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.
Success in this role requires clear, approachable communication with executive directors, staff, and board members, many of whom have limited financial and accounting expertise, and a "no job too big or too small" mindset. The Lead Finance Manager must be comfortable performing routine accounting functions, providing training and presentations, and problem-solving complex financial challenges.
The Lead Finance Manager collaborates closely with Cornell Cooperative Extension Administration and other statewide Finance Leads to maintain shared financial software applications, policies, procedures, and consistent financial practices. This position works as part of a regional Shared Business Network (SBN) team, which also includes an IT Lead and an HR Lead.
We firmly believe in work-life balance and provide generous paid time off. This position is full-time. 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.
This is an onsite position. Remote work is not available.
Application Instructions
Enter your full name, full address, email, and phone number(s) in the My Information section.
Upload a cover letter, resume, and contact details for at least three references (including one current or former supervisor or teacher). In the My Experience section, use the Select Files button to search for files or use the Drop Files Here box to drag documents into your application. If you plan to upload more than one document, please click the Upload icon for each additional document. If you would like to add or update documents to your online application after submission, please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, via e-mail jpm373@cornell.edu.
External applicants (including employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations): see Applying for a Job with Cornell Cooperative Extension External Candidate (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply) for additional guidance.
Internal applicants (current employees of the hiring CCE Association): apply through your Workday account.
Apply By
All applications must be received online by 11:59 pm on July 17, 2026. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.
Required 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.
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.
Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to train others, present financial information to executive directors and board members, and work effectively in decentralized, sometimes ambiguous environments while upholding required standards and consistency.
Ability to meet regular travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver's license and ability to drive and driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage are required.
Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.
Work Environment: In addition to the Working Conditions; the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. This position works in a typical office environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Financial management experience in a government, non-profit, or public sector setting.
Experience with accrual basis of accounting.
Experience with managing and preparing for audits.
Experience managing budgets with diverse income streams.
Experience with Acumatica.
Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions
Administrative Responsibilities:
Direction and Management - 65%
Collaborate with Cornell Cooperative Extension Administration and finance leads to develop, implement, and communicate statewide financial policies, procedures, and best practices, while supporting the effective utilization of financial and accounting software applications.
Work closely with executive directors and finance staff by providing education, guidance and support on all finance and accounting functions (budgeting, forecasting, reporting, internal controls, grants, compliance, efficiencies, and audit/year-end processes, etc.,).
Help ensure compliance with regulations and CCE requirements (e.g. GAAP regulations and CCE accounting procedures).
Monitor trends, identify issues. Communicate issues to and work closely with executive directors and local finance staff to provide support in resolving issues.
Answer questions and help people understand budget and financial processes.
Provide regional leadership in the support of finance systems; help ensure accuracy and compliance with financial systems.
Provide direct financial management for one CCE Association. Serve as an advisor to the executive director, answer questions, present financial statements at board and committee meetings. Plan, manage, and oversee budgets, accounting functions, and grant and contract financials.
Help ensure appropriate oversight of financial records at all times.
Coordination and Operation - 30%
Provide training (one-on-one and in group settings) on finance topics and financial systems.
Perform regional payroll entries and payroll costing allocations to ensure accurate processing.
Directly perform accounting functions for one CCE Association including, but not limited to: accounts payable/receivable functions, staff reimbursements, fixed assets, reconcile bank statements, journal entries, cost allocations, prepare accurate, timely reports and financial statements (e.g. monthly closing, board reports, grant and contract reports, etc.), ensure timely processing and payment of all invoices for payout, monitor funding streams and appropriations received through Cornell University.
Serve as a regional finance staff floater to maintain operations during vacancies and other staffing transitions.
Attend regional and statewide calls, meetings, trainings, and conferences.
Perform other administrative and accounting functions as assigned.
Complete and submit all required data, reports, records, and documentation on time.
Professional Improvement - 5%
In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means 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.
Policy - Applied to all duties and functions
Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Albany 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 providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws .
Position Details
This is a full-time, exempt position. This is an onsite position. Remote work is not available. Compensation paid at the rate of $85,000 annually. Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:
Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, and holiday pay)
NYS Health Insurance Program
NYSHIP Dental Insurance
NYS Retirement (NYSERS)
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Total Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity Plan
Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance
Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
Voluntary Auto and Homeowner's Insurance
Voluntary Pet Insurance
Voluntary New York's College Savings Program
No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.
For additional questions please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, e-mail jpm373@cornell.edu or phone (518) 765-3503.
http://albany.cce.cornell.edu/
Job Title:
Association Lead Finance Manager
Level:
002
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Jim McNaughton
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.
Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs) . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
