preferred. Employees typically perform this role remotely two days per week within New York State and on-site three days per week in Ithaca, New York. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke, or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.
We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, and sustainability initiatives.
Compensation is $28.19/hour.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Life. Changing.
No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
How to Apply
You must submit both a resume/CV and a cover letter.
When applying through our system, please attach your application materials (resume/CV and cover letter). You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website. If you are an internal employee, please log in to Workday.
University Job Title:
Temporary Financial Assistant
Job Family:
Temporary Finance/Budget/Planning
Level:
No Grade - Hourly
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Pay Range:
Refer to Posting Language
Remote Option Availability:
Hybrid
Company:
Contact Name:
Janet Camilli
Contact Email:
jer278@cornell.edu
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Non-Union Positions
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
Prior relevant work or industry experience
Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
Unique applicable skills
Academic Discipline
To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.
Union Positions
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.
Current Employees:
If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.
Online Submission Guidelines:
Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.
Employment Assistance:
For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.
If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.
Notice to Applicants:
Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
EEO Statement:
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
2025-11-13