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Gift Accountant (Financial Specialist) at Cornell University

As part of a team of accounting and financial professionals operating in a fast-paced environment, the Gift Accountant is the primary contact between the Division of Financial Affairs (DFA), Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) and campus units including Weill Cornell Medicine and Jacobs Institute regarding contributions and gift account attributes, the gift reconciliation, and post transaction review of contributions posted to the general ledger.   

This position is primarily responsible for the accurate and timely recording of contributions including pledges and outside trusts. 

Additional responsibilities include: calculating the fair value of pledges and outside trusts, determining and documenting the appropriate discount rates, preparing financial statement footnotes and adjusting journal entries, providing detailed explanations of variances, and writing position papers on appropriate accounting treatment for gifts.  In order to successfully complete the responsibilities of this position, it is essential to accurately analyze donor documentation and donor intent.  This position will serve as the subject matter expert for campus units on policy, process and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) related to contributions, restriction classifications and gift account attributes. 

Apply advanced Microsoft Access, Excel, query writing skills and time value of money concepts to analyze data, process entries, and provide guidance. Demonstrate exceptional written and verbal communication skills to manage across functions at various levels. 

All DFA employees are accountable for supporting the organization’s values of collegiality, integrity, initiative, excellence, civility, and stewardship; and supporting inclusive and sustainable practices in carrying out everyday responsibilities. Employees are required to attend staff development training.  Employees will participate in performance evaluations including dialogues, 360 degree surveys, assessments, etc.

Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field, with at least three to five years’ of accounting or finance experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

  • Fundamental accounting experience including working knowledge of GAAP. 
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel/Access. Experience with data query tools is essential.
  • Strong analytic, written/oral communication, and interpersonal skills. 
  • Ability to use sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making in accomplishing tasks. Demonstrated experience effectively working independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Experience building and maintaining effective working relationships. Experience developing and delivering presentations and training.
  • Ability to be adaptable and flexible while responding to deadlines on assignments and workflow fluctuations.  Ability to take initiative and set priorities to manage multiple, competing demands. 
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality related to sensitive donor documentation. 

Preferred:

  • Familiar with Kuali Financial System, data query tools used by Cornell (Brio, OBIEE) and experience working for not-for-profit or charitable organizations.
  • CPA or actively pursuing CPA helpful.

When applying through our system, please remember to attach your application materials (Resume/Cover Letter/CV) in either Microsoft Word or PDF format.  In the Experience section of your application, use the ‘Drop Files Here’ box to manually drag document(s) into your application. For a more detailed description and instructions on how to apply online please go to the following website as an external candidate https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/how-we-hire or go to the CUWebLogin if you are an internal candidate. Please note:  Cornell Employees must apply through the Internal Cornell Career site.

No Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

No relocation assistance is available for this position.

University Job Title: Finance Specialist III

Level: F

Pay Rate Type: Salary

Company: Endowed

Contact Name:Brenda Joly

Number of Openings:1 

Current Employees:
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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 https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/how-we-hire .

Employment Assistance:
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 University's Office of Workforce Policy and Labor Relations at voice (607) 254-7232, fax (607) 255-0298, or email at equalopportunity@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

Notice to Applicants:
Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by going to https://hr.cornell.edu/important-notice-applicants. 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:
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

2018-01-11-08:00 Posted on IMA 2018-02-18

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