Lynda Sovocool

Interim Associate Director/Department Manager

Overview

Serves as Department of Astronomy Manager and Associate Director of the Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science. Serves as principal finance manager for two organizations – Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, and the Department of Astronomy.  Acts as primary contact between center and departmental faculty, and staff and the business service centers. Provides  comprehensive financial and administrative services in procurement, financial accounting, and reporting. Responsible for pre and  post-award budget management. Works closely with the university accounting office and center and department members to resolve  complex problems and to determine best processes for payments, etc.  Collaborates with center and departmental faculty and staff to develop business knowledge of each policy to assure appropriate judgment in accomplishing administrative activities. Reviews monthly transactions, initiates required adjustments and prepares various financial status reports. Prepare budget projections and planning reports. Ensures appropriate handling and back-up documentation for all financial transactions. Resolves  complex problems with transactions. Approve new accounts, general error corrections, requisitions, all business process forms, and responsible for the processing of effort certification forms. Serve as human resource manager for the center and department. Responsible for departmental and center searches and appointments, leave accruals, appointment renewals, and all human resource communications and functions. Responsible for center and department payroll. Serves as liason with the International Students and Scholars Office regarding foreign nationals. Consults and assists foreign visitors, new staff, and students with all aspects of the visa process.  Standard hours M-Th remote 6:30-8:30AM, on campus 9AM-2:30PM, remote 3PM-5P, remote Friday 6:30AM-5PM

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