Director of Finance-Boyce Thompson Institute

OUR ORGANIZATION

Working from a sincere interest in issues of social justice, William Boyce Thompson founded the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) in 1924, believing that basic plant research could lead to real societal benefit. Over the almost 100 years since its founding, BTI has evolved to become a premier life sciences research institution, with scientists conducting investigations into fundamental plant and life sciences research with the goals of increasing food security, improving environmental sustainability in agriculture and making basic discoveries that will enhance human health. BTI, located in Ithaca, New York on the Cornell University campus, employs 150 staff, with scientists from over 40 countries around the world, and has twice been named as one of the Best Companies in New York State

 

Summary

The Director of Finance is responsible for providing strong leadership and oversight for all financial policies, procedures, controls, and reporting systems.  This position ensures compliance with financial regulatory agencies.  The Director of Finance oversees all aspects of the finance department, including treasury and cash management, procurement, accounts payables/receivables, and institute risk management and assists in the strategic vision for support services provided by the finance department.  This position works with the Chief Operations Officer to develop strategic and long-term financial goals and strategy.   In close collaboration with leaders of various other departments, including the Research Administrative Office, Facilities, Development, Translational Science, and the Director for Research, the Director of Finance is responsible for development, implementation, and enforcement of institutional policies to safeguard the institute’s assets, manage risk and satisfy single audit and sponsor requirements. Additionally, this position will foster collaborative relationships with our partners at Cornell.  The institute has a diverse portfolio which includes funds from federal sponsors, private donors, local government, and corporate entities, all with varying levels of restrictions.  The Director of Finance must have a wide breadth of knowledge of Uniform Guidance, Not-for-Profit Accounting and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Standards. The Director of Finance must be a proven team-builder.

                                                   

Essential Job Functions

·       Coordinates the preparation for the A-133 and 403(b) audits

·       Helps guide financial decisions by performing and presenting in-depth quantitative and qualitative analysis of business departments

·       Oversees the Institute endowment investment accounting and analysis

·       Provides monthly financial reporting to institute management

·       Compiles the Institute’s Annual Indirect Cost Calculation data for compilation of the IDC Rate Agreement

·       Oversees the monthly general ledger closing process

·       Leads the coordination and preparation of the annual Institute budget

·       Manages treasury and cash flow

·       Administers the annual business insurance programs

·       Safeguards assets by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing internal controls and segregation of duties

·       Participates in the meetings of the Investment and Finance and Audit Committees of the Board of Directors

·       Leverages strengths of the current financial team members and assists VP of Finance to clarify roles and responsibilities and develop and implement training programs in order to maximize individual and Institutional goals

·       Other duties and special projects as assigned.

 

Education and Certification

Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent experience, required.  MBA or CPA preferred.

 

Experience and Knowledge

Five or more years of experience in managing an accounting function in a medium-sized company.  Proven success in a supervisor or management role, and an ability to manage deadlines and function under pressure.  Strong analytical skills.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervisory duties of Accounts Payable/Receivables, Financial Coordinator, and Procurement department.

 

Communication Skills

Effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills required. Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.  Presentation skills are necessary for the success of this position.

 

Computer Skills

The position requires proficiency in business applications and financial software. 

 

Travel

Minimal travel to conferences and events.

 

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The work is conducted in an office setting. The work is sedentary with extended periods of sitting. Some walking, standing, bending, and carrying or lifting small items. Generally, no adverse environmental conditions are present.

 

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The work is physical in nature. Regular physical exertion is required such as climbing, crouching, crawling, and/or lifting. Ability to lift up to 100 pounds. May be required to push/pull items in excess of 100 pounds. Regular exposure to or use of chemicals, heavy machinery, or other equipment/materials requiring use of personnel protective equipment and safety precautions.

 

To prevent the infection and spread of COVID-19, and as an integral part of its public health and safety measures, BTI requires that all successful applicants shall be required to show proof of full vaccination by an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine before beginning employment, unless an exemption from this policy has been granted as an accommodation or otherwise. Applicants believing, they need an accommodation of this policy because of a disability, sincerely-held religious belief, or otherwise should inform Human Resources after an offer of employment is extended; please do not include any medical, genetic, or religious information on your application materials.



The Boyce Thompson Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type in regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 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 send a request for assistance to btihr@cornell.edu. BTI prides itself on family-friendly policies and is committed to helping its staff achieve career success with an appropriate work-life balance.

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Email: BTIHR@cornell.edu