A Buyer buys products, materials or services needed by a company or organization. Manages inventory and schedule for purchasing, works with vendors and negotiates contracts, monitors quality of supplies and services purchased. May work in farm products, manufacturing, trade or services industries.
Purchasing and Business Services General Summary The Buyer provides purchasing and financial support for Odessa College by obtaining price quotes, processing and evaluating bids, preparing bid analysis spreadsheets, and processing and verifying purchase orders. The position is also responsible for creating requisitions, performing clerical and administrative duties related to purchasing, and serving as the primary backup to the Accounts Payable Clerk. Additional responsibilities include auditing college credit card statements and accurately allocating credit card expenditures to the appropriate accounts and departments. Specific Position Duties Obtain required price quotes and solicit bids in accordance with Odessa College purchasing policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations. Process, analyze, and evaluate bids to ensure compliance with specifications, purchasing requirements, and established college procedures. Prepare spreadsheets and other documentation to analyze and compare bids, pricing, vendors, and related purchasing information. Process purchase orders and verify that all required information, documentation, approvals, and account funding are accurate and complete. Create and process purchase requisitions in accordance with established college purchasing and budget procedures. Perform clerical and administrative duties related to purchasing activities, including maintaining accurate records and documentation. Audit credit card statements and supporting documentation to ensure expenditures are accurate, properly authorized, and appropriately charged to the correct accounts. Audit direct pay requests to ensure appropriate supporting documentation, required signatures, and sufficient account funds are provided prior to processing. Supervise and oversee Accounts Payable functions to ensure established procedures are followed, internal controls are maintained, and processes are efficient and effective. Monitor Accounts Payable activities and provide guidance to ensure compliance with Odessa College policies, procedures, and applicable regulations. Provide training to employees regarding requisitions, budgeting, purchasing procedures, and related financial processes. Maintain bid documentation and related purchasing records within the College's digital imaging system to ensure accurate recordkeeping and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and institutional requirements. Assist faculty and staff with purchasing, requisition, budget, accounts payable, and credit card procedures and provide guidance regarding established processes. Communicate with vendors, faculty, staff, and other college personnel regarding purchasing, accounts payable, and related financial matters. Maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate judgment when handling financial, purchasing, and employee information. Participate in campus committees, meetings, and institutional activities as assigned. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma, GED, or higher education. A minimum of four (4) years of on-the-job experience in accounts payable and/or purchasing. Excellent Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word skills. Typing speed of 50-60 words per minute. Ten-key proficiency by touch. Ability to create Excel files. Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills. Ability to work with minimal supervision. Professional verbal and written communication skills.
Work Hours:
Summer- Monday thru Thursday 7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. til 5:30 p.m. Closded on Fridays Fall- Monday thru Thursday 8:00a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. til 5:30 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m.
