Travel & Financial Reporting Representative

About the Department

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is the world's leading resource for conservation, research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. As a vibrant and mission-driven unit within Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), the Lab brings together experts, educators, researchers, and innovators who are advancing knowledge and conservation efforts around the globe. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, professional growth is encouraged, and employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day.

The Opportunity

Are you someone who thrives on helping others, enjoys solving problems, and has an eye for financial detail? The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is seeking a Travel & Financial Reporting Representative to become the go-to resource for travel reimbursements, expense reporting, and revenue processing.

This role is ideal for a customer-focused professional who enjoys balancing finance, operations, and relationship-building. You will collaborate with travelers, faculty, staff, and administrative partners to ensure travel and financial transactions are processed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with university policies. You'll join a team with deep institutional knowledge while bringing fresh ideas that improve processes, increase efficiency, and enhance service delivery.

If you're looking for a position where you can make an immediate impact, build valuable financial operations expertise, and contribute to a mission-driven organization, we'd love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as the primary contact for travel reimbursements, expense reporting, and related financial transactions.

• Support travelers through the reimbursement and approval process while providing exceptional customer service.

• Review and process gifts, donations, and other financial revenue transactions in accordance with university policies and procedures.

• Coordinate with the Shared Services Center and other campus partners to resolve transaction issues and ensure timely processing.

• Manage physical check deposits and other on-campus financial activities.

• Track and report key travel and expense data, identifying trends, issues, and opportunities for improvement.

• Maintain records and documentation supporting financial compliance and reporting requirements.

• Participate in weekly team meetings, providing updates on travel and expense activity, process challenges, and operational improvements.

• Develop and maintain documentation, training materials, and standard operating procedures that support continuity and knowledge sharing.

• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve efficiencies, and leverage new tools and technologies, including AI-enabled solutions.

• Build strong relationships across the Lab, becoming a trusted resource for travel and financial operations support.

What We Need

• High school diploma and 2 to 4 years of experience in accounting, finance, or travel management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience required. 

• 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.

• Enjoy identifying pain points or inefficient processes and proposing creative, alternative solutions

• 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.

It Would Be a Bonus if You Have Any of the Following

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred with 4 + years of concentrated experience in a financial office setting.

• Strong working knowledge of Cornell accounting policies and practices; PCI compliance; 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.

Important Notes About Applying

• A resume and cover letter outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration. 

• This position is based in Ithaca, NY and is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 1 day per week and on-campus 4 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position. 

Rewards and Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.

• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell

• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell

• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

University Job Title:

Accounts Rep IV

Job Family:

Fin/Budget/Planning

Level:

D

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

$26.08 - $30.31

Remote Option Availability:

Hybrid

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Shallena Cunningham

Contact Email:

[email protected]

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.

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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.

2026-11-12