Finance Assistant

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County (CCEDC) Finance Assistant works under the supervision of the Finance Manager to implement and coordinate the financial and business functions of the Accounting and Bookkeeping for the Association. Assists in the coordination, monitoring of the daily financial and business functions of the accounting and grant tracking process for association accounts. Construct financial statements and reports as needed. Track, monitor, and verify all accounts assigned. Ensures that the file system for the finance department and association is maintained and organized. Provides administrative duties for the Association as necessary. This is a fully in-person position working 0.6 FTE, or 24 hours per week.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and experience relative to the role of the position;
• Understanding and skill to implement a computerized accounting system;
• Commitment to learning Cornell-specific accounting software (currently Acumatica);
• Ability to read and interpret financial statements and records;
• Ability to create and utilize spreadsheets, operate calculators, and maintain an orderly set of files;
• Ability to communicate financial record needs to others;
• Ability to work as a team member;
• Ability to identify problems and suggest solutions;
• Ability to organize and manage diverse workload focusing on identified priorities;
• Ability to work cooperatively, establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the Association in order to accomplish planned Association objectives;
• Must demonstrate a high degree of accuracy, integrity, sound professional judgment, tact, and maturity to effectively relate to people in order to accomplish Association’s financial goals;
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position;
• Ability to meet acceptable background check standards;
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate;
• Ability to work onsite three days a week.
• Understanding of basic administrative functions of an office workplace.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree and three to four years of experience in accounting, finance or related area;
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related area;
• Experience with non-profit, accrual basis of accounting is desirable.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office; specifically, Excel.
• Willingness to learn new skills and information.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Administrative Responsibilities:

Management - 5%

• May assist with monitoring and recording State and Federal appropriations received through Cornell University and make necessary adjustments to salary distributions.
• Manage duties and prioritize in order to meet deadlines.
• Assist with input and guidance in development of Association financial guidelines, procedures and strategies that adhere to all applicable laws, regulations and CCE guidelines for compliance, utilizing the Finance Manager and Executive Director for high-level guidance and recommendations.
• May assist with management and monitoring of budgets, expenditures, revenues, etc. following adherence to various internal and external regulations, e.g. GAAP regulations and Cornell Accounting Procedures.

Coordination/Operation - 90%

• Serve as initial “Point of Contact” for local Association staff finance questions;
• Process vouchers for payments insuring that all charges to accounts are accurate;
• Assist in preparing invoices and required billing documents for funds owed to the association for supplies, services, and grants programs;
• Assist in the preparation of accurate and timely monthly financial statements that reflect the financial position of the association.
• Record cash receipt deposits and PayPal, Stripe, Donor Perfect, etc. account revenue.
• Responsible for accurate/timely posting of all financial transactions to appropriate computerized ledgers (accounts receivable, accounts payable and general journal);
• Maintain physical inventory of all CCE Dutchess supplies, equipment, and vehicles.
• Assist in preparing and maintaining specific monthly financial subsidiary schedules (assets schedule);
• Assist in the submission of fiscal year-end financial reports and subsidiary ledgers to Cornell University Extension Administration.
• May attend and participate in Finance Committee meetings if Finance Manager is unavailable.
• Work with auditors and assist Association in coordination and follow-up for accounts payable
• Help maintain a strong connection to, and be an active participant with, the Shared Business Network (SBN) Lead Finance Manager to meet SBN obligations.
• Take initiative to keep Supervisor and Executive Director appraising all issues and/or concerns relating to areas of responsibility.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all financial and payroll records at all times.
• Work cooperatively with HR (local and SBN) and staff that have responsibilities for human resources transactions (e.g. payroll).

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 in programming and association priorities.
• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Extension programs and other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety - Applied to all duties and functions.

• Support the association to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar 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.

• Maintain professional and respectful interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to various audiences.
• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Dutchess County policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.

This is a part time, 24 hours per week, non-exempt, benefits eligible position. Compensation paid at the rate of $25.00 per hour. Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:

• Vacation, Sick and Personal time
• Paid Holidays
• NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)
• NYS Retirement
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity
• Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
• Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance
• Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance
• Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
• Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance
• Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program

Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:

How To Apply : Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Current employees of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: For details on how to apply, visit:

All applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, resume and indicate three individuals who may be contacted as a reference. Please consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know. Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting.

All applications must be received on-line by May 18, 2026. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. For additional questions or if you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact Leah Cadwallader, Regional Human Resources Manager, e-mail [email protected] or (845) 340-3990x314.

Job Title:

Association Accounts Rep II

Level:

006

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Leah Cadwallader

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 . 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.