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Cornell University

Cornell Experience Modernization Initiative

As common as possible, as different as absolutely necessary

Chart of Accounts Design Team

Under the auspices of the Finance functional team within CEMI is the Chat of Accounts readiness initiative.

A Chart of Accounts serves as the backbone of financial operations—it’s the systematic way Cornell categorizes and tracks every financial transaction across the university. Currently, each campus has developed its own way of classifying revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities, making it difficult to compare and consolidate financial information. Creating a common structure enables consistent financial reporting across the university, simplify cross-campus operations, and gain clearer insights into Cornell’s overall financial picture.

New Foundational Data Model Includes the Chart of Accounts

Within Cornell’s administrative systems, the Chart of Accounts is one component of a broader Foundational Data Model. This new data model will support information used across finance, human resources, post‑award research administration, student services, and other administrative functions, many of which depend on consistent and accurate alignment with the Chart of Accounts.

Approach

A dedicated team of financial experts from across Cornell is carefully mapping the university’s current systems (Workday, Kuali, and SAP) to document how each campus structures its financial information, including the chart of accounts, reporting, organization hierarchy, and other attributes. This analysis will help:

  • Identify the best practices from each system
  • Create guiding principles for the future structure
  • Ensure the needs of all campuses are met

 

Key Update

Quarter 1, July – September: Advanced ‘as-is’ analysis in collaboration with Huron Consulting Group. Engaged subject matter experts to gather feedback, identify additional attribute requirements, and define reporting needs. Consolidated inputs in a Requirements Tracking Matrix.

Next Steps

Quarter 2, October – December: Host seven or more targeted, conversational focus groups, engaging more than 150 stakeholders to solicit insights, challenges, and ideas. Review stakeholder feedback and the Requirements Tracking Matrix. Continue Huron partnership for proposed solutions and design team meetings.

CEMI’s Six Vertical Focus Areas or Workstreams

a table with six legs

Achieving a seamless digital environment across Cornell will require coordinated progress on six interdependent initiatives — like building all six legs while simultaneously raising the table.

Channels within the Workday Administrative System Workstream

 

Get Involved

Contribute your skills and experience to the Cornell Experience Modernization Initiative (CEMI). Community members know the current processes and systems best—and what it’s going to take to change how we do things.

Get involved: ask a question, suggest improvements, add your insights to a CEMI effort, volunteer for an activity, or join the mailing list.

staff study data

Visit the Project Teams page to meet some of the Cornell community members shaping the CEMI program.