Accounting Officer for Purchasing & Contracts

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

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POSITION PURPOSE

The Accounting Officer for Purchasing and Contracts performs professional accounting work and is responsible for the management of requisitions, purchase orders and contracts using the College’s purchasing platforms, which is currently Marketplace and Workday. The Accounting Officer trains and provides direction to all staff and faculty to ensure they understand the purchasing platforms and the position will print checks for the College and enter and review employee expense reimbursement claims, purchasing cards and reconcile statements. This position also enters and maintains the college’s assets. The work also involves gathering financial data for reports and special projects, analyzing and interpreting financial data, and recommending solutions under limited supervision. In addition, the Accounting Officer coordinates and assists with special projects such as implementing new software and participating in the development of on-line internal process management systems and other enterprise-wide processes

RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESULTS

1. Financial management of purchasing, contracts and agreements:

• Ensure proper accounting compliance withing purchasing processes. Review all submitted requisitions and purchase orders in Workday for coding accuracy.
• Provides ongoing Workday and/or purchasing process training
• Coordinates Workday group trainings at the beginning of each term during employee in-service or new employee orientation.
• Performs account oversight and management activities such as expenditures monitoring and analysis, invoice/credit card reconciliation, account PO closeout, completing and reviewing relinquishing statements and termination notices, and reconciling records for audits and other special projects as assigned.
• Directs new vendors in setting themselves up as a vendor in SWIFT, and make changes to vendors as needed to process purchase orders.
• Contract Administrator - Creates and prepares Professional and Technical Services, Maintenance and Service Master Contracts, Intra/Inter Agency, Lease and Facilities Agreements as well as any other Minnesota State required agreements based on input from staff and administration.
• Maintains complete agreement document files including current contractor insurance certificates and other required information. Works with the Office of General Counsel or the Attorney General's Office to review contract documentation for South Central College and make appropriate recommendations to meet legal requirements and adjust contract language to meet State requirements as necessary.
• Responsible for the development of request for proposals, request for qualifications and similar purchasing of services processes. Gather appropriate input from the staff to create these documents and complete the process. Initial and direct negotiations when applicable. Seeks advice of the Office of General Counsel or Attorney General's Office to make adjustments to meet State legal requirements, as needed.

2. Performs check printing and employee reimbursement process.

• Is responsible for printing all local checks and associated reports including accounts payable, financial aid and student payroll checks.
• Coordinates student financial aid direct deposit procedures and process associate with ACH files, student payroll, refunds, financial aid disbursement. Oversees student's direct deposit information and update when necessary.
• Reviews employee expense reimbursement claims to ensure proper documentation and compliance with Minnesota State Policy. Reviews cost coding of all reimbursements to ensure expenses are coded to correct accounting fund, appropriation and cost center. Enters all reimbursements. Ensures expense reimbursement summaries reconcile with SEMA4 pay type.

3. Reconcile monthly credit card activity; review all purchasing card expense reports. Manage year - end process for successful transition to a new fiscal year and provide documentation for audit sampling.

4. Fixed Assess Inventory Management

• Manage inventory for fixed assets and reconcile inventory to accounting. Coordinate the tagging of new fixed assets and their entry into the Minnesota State Fixed asset system. Review all purchase documents for fixed asset inventory items to ensure proper coding to fixed asset related object codes in accounting system. Coordinate the disposal of any fixed asset to ensure compliance with State statutes and Minnesota State policies regarding disposal of fixed assets. Review the fixed asset to accounting reconciliation in Minnesota State to ensure accuracy of accounting and fixed asset module data. Physical inventory count performed on a three-year rotating schedule, except for equipment purchased with Federal funds and all assets valued in excess of $10,000 which are inventoried annually.

5. Coordinate and assist with special projects as assigned by Business Manager such as implementing new accounting software, participating in the development of on-line internal process management systems and other enterprise-wide processes. This person would develop training protocols, if needed, and implement schedules. Coordinate documentation of business office, accounting and purchasing accounting policies and procedures for us by the college.

6. Performs other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functions of business services and maintaining the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner while providing exceptional customer service to students. This includes, but is not limited to, being cross-trained to perform purchasing, accounts payable and student payroll functions during absences. Manages and monitors risk management/insurance as appropriate in regards to contracts.

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of an associate’s degree in accounting, finance, business or related field and three years of related professional experience in accounting, finance, fiscal management, purchasing, business management or related field (a four year degree can substitute for one year of experience.)
• Working knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)sufficient to analyze, interpret, and prepare financial information, records and reports.

• Demonstrated knowledge of operation budget principles sufficient to prepare, analyze, monitor and review activity.
• Ability to create queries, analyze results, and generate accurate reports
• Ability to reconcile data and balance accounts
• Strong computer skills including spreadsheets and work processing

Preferred Qualification 

• Three (3) or more years' professional experience in accounting, finance, fiscal management purchasing, business management related field
• Experience in grants, purchasing and contracts
• Experience with a computerized accounting system (ISRS, Workday)
• Knowledge of bidding processes including bid specifications, purchasing rules and procedures.
• Knowledge of contract law and its general application and principles of government purchasing and bid procedures.
• Understanding of SWIFT and the Minnesota State purchasing and accounting system
• Knowledge of state statutes and Minnesota State policies and procedures.
• Highly developed communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, college faculty and staff, Minnesota State System Office Staff, MMB/SWIFT staff.
• Excellent human relations skills in order to maintain effective working relationships with management, faculty and colleagues.

About

South Central College will be the region's leading institution in preparing students for the global marketplace by creating an inclusive environment and providing academic, technical, and professional resources to pursue their chosen career, educational and personal goals.

SCC is committed to fostering a campus environment of inclusion, knowledge, and understanding which faculty, staff and students learn to value diversity and to respect individuals’ differences that enrich our college community.

Why Work for us?

We are a passionate and talented community of educators, staff, and students who are driven to succeed and are looking to grow our talented team with the addition of a positive and motivated team member! Visit our website at www.southcentral.edu

This position is covered under the MAPE Contract. Please review the collective bargaining agreement for more details. https://mape.org/sites/default/files/files/MAPE-2025-2027-Contract_1.pdf

Application

Please apply online as ONLY online applications will be considered. We are not accepting applications for review.

South Central College requires that you include the following in your applications:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae which clearly addresses the requirements of the position
• Unofficial Transcript

Please be prepared with a list of 5 references and their contract information. Two of which are current of past managers/supervisors. For recent graduates: Teachers, Professors, and instructors may qualify as a manager reference.

SCC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities, consumers with hearing or speech disabilities may contact us via their preferred Telecommunications Relay Service.

Benefits Information

At Minnesota State, we have a GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! Our generous benefits include 11 paid holidays, Vacation time, Sick time, six weeks of paid parental leave, low cost medical and dental insurance with low deductibles ($150-$1500), a Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement plans and other retirement investment options, pre-tax medical and dental expense (with roll-over option) and dependent care accounts, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, as well as professional development and tuition waiver programs for employees and their dependents, etc. We promote the health and well-being of our employees and take work/life balance seriously.

To learn more about South Central College, visit

https://southcentral.edu

Questions regarding this position, please contact Anna Schonborn, HR Business Partner, Anna.Schonborn@southcentraledu or 507-389-7292 by the posting close date.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option. To further support your holistic health, employees also have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) website.

To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit eligibility and coverage levels may vary depending on the type of position, employee classification, and collective bargaining agreements.

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