Capital Assets Analyst

   

This position is located in Ithaca, New York. The successful candidate will have the option to perform this role remotely at a location of their choosing within the United States.

The New York Convenience of employer guidelines require New York State individual tax reporting and withholdings for this position. Additional individual state income tax filings may also be required if working outside New York State.

Note: No Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

What is the Division of Financial Services and the Capital Assets Department?
Cornell University, unique among peers, is the federal land-grant institution of New York State, a private endowed university, and a member of the Ivy League. The Division of Financial Services (DFS) provides central financial functions in support of the university’s academic mission. The Division of Financial Service’s vision is, "To deliver world-class financial services to the university." 

Capital Assets is responsible for processing capital asset records and maintaining and coordinating updates to and reporting from the capital asset inventory system. More...

Role Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Manager of Cost and Capital Assets, the Capital Assets Analyst will:

• Be responsible for the daily operations of the university’s capital asset function.
• Support financial statement preparation.
• Process capital asset-related entries in the general ledger.
• Maintain the capital asset system module.
• Oversee depreciation calculations.
• Perform detailed data analysis and reconciliations between the capital asset system, the general ledger, and the F&A model to ensure accuracy and compliance. 
• Participate in capital asset system implementations and testing and provides capital asset training and customer service to campus users.
• Manage the physical inventory process and ensure adherence to GAAP and applicable government regulations.
• Prepare required reports, including sponsored property reports.
• Interpret and apply both internal and external compliance requirements, and develop procedures and training materials to support ongoing compliance
• Work closely with internal and external auditors on financial statement audits, Uniform Guidance audits, and other government audits.

As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.    

While position responsibilities vary greatly, the Skills for Success and Leadership Skills for Success are foundational to what is expected of every employee and leader working at Cornell.  These skills are essential for individual and organizational success. Staff Skills for Success; Leadership Skills for Success

What we require:
A knowledgeable, resourceful and team-oriented individual that has:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field with 3 to 5 years’ experience working with capital assets, fixed asset accounting, or financial operations in a complex organization.

Technical Skills

• Understanding of GAAP, capital asset accounting principles, and depreciation methodologies.
• Experience preparing or supporting financial statements and audit processes.
• Proficiency with general ledger systems and capital asset modules.
• Advanced Excel skills, including the ability to manipulate and analyze large datasets, and use pivot table and lookup functionality.
• Ability to understand how capital asset activity impacts financial statements, cost recovery models, and the F&A rate.

Analytical & Problem‑Solving Skills

• Strong analytical abilities with experience performing reconciliations across multiple systems.
• Ability to identify discrepancies, research issues, and recommend solutions.
• Comfort working with complex data structures and translating findings into clear, actionable insights.

Compliance & Audit Readiness

• Knowledge of external and internal compliance requirements, including federal regulations related to sponsored property.
• Ability to develop procedures, documentation, and training to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Experience working with internal and external auditors on financial statement, Uniform Guidance, or government audits.

Operational & Organizational Skills

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Capable of managing the physical inventory process and coordinating with campus partners.

Communication & Collaboration

• Ability to communicate clearly with financial, administrative, and audit stakeholders.
• Strong customer‑service orientation and ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Skill in translating technical accounting concepts into understandable guidance for non‑experts.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. 

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more items that we would prefer you to have, but not required:

• Experience with enterprise financial systems (e.g., Kuali Financial System, Workday, Oracle, SAP) and capital asset modules.
• Familiarity with higher‑education or government accounting environments is a plus
• Familiarity with federal regulations related to sponsored property, including Uniform Guidance.

What we offer:

Great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options to choose from, generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation, 14 university paid holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year’s Day) and superior retirement contributions.

An active and diverse community to work and thrive in, Cornell is situated in picturesque Ithaca, New York, the heart of the Finger Lakes. Ithaca is home to two academic institutions, state parks, waterfalls, gorges, and a wide range of art galleries, theaters, eateries, wineries, and breweries. Ithaca has something to suit all ages and interests!

   

University Job Title:

Finance Specialist III

   

Job Family:

Fin/Budget/Planning

   

Level:

F

   

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

   

Pay Range:

$77,831.00 - $90,453.00

   

Remote Option Availability:

Remote

   

Company:

   

Contact Name:

Susie Jackson

   

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.

Current Employees:

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Online Submission Guidelines:

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.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected].

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 Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected].

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. 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:

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.

2026-07-24