Purchasing and Financial Assistant

Purchasing and Financial AssistantApply NowHow to ApplyA cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.Job SummaryThe Purchasing and Financial Assistant provides a wide range of procurement, accounting, and financial support to a department of approximately 40 tenure-tenure track and research faculty members, 40 staff, and more than 120 postdoc and graduate students. Reporting to the Department Administrator, this role supports the department efficiently and professionally with purchasing, reimbursement processing, timekeeping, and other accounting and financial tasks. The position utilizes a variety of systems and business intelligence tools and collaborates with faculty and administrative staff in NERS and other areas at the College of Engineering and University of Michigan.The mode of work for this position is HYBRID. The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and the employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.Who We AreMichigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.ResponsibilitiesProcurement and Accounts Payable 70%

Process and track purchase orders for the department.

Maintain department's Online Purchasing System (OPS)

Collaborate with faculty, staff, and Procurement Services on sole source purchases.

Analyze, compare, and evaluate various courses of action and determine the correct UM process

Review and approve all Marketsite purchases

Prepare wire transfers as needed for international purchases

Assist as backup for hosting and travel purchases (airfare, hotel)

Prepare and review travel and expense reports

Maintain an adequate filing system for receipts and backup documentation for purchases and accounts payable

Forward invoices for payment to the Shared Services Center as needed

Prepare and submit PeoplePay requests

Timekeeping 10%

Serve as the designated departmental timekeeper

Track and approve time for student and temporary employees

Prepare bi-weekly and monthly timekeeping reports for supervisor review

Provide support for students with timekeeping questions as needed

Process hard copy timesheets for the department as needed

Other financial responsibilities 10%

Manage expense reconciliation process with the Shared Service Center

Prepare cash deposits

Act as back up financial support for the department, including transactional processing, journal entries, tracking of funds and commitments, and account reviews and maintenance

Ad-hoc reporting, special projects and strategic support utilizing Business Objects and other university data systems

Other responsibilities 10%

Participate in departmental teams to identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies

Create job aids, "How To" documents, and procedural guidelines to document policies, procedures and best practices

Collaborate with other team members to ensure cross-training and coverage for the department as needed

Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration or other related field or equivalent of education and experience

Exceptional organization skills and ability to manage multiple projects with a high degree of composure and collegiality

Outstanding customer service and interpersonal, written and oral communication skills

Technical proficiency with Microsoft (Excel and Word), Google Suite of collaboration tools (Gmail, Sheets, Forms, Docs, Drive)

Proven success working independently and as part of a team

Demonstrated success in a fast-faced environment with excellent communication and problem solving skills, high attention to detail and ability to take initiative and exercise discretion, as appropriate

Desired Qualifications

Experience with U-M system (M-Pathways, PeopleSoft, Business Objects) and Online Purchasing System

Working knowledge of University of Michigan policies and procedures

Modes of WorkPositions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .Background ScreeningThe University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.Application DeadlineJob openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.U-M EEO/AA StatementThe University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.Job DetailJob Opening ID256362Working TitlePurchasing and Financial AssistantJob TitleAccountant AssociateWork LocationAnn Arbor CampusAnn Arbor, MIModes of WorkHybridFull/Part TimeFull-TimeRegular/TemporaryRegularFLSA StatusNonexemptOrganizational GroupCollege EngineeringDepartmentNuclear Eng & Radiological SciPosting Begin/End Date10/31/2024 - 11/14/2024Salary$52,000.00 - $62,000.00Career InterestFinanceApply Now