Business Operations Specialist

Business Operations Specialist

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Business Operations Specialist.

Position Details

Location: Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States

Division: Administration Physical Plant

Position Type: Staff

Employment Status: Full Time

Grant Funded: No

Salary Range: 15.82 - 21.40

Pay Grade: N06

Posting Close Date: Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Business Operations Coordinator coordinates procurement, accounts payable, and purchasing card activities for Physical Plant operations, including multi-million-dollar construction projects. Reviews purchasing and payment documentation for compliance with University and state purchasing requirements, processes and monitors purchase orders and vendor payments, administers Physical Plant purchasing card transactions, and maintains vendor compliance documentation. Provides financial and administrative support to the Business Operations Manager, including reconciliation and reporting activities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Coordinates accounts payable and procurement activities for Physical Plant operations and construction projects, including maintaining more than 165 standing and open purchase orders, processing invoices and payment vouchers, monitoring outstanding payments, and researching and resolving vendor statement discrepancies.
2. Reviews procurement documentation for completeness and compliance with University policies and state purchasing requirements prior to entering requisitions and processing payments. Maintains supporting documentation, including advertisements for bid, bid tabulation sheets, contracts, purchase orders, invoices, and other required purchasing records.
3. Administers purchasing card activities for Physical Plant personnel, including card distribution, transaction review and reconciliation, verification of supporting documentation, appropriate account coding, and reconciliation of monthly purchasing card signature reports.
4. Coordinates special check requests for accounts payable and payroll and ensures appropriate documentation and distribution. Assists the Business Operations Manager with financial reconciliations, reporting, record maintenance, and other business operations activities.
5. Coordinates vendor and operational purchasing activities, including maintaining Certificates of Insurance (COI) and administering uniform ordering and distribution for approximately 150 Physical Plant employees. Reviews vendor invoices and allocates charges to the appropriate Physical Plant departments and accounts.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of experience in accounts payable, procurement, purchasing, financial operations, or a related area. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of accounts payable, purchasing, procurement, and financial recordkeeping practices.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply established purchasing policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Skill in reviewing and reconciling financial transactions and maintaining accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and the ability to effectively use financial and administrative information systems.
• Ability to identify and research discrepancies and resolve routine purchasing, payment, and vendor-related issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees, vendors, and other University departments.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while following established policies and procedures.
• Skill in performing mathematical calculations and analyzing financial information.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with procurement or accounts payable in a higher education, governmental, or other public-sector environment. Experience working with state purchasing requirements, purchasing card administration, or construction-related purchasing.

About The University of Southern Mississippi: Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.