Job Description:

• Manages and directs the procurement and accounts payable Business Office staff.
• Work closely with the Provost and Vice Presidents in establishing and implementing strategic procurement goals and key performance indicators (KPI's); develop, recommend and implement new and innovative methods and processes to accomplish procurement objectives and efficiency while ensuring compliance with University objectives.
• Assist and collaborate with the Provost, Vice Presidents, Academic Deans and Budget Managers the procurement and follow up on any non-performance of goods and service and professional agreements and contracts and may require engagement with the University's General Counsel.
• Document and implement policies and procedures that provides effective internal controls and supports efficient and effective purchasing and procurement, optimize electronic payments to vendors, traditional check payments, and procurement card (P-card) operations.
• Ensure vendor payments are properly authorized, accurate and in compliance with University policies and procedures, generally accepted accounting principles, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and support continuous process improvements for sourcing and procurement of goods and services and business solutions that are quality and brand appropriate in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with the Chief Human Resources Officer and General Counsel, the Provost, Vice Presidents, Academic Deans and Budget Managers to leverage all available procurement tools: including but not limited to the development of request for qualifications (RFQ), request for proposal (RFP), negotiations, and proposal/bid analysis to secure advantageous terms with external vendors, and maintains an electronic contract management system.
• Develop, implement and communicate procurement policies, guidelines and procedures, and educational training to add value to the University, optimize cost savings and cost avoidance, and promote effectiveness and efficiency.
• Manage procurement operations to ensure continual monitoring, assessment and analysis of University vendors and goods and services requirements.
• Serve as the primary contact for procurement related questions, training, policy and procedure interpretation.
• Manages the preparation and reporting of IRS Forms 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC and other regulatory compliance as applicable, including unclaimed property reporting.
• Assist with monthly and year-end closing procedures, entries and reporting, and external and internal audits by preparing appropriate work papers and reports.
• Performs monthly cash disbursement analysis, monitoring and forecasting to maximize investing and ensure sufficient working capital.
• Provide leadership in maintaining quality staff through recruitment and development that creates a positive culture for employee growth and satisfaction and meets the needs of the University.
• Conducts periodic training and instruction opportunities through the utilization of various educational formats/structures to effectively promote awareness of departmental services and improve compliance with established procurement, payable, and disbursement processes.
  
  

• Stay current on market trends and identify and assess opportunities for innovation to adapt in the changing environment.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and projects, meet deadlines, use sound judgment, and interpret local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations; through self-directed professional readings and attending professional development training.
• Serve on various University committees and task forces as required.
• Ability to work after hours and weekends as needed.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science or Arts from an accredited college in accounting, finance, operations, or a related area
• Five (5) to seven (7) years experience with procurement management, development and monitoring of agreements and contracts, and agreement and contract negotiations

• Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite software
• Knowledge of IRS regulations relating to accounts payable and sale and use tax
• Knowledge of legal contractual and documents and principles of procurement, compliance, procurement law, familiarity with local, state and federal procurement statutes, federal regulations, and other public procurement practices
• Excellent verbal and written communication, analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking and interpersonal skills
• Effective organization, planning and presentation skills
• Results-oriented, metrics-driven leader with expertise in purchasing, supplier collaboration, negotiations and compliance
• Ability to prepare/write/administer invitations to bid, requests for proposals, requests for qualifications, specifications, scope of work, and contracts. Serve as Chairman of RFP/RFQ evaluation teams. Serves as the Colleges contracting officer and as a resource regarding purchasing and contracting issues. Handle all protests and vendor grievances. Confer with departments in determining needs (specifications and/or Scope of Work) for complex procurements
• Determine appropriate method of procurement for all purchases

Applicant Portal URL: 3950

About Ashland University

Ashland University, ranked in the top tier of colleges and universities in U.S. News and World Report’s National Universities category for 2017, is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University places great emphasis on the importance of each individual. The phrase “Accent on the Individual” has been our motto for many years and, hopefully, characterizes well the nature and content of the campus environment. It means that our concern for the student extends beyond ensuring a quality education in the classroom and laboratory to include a commitment to provide a stimulating and supportive environment in every respect.Translating the ideas of our Mission Statement into the realities of everyday life is the responsibility of each Ashland University employee. These ideas must be evidenced daily in the classroom, residence halls, each teaching site, on the playing fields and in our interaction with others. It should be the goal of each Ashland University employee to ensure that our Mission Statement is not merely words on paper but a true reflection of who and what we actually are and intend to be in the future.

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