The SBN Finance Lead provides high level leadership and guidance of the financial operations for the North/Central/Nassau Shared Business Network and assigned finance contract services to Associations and SBNs across New York State. The position develops and maintains effective working relationships among SBN staff, including Finance Staff and Executive Directors and is responsible for delivering services under the North/Central/Nassau SBN scope of services agreement and any agreements with other SBNs, Associations or Extension Administration. The SBN Finance Lead exercises professional judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in oversight of the financial operations. The position will provide short term backstop of local finance needs during vacancies or other times of need. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS: PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING All applicants must apply online by close of day on November 13, 2024 to be considered for this position. All applicants must submit an application online, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references . All External Applicants (including applicants currently employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Associations other than the Association advertising this career opportunity) must submit his/her application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting. All Internal Applicants (current employees working for the Association advertising this career opportunity) must apply online via his/her Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/ . Please contact Jane Pearson, Association HR Coordinator at 315-788-8450 with questions. POSITION DETAILS: This position is a full-time exempt position - 100% FTE. The annual salary for this position is $65,000.00 to $70,000.00 commensurate with experience. This position, based on eligibility, offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include: health and dental insurance, retirement, vacation, sick and personal leave. POSITION INFORMATION: Required Qualifications: + Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business, and experience relevant to the role; or Associate’s Degree in Accounting and at least 4 years’ transferrable program/functional experience. + Experience to include budget preparation and management, accounts receivable/payable tracking, expense/revenue tracking, cash flow tracking, reconciliation, reporting, compliance, and grants/contracts management. + High-level skills in spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel), accounting software, word processing (Microsoft Word), and internet, cloud-based software. Demonstrated ability to perform advanced spreadsheet and database functions including creating, analyzing, reporting and maintaining electronic spreadsheets and databases. + Knowledge of financial operations as well as grant/proposal procedures. Thorough knowledge of, and experience with, accounting policies, practices, procedures and systems. + Ability to work well both in a team setting and independently, and to initiate, organize, and implement established goals, while meeting established milestones. + Judgment, discretion, and confidentiality are critical to this position. + Experience in training or team leadership. + Excellent written and oral communication skills. + Analyze information received + Know your audience + Anticipate outcome + Moderate travel (approximately 25%) will be required throughout New York State. + Ability to clearly communicate (read, write and speak) in English. + Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, Internet and visual channels. + Ability to provide training and training materials using various techniques and technologies. + Ability to transport supplies and equipment with or without accommodation. + Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate. Preferred Qualifications: + Previous work with fund-based accounting and/or non-profit accounting. + Five (5) years of experience in an advanced Finance Management role delivering high-level finance support, services, and finance/system administration. + Knowledge of US GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). + Experience in complex budget preparation and management, accounts receivable/payable tracking, expense/revenue tracking, cash flow tracking, reconciliation, reporting, compliance, grants/contracts management, and financial statement preparation. + Experience working with complex, non-profit organizations. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: Administrative Responsibilities: Direction - 35% + Establish best practice standards for finance functions throughout the SBN and actively contribute to the development of state-wide finance best practices. + Develop training programs to enhance the financial knowledge and expertise at the Association level, including Executive Directors. + Lead the implementation of standardized local and regional financial processes & procedures, including but not limited to; Month-end / Year-end requirements and development of finance staffing back-up plans. + Participate with CCE Administration in the review of finance policy and procedures (FORM Code). + Establish a finance communications plan within the SBN. + In collaboration with the State Extension Finance Specialist, establish a framework for providing SBN-wide finance related training and skills development on an ongoing and regular basis. + Responsible for assessing finance trainings based on needs within the region and local Associations or as directed by CCE Administration to promote consistency throughout the SBNs. + Lead the regional implementation of finance related systems, processes and communications. Management - 30% + Provide leadership in the support of Finance Systems (i.e. Acumatica, FIDO, Invoice System, Business System Launch Pad,) to ensure effective utilization that will result in: data integrity, compliance in finance procedures, interpretation and support for the effective, efficient finance functions, and understanding and consistent implementation of established finance policies, procedures, and best practices. + Ensure finance staff within the region are prepared for meeting regional/statewide deadlines. + Lead and facilitate adherence to regional and state-wide record retention and confidentially standards. + Provide timely advice and consultation to Executive Directors on a broad range of finance issues including budget, forecasts, as well as financial opportunities and risks. + Responsible for the oversight of month-end and year-end financial requirements within the region. + Provide individual coaching and informal performance feedback to Association finance staff. + Work closely with local finance staff to ensure transactions are coded properly and consistently according to US GAAP, FORM Code policies and best practices. + Ensure Association leadership and managers are aware of local, regional and state-wide finance expectations. + Evaluate financial processes for efficiency, consistency, cost savings and conflict of interest compliance. + Communicate finance performance issues within an Association with Executive Director and work closely with Executive Director to resolve any issues. + Work as a team with finance staff within the SBN region to identify and resolve finance related issues and identify and develop solutions that yield increased efficiencies and accounting effectiveness. + Consult regularly with Association leadership to ensure they understand and can integrate finance strategy and processes into their operations. Coordination/Operation - 30% + Serve as initial provider to Association finance staff in routine matters; including FORM Code interpretation and work with CCE Administration to assist in complex matters. + Work closely with local finance staff and Executive Directors for preparation of financial reports, documentation and explanations for Board meetings. + Implement new finance related technologies as requested by CCE Administration, AMG or Cornell University. + Responsible for organizing and implementing finance trainings based on needs within the region and local Associations or as directed by CCE Administration to promote consistency throughout the SBNs. + Conduct trainings with new finance staff and develop skills of local finance staff. + Attend regional and statewide meetings, trainings and conferences. + Provide CCE Administration with reports as requested. + Participate in all CCE Administration/SBN Finance Lead conference calls and other meetings. + Facilitate conversations on implementing regional changes; attend Board meetings when necessary. + Provide coordination of audits and/or compliance reviews as needed. + Support Associations during financial software updates. + Provide direct support to Associations and SBNs with assigned finance contract services agreements. + Temporarily backstop local finance admin duties during unexpected absences as determined by the local Association ED or CCE Administration. Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 5% + In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities. + Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned. Health and Safety - Applied to all duties and functions. + Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment. + Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard. + Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified. EEO/EPO and Policy - Applied to all duties and functions. + Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public. + Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences. + Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Jefferson County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success. + Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner. Equal Opportunity Employment Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Job Title: Association Lead Finance Manager Level: 002 Pay Rate Type: Salary Company: Contract College Contact Name: Jerilynn Cross Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University. Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply. Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs) . 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