Job ID359260 LocationTwin Cities Job FamilyFinance Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code8222PR Employee ClassCivil Service About the Job Typical Duties and Responsibilities: 35% - Manage and Oversee Complex Purchasing Manage and oversee complex purchasing in partnership with an assigned group of departments and centers. Analyze purchase requests, assess appropriateness, modify data if necessary, expedite the process when appropriate and dispatch purchase orders to vendors. Identify and resolve problems that arise throughout the purchasing and payment process; working with department accountants, administrators, faculty, central administration, and internal and external vendors to resolve issues using policy and procedures to find solutions to technical and operational problems. Exhibit expertise, good judgment, clear communication, and outstanding customer service skills to assure that all applicable policies have been upheld and the obligations to the vendor have been fulfilled. Assist assigned units in negotiating favorable terms, volume discounts, and long-term contracts with suppliers. Assist preparers through complex requisition and purchase order processes for the procurement of goods and services. Develop and implement strategies for cost reduction and quality improvements and process efficiency. Work with the department, Purchasing, Accounting Services and Asset Management to resolve complex purchasing issues, manage high value purchases, and to ensure assets are capitalized appropriately. Enter capital asset receipts and update as necessary. Complete and oversee through to payment all higher-cost contracts for professional services. Apply lessons learned from specific problems to similar situations. Clearly communicate new information to other relevant parties to improve efficiency. Use judgment about when and how to effectively disseminate information so it is most useful to others. 25% - Provide Financial Status Reports Provide departments and Dean's Office with financial status reports. Create and annotate EFS accounts payable reports to inform department accounting staff of transactions lingering in exceptional status and to advise them on steps to resolution. Create and annotate EFS purchasing reports to advise accountants and finance directors of the status of millions of dollars of encumbered funds found on sponsored and non-sponsored accounts, with the added ability to disencumber values in consultation with department staff to facilitate in PO cleanup, closure, and adjustments. 20% - Review and Prepare Journal Entries Review and prepare journal entries to correct expense transactions and transfer funds and balance sheet transactions accruing fiscal year end inventories, expenses, or revenue. The task is conducted with University policies and procedures and funding agency restrictions at the forefront. Monitor, report, and resolve discrepancies as well as assist and advise colleagues in the preparation, approval, and successful completion of journal entries. Act as first line of contact with Central Administration when issues arise with any aspect of a journal. Adjust ICR journal entries are created in consultation with Sponsored Financial Reporting at Sponsored Project closeout. Assess appropriateness of requested journal entries and work with finance staff to make corrections consistent with University or collegiate policy. Process requests for departments for new, modified, or corrected budget journals, activate chart strings, and set up combo codes as necessary to bridge the gap in EFS between financials and payroll and to establish revenue and expense in commitment control if no such budget exists. 15% - Central Point of Communication Serve as central point of communication between Dean's Office and departmental administrators and accounting staff and performs department training site visits as needed. Serve as a collegiate advisor to department accountants on accurate procedures and est practices in navigating complex purchases in EFS, troubleshooting a wide-ranging accounting and system problems throughout the college when departmental accounting staff are unable to resolve. Serve as collegiate repository for best practices and tips to better financial reporting and document production at the department level, while considering generally accepted accounting principles. 5% - Other Duties as Assigned Qualifications Required Qualifications: BA/BS plus at least two years of professional work experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years. Preferred Qualifications: Strong computer skills and ability to navigate multiple Enterprise Financial System, (EFS), tables including eProcurement, purchasing, vendors, grants, accounts payable, commitment control, asset management, general ledger, set up financials/supply chain, and work list. Strong customer service and interpersonal skills. Ability to form, develop, and maintain professional relationships with key collegiate and Controller's Office collaborators and outside vendors. Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with collegiate and Controller's Office Purchasing Services staff. Excellent decision making and interpersonal skills, including the ability to handle multivariable problems under moderate supervision. Work is guided by policy, procedures, and professional norms, with periodic checks on accuracy, quality, and timeliness of results. Understand and be able to interpret various policies and procedures related to requisitions, purchasing, and the technical requirements of EFS. The Procurement Specialist handles complex purchasing for a variety of departments in the college. Applying their knowledge and expertise in University systems and policies, they work with departments and vendors to expedite, dispatch, and troubleshoot to meet the needs of their units. This requires making informed decisions throughout the process that involve comparisons, verifications, and reconciliation of purchasing needs and responding to exceptions and special requests. Realize the end product needed, where to send and receive information, and materials to fulfill responsibilities. About the Department This position will be a part of the finance team within the . Benefits Working at the University At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work. The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Employee wellbeing program Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution Public Service Loan... For full info follow application link. The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.