Purchasing Specialist - Wilberforce University

Return to Careers Division/Department Business Office Reports to Chief Financial Officer Position Type Full-Time Job Summary The Purchasing Specialist prepares and manages required documentation, negotiates with vendors, and procures a wide variety of various goods and services in accordance with University policies and government regulations as applicable. This position is part of the business office and performs tasks for purchasing and other accounting duties. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Accounts Payable & PO Management Process vendor invoices with proper matching to purchase orders and receiving documentation. Ensure compliance with university policies and purchasing requirements. Reconcile PO balances and identify variances between invoices and purchase records. Customer Service & Communication Serve as the first line of support for departments and vendors regarding invoice status, payments, and account coding. Proactively communicate delays, discrepancies, or missing documentation to stakeholders. Build positive relationships with internal departments and external vendors. Budget Tracking & Support Monitor and track departmental budgets and expenditures using Banner. Alert departments to budget overruns and assist in reallocating funds when needed. Provide monthly reports or budget summaries to department heads upon request. System Use & Recordkeeping Enter and manage AP transactions in Banner. Maintain accurate records of invoices, approvals, and payment documentation. Assist in preparation for audits and year-end close. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Strong customer service mindset and problem-solving ability. Knowledge of basic accounting principles and budgeting. Detail-oriented with ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines. Proficient in Microsoft Excel and financial systems. Attention to Detail Thoroughness Organization Analyzing Information PC Proficiency Data Entry Skills General Math Skills Minimum Qualifications Education: Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business required. Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related field preferred. Experience: At least 2 years of purchasing and/or accounts payable experience, finance, and customer service. Higher education or public sector experience is strongly preferred. Experience using Ellucian Banner or similar ERP system is required. Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel and Word). Wilberforce University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. The University does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas for this position. Wilberforce University Founded in 1856, Wilberforce University is America's first private, coeducational University established to educated men and women of African descent; and is closely affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Today, Wilberforce is a well-respected private, residential liberal arts university with a clear mission, core values and vision for the future and is a noted pioneer in the Co-Operative Education Movement. Wilberforce awards the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in the areas of business, engineering and computing science, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences; as well as the Master of Rehabilitation Counseling degree. The University is located in Wilberforce, Ohio, a community readily accessible to the Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus metropolitan centers' social, professional and cultural amenities and airports. Wilberforce University is an Equal Opportunity Employer How to Apply: To apply for the Purchasing Specialist position, use the "Quick Apply/Submit Resume" button below to submit your information, cover letter and resume to the Wilberforce University Department of Administration and Human Resources.

Created: 2026-03-04