The Division of Financial Affairs (DFA) is led by Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Joanne M. DeStefano. She is the custodian of the university's financial records and is responsible for preparing, maintaining, and interpreting both internal and external financial reports and analyses. These reports include audited financial statements, federal indirect cost submissions, and federal and state tax returns.
She also oversees the creation and development of all university financial policies and procedures.
Units that report to her are the University Controller, which encompasses General Accounting, Payments, Tax, Payroll, the University Business Service Center, and Financial Research Administration, which includes Sponsored Financial Services, Cost Analysis, and Capital Assets; Supply Management Services; and the University Treasurer, which includes Cash Management and Investment Operations, Debt, the University Bursar, the University Policy Office, DFA Communication, and Finance Training.
Included in her current responsibilities is leading the analysis and reorganization of all university financial transactions as part of the Workforce Planning initiative.
Joanne holds a B.S. from Syracuse University (1978, Accounting), and an MBA from Cornell University (1997, Finance). She came to Cornell in 1990 as General Accounting Manager for the statutory colleges and has since held a number of progressively responsible roles in the finance division, most recently as associate controller. Prior to joining the university, Joanne worked in the corporate sector, as controller for Racemark International, Inc., and as accounting manager for Schlumberger, Inc.
She is a member of NCURA, COGR, and NACUBO, and the Capital District World Trade Council. She is married to Cornell Assistant Football Coach Pete DeStefano. They have one son, Peter DeStefano, Jr.
