Coordinator; Purchasing/Grants & Contracts Accounting

This position is responsible for administering the procurement of goods and services while maintaining compliance with all State and Federal Laws as well as university policies and procedures.  Incumbent must be committed to diligence in providing the University with the most cost-efficient solutions, the most expedient delivery methods, and the highest quality of needed goods and services.  Primary duties for this position include: processing requisitions in a timely and efficient manner with strong communication of progress; vetting key suppliers to promote excellence in service; and proactively researching products and vendors to maintain a level of expertise and product sourcing knowledge with the intent of providing value-add solutions to needs.ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Responsible for compliance with Alabama bid law, Federal procurement laws, and university policies/procedures; 
• All aspects of purchase orders, to include: order entry, change orders, delivery, and closure; 
• Assist with ordering, shipping, and delivering of supplies; 
• Manage or facilitate communication with suppliers regarding fulfillment of orders; 
• Promote positive vendor relationships through frequent contact; 
• Facilitate resolution of invoice issues or discrepancies by working closely with accounts payable staff; 
• Meet with sales representatives to establish terms and conditions and performance capabilities in an equitable manner; 
• Strategically evaluate alternate vendors or suppliers to avoid emergency situations and to ensure competitive pricing is achieved; 
• Maintain reports used in completing daily work; 
• Provide quality customer service in the form of daily communications and assistance to faculty, staff, and suppliers to ensure equipment and service needs are fulfilled timely, adequately, and appropriately; 
• Provide guidance to faculty and staff in preparing specifications and requisitions; 
• Provide guidance and training on Banner requisitions as well as related policies and procedures; 
• Attend training and workshops to update business and commodity knowledge; 
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

To be determined.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Full knowledge of Alabama State bid law and university policies and procedures regarding the procurement of goods and services and how these restrictions are applied in the day to day transaction of business; 

• Ability to punctual and reliable; 

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, as well as organization skills; 

• Ability to provide friendly customer service; 

• Efficient and accurate PC and data entry skills; 

• Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic setting with little supervision at a rapid pace and with numerous interruptions; 

• Ability to research and prepare comprehensive reports;

• Ability to cope with stressful conditions and demonstrate tact, versatility, and adaptability; 

• Ability to demonstrate a high degree of self-motivation and directional initiative; 

• Knowledge of the campus, its functions and operations, as well as a general knowledge of campus personnel;

• Ability to operate an ERP system, specifically Banner;

• Ability to maintain confidentiality; 

• Ability to display and maintain ethical business practices; 

• Ability to interact effectively with an increasingly diverse array of students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, visitors, vendors, and the general public.

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in a business-related field, is required; OR

• Six plus years of directly-related experience in lieu of the degree will be accepted;

• Buying experience is preferred and preference will be given to applicants with direct buying experience;

• Previous accounts payable/receivable experience is a plus; 

• Experience with university financial policies, purchasing/budgeting procedures, and systems (Banner, P-Card, etc.) is preferred. 

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

NoneApplicants must upload a resume and provide contact information for at least three professional references at the time of application.  For questions, please email or call 256.765.4291 and select option #2.  Selecting an option other than #2 will result in a delayed response.