Investment Accountant

About Cornell University's Office of University Investments

The Office of University Investments at Cornell University is actively seeking a highly qualified Investment Accountant. This position is based in OUI’s New York City office, operating on a hybrid schedule, which means fully remote work is not available. Please note that no relocation assistance or visa sponsorship is provided for this role.

Cornell’s Office of University Investment (OUI) manages the University’s approximately $12+ billion endowment. Our mission is to support the University by generating superior risk-adjusted returns through a global, multiple-asset class approach. This strategy leverages modern financial theory to minimize portfolio risk by diversifying across asset classes that respond differently to regional and global economic, financial, and political events. The OUI is located in mid-town New York City.

The Investment Office is responsible for implementing policies established by the University Board of Trustees and its Investment Committee. We play a crucial role in supporting the University’s mission to be a top research institution, dedicated to providing accessibility to students. The Chief Investment Officer oversees the Investment Office, supported by a dedicated team of investment professionals.

Purpose And Goals of the Investment Accountant Role

Reporting to the Senior Investment Officer, Operations, the Investment Accountant will be instrumental in the reporting for a diversified portfolio. This portfolio includes public equities, fixed income, hedge funds, and various private partnerships. Your primary goal will be to assist in the compilation, input, and presentation of investment data, ensuring data integrity and compliance with manager due diligence and oversight requirements through adherence to internal controls. You will collaborate closely with the Operations and Investments teams to follow and implement policies and procedures related to database management, report production, and corresponding workflow processes. Additionally, you will assist in coordinating with 3rd party service providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Process cash flows, including calls, distributions, contributions, and redemptions, as directed.
• Update net asset value (NAV) of investments based on reporting information and activity for each period.
• Review custodian’s account values and provide comments to ensure the custodian’s books accurately reflect investment activity and valuation.
• Support the tax team and tax return process by providing necessary information from investments.
• Assist in identifying and implementing best practices in investment operations, with a strong control-oriented focus on reporting, technology, and process/procedure enhancements.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree and at least 2 - 4 years of accounting or financial experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with investment operations.
• Understanding of accounting methods and financial reporting.
• Understanding of diverse investment instruments (equities, fixed income, alternatives, derivatives, private equity).
• Excellent spreadsheet skills.
• Ability to leverage technology across multiple platforms for effective communication of investment information.
• Ability to perform ad hoc reporting and analysis.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Critical thinker and creative problem-solver.
• A team-oriented individual who emphasizes collaboration and fosters effective relationships inside and outside the university.
• Demonstrated aptitude for managing database systems and information delivery.

Rewards And Benefits at Cornell University

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives. Our comprehensive benefits programs include extensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and exclusive employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to explore our full range of benefits at hr.cornell.edu/benefits-pay. To learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell, please visit hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards.

Cornell also offers impressive educational benefits, including tuition-free Extramural Study and the Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and the Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

The Office of University Investments is conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan, centrally positioned near iconic landmarks like Times Square and Bryant Park.

Key skills/competency

• Investment Operations
• Financial Reporting
• Accounting Methods
• Spreadsheet Skills
• Database Management
• Ad Hoc Reporting
• Data Integrity
• Communication Skills
• Problem-Solving
• Due Diligence