About BTI

Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) is a nonprofit plant research institute dedicated to advancing scientific discovery to address global challenges in agriculture and food security. BTI operates in a complex financial environment supported by sponsored research, federal and private grants, and restricted funding.

Position Summary

BTI is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee the organization’s day-to-day financial operations and ensure strong fiscal management, compliance, and reporting.

Working in a small, collaborative finance team, the Controller will lead and participate in a broad range of accounting and financial activities and will interact regularly with the Board of Directors, core management team, auditors, banks, external investment managers, and professional service providers.

This is a full-time, on-site position.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Operations, Reporting & Analysis

• Provide monthly financial reporting and analysis to Institute management
• Guide financial decision-making through in-depth quantitative and qualitative analysis of Institute operations
• Prepare cash forecasts and actively manage cash flows and liquidity
• Oversee endowment investment accounting and analysis in coordination with external investment managers

Budgeting, Cost Accounting & Research Support

• Lead the coordination and preparation of the annual Institute budget
• Review and prepare data for the Annual Indirect Cost (IDC) Rate Calculation and support IDC rate negotiations
• Support sponsored research accounting, billing, and compliance in collaboration with research administration

Compliance, Audit & Risk Management

• Coordinate preparation for the A-133 (Single Audit) as well as related tax filings
• Coordinate the Institute’s annual business insurance programs
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations and funder requirements

Governance, Systems & Leadership

• Support Board reporting and respond to audit and finance-related inquiries
• Lead, mentor, and develop finance staff, leveraging team strengths and implementing training to support individual and institutional goals
• Support financial systems upgrades, documentation, and process improvements
• Perform other duties as assigned

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package (includes PTO, medical, dental, and vision insurances, and retirement plan)

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 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.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• CPA required
• 5–10 years of relevant experience in accounting or financial management
• Demonstrated strength in management and cost accounting
• Experience in nonprofit, research, or higher education environments strongly preferred
• Proven experience with audits, budgeting, and financial reporting