Finance and Accounting Associate

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• End Date if Temporary: 8/23/2026
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Jerome L. Greene Science Center
• Salary Range: 66,000 - 68,000

Position Summary

Columbia University's Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute unites world-class scientists across diverse academic disciplines to conduct groundbreaking research that transforms our understanding of the brain and its influence on the mind and behavior.

As a leading neuroscience institute, our mission is to decipher the mind and brain to better understand behavior. Our researchers are committed to foundational science, uncovering the principles that shape how the brain develops, functions, and recovers.

With more than 50 labs, the Zuckerman Institute serves as a hub for collaboration, bringing together Columbia's top scholars to drive research in bold new directions. Located in Manhattanville, our state-of-the-art Jerome L. Greene Science Center provides an inspiring home for discovery in one of the world's most dynamic cities.

Reporting to the Director, Budget and Financial Analysis, the Finance and Accounting Associate is a member of the Finance Team at the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute. The Finance and Accounting Associate is responsible for the monitoring and reconciliation of budgetary activities to actuals within the Zuckerman Institute. Provides a wide range of financial analysis, administrative and operational duties in support of the Director, Budget and Financial Analysis. The Finance and Accounting Associate will gain in-depth knowledge of Columbia University's Chart of Accounts structure and how it relates to the Zuckerman Institute administration, research, and platform programs.

This is a 5-month temporary, full-time position, subject to extension.

Responsibilities

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Lead team member of Labor Accounting role: works with the Post Award Team on payroll salary allocations, ensuring compliance to Federal Awards by reviewing support documentation; Prepares and processes journal entries for payroll cost transfers. Analyze payroll information to ensure appropriate calculations for salary cost transfers and future distributions; Serve as the institute's expert in all Labor Accounting function- PAC;
• Serves as an integral part of the monthly, quarterly, and annual closing process to ensure that financial information has been recorded accurately working with the Director, Budget and Financial Analysis to prepare monthly, quarterly, fiscal year-end transactions and audit requests;
• Prepares and processes journal entries and inter-company transfers by analyzing general ledger accounting records; Processes and analyzes cash deposits for the institute:
• Provides support with key financial activities such as annual budgeting process and re-forecasting through budget tool transactions for sponsored projects and unrestricted funds;
• Other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor including special projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance or related experience and a minimum of two (2) years related work experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced skills in Excel, using Pivot Tables, V-LOOK UPS, and SUMIF formulas.
• Not for Profit and grants experience a plus.
• Higher Education experience a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong sense of urgency and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.