Purchasing Specialist

A bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience; or a high school diploma and seven years of appropriate experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

This position provides purchasing and fiscal support for Lastinger Center Operations. The Processing Specialist should have knowledge of cash-based, appropriated, sponsored projects, and UF Foundation funding sources. They will support (p-cards), procurement, accounts payables, travel, and the reconciliation of monthly ledgers to assist Lastinger Associates with these administrative functions necessary to implement the Center’s programs. This position is time-limited and soft-funded. 

The University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning’s mission is to improve the quality of teaching, learning, and childcare. We research, develop, and scale educational innovations for adults and children that put all learners on trajectories for lifelong success. Specifically, the Center targets kindergarten readiness, 3rd grade reading proficiency, and algebra proficiency as critical milestones in children's educational trajectory that are predictive of success in school and life. The Center works at the nexus of research, practice, and policy to develop sustainable systems that leverage educational technologies and improve the implementation of research-based practices. Housed in one of the nation's elite public research universities, the Center operates as a dynamic, entrepreneurial workplace focused on executing UF's service mission to strengthen the human condition and improve the quality of life. The Lastinger Center is committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent by valuing variety of thought, skill, and experience. As an equal opportunity employer, we believe in fostering environments where team members feel respected, valued for their differences, and empowered to do their best work. 

Responsibilities to include: 

• Responsible for managing the purchasing of commodities by processing purchase orders and auditing invoices.
• This position has direct administrative responsibilities to know, understand, and comply with the Fiscal/purchasing guidelines, practices, policies, procedures, computer systems, etc. of the University of Florida
• Use business credit card (PCard) to procure materials, supplies, travel arrangements, and other items as needed for Lastinger Staff.
• Ensure the timely processing of PCard transactions, accounts payable, requisitions/purchase orders, expense reports, and travel authorizations.
• Run queries daily to review outstanding transactions and voucher error

• Confers with college or department personnel to determine their needs and budgetary requirements to purchase materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Review, prepare, and approve transactions within established dollar limits and guidelines.
• Create travel authorizations and process travel expense reports.
• Interprets, explains and applies complex policies and procedures.
• Procurement via requisition/purchase order in myUF Market

• Process journal entries as needed
• Reconciliation of outstanding encumbrances
• Monitor expenses for budget limits

• Performs other duties as assigned
• Provide administrative support as needed

$52,500- $57,500

A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience; or a high school diploma and seven years of appropriate experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience. 

• The ideal candidate has experience of UF Purchasing policies and regulations
• Possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or a related field and three years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• A general understanding of the cost principles for sponsored awards to assist in efficient fiscal processing with Research Administrators
• Ability to work in a fast-paced business environment and flexibility in learning new skills to meet changing needs.
• Advanced working knowledge of MS Excel.
• Experience using University of Florida financial software and tools

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.