Finance Procurement Specialist (Immediate Opening)

Finance Procurement Specialist

Role Mission:

The Finance Procurement Specialist goal is to provide and promote an effective procurement process which supports and advances the goals of IDEA Public Schools.  The Procurement Specialist is responsible for organization-wide communication, training and end-user support with procurement processes. The vision is to create customer satisfaction by facilitating the efficient acquisition of goods and services in order to meet the needs of campuses and departments, while keeping in compliance with local policy, procedures and State and Federal regulations.

The Procurement Specialist will report to the Procurement Supervisor.

Location:

This is a full-time remote position based in Texas with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:

Up to 30% of the time during the busiest parts of the year

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

Support Financial Management Users with procurement processes in alignment with Board policy

• Achieve 95% or higher customer satisfaction on Zendesk tickets
• Independently research Board policy in order to complete tasks and accurately answer internal customer questions
• Independently problem solve issues related to procurement and the Financial Management System
• Collaborate with Director of Procurement to evaluate current processes, identify gaps, and provide recommendations for course correction

• Communicate updates and pending information to end users
• Provide guidance related to expenditure allowability, according to TEA guidelines and local policy
• Provide support to end users via conference call or onsite training to ‘close the procurement gap’ related to receiving on goods and services in the Financial Management System in a timely manner
• Run reports and analyze Invoice Tracker data to provide focused follow-up to end users, as needed
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned

Support Financial Service Manager with training and development of the Business Clerks

• Assist with onboarding of new business clerks and financial management users within 2 weeks of being hired on grant-related RFP/Bids, and requisitions
• Provide continuous improvement sessions by gathering trend data for quarterly trainings and summer institute

• Participate in bi-weekly financial management users conference call to discuss trends and compliance and communicate 100 % of policy changes and updates
• Take an active role in Beginning of Year committee and attend all meetings

Remain up to date with new procurement regulations and changes from TEA, USDOE and other governing bodies

• Attend Region One and TASBO trainings on new State and Federal laws and regulations concerning procurement and update stakeholders on changes, issues, or concerns related to the procurement process

What You Bring – Competencies

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of basic accounting procedures
• Ability to work with numbers in an accurate and rapid manner
• Ability to analyze and organize a complex filing system of expense related documentation
• Strong problem solving skills
• Detail oriented team player
• Excellent influencing, communication, and coordination skills

Required experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or related work experience preferred.
• Experience: 2-5 years of previous experience in procurement or purchasing and accounting, preferably in an education environment

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $20.34/hour and $25.42/hour, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Learn more about IDEA

At IDEA the Staff Culture and Belonging Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values