Purchasing Agent (Gastonia, NC)

About the role

This position is responsible for the procurement of supplies, fixed assets, facility improvement, and professional services, which must be completed in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations as defined by N.C. G.S. 143.129 – 143.131. High level working knowledge of state and federal procurement laws, purchasing practices, and quality of goods/commodities and/or services being purchased. High level working knowledge of accounting principles and methods in relation to purchasing needs.

Responsibilities

• 60%: Procurement
• Responsible for all purchasing of LME/MCO compliant with statutory requirements controlling purchasing for local governments in NC and LME/MCO policy and procedures.
• Responsible for equipment leases and maintenance (ex. copiers, cell phones, etc.) as well as contract initiation.
• Process and track all purchase orders and work with Senior Accountant to assure that budget is available for purchases.
• Maintain central supply database for all agency locations.
• Aid staff with online purchases.
• Provide training guidance and assistance to staff for Financial internal procedures and forms required as needed.
• Responsible for control and purchases of main agency credit card and various local vendor charge cards.
• Work with outside vendors and state purchasing to compare pricing and negotiate contracts.
• Generate and initiate request for proposal or bid processes when appropriate or required per purchasing provisions.
• Control Fleet fuel account for all vehicles and pin staff assignment.
• Maintain the integrity of the public procurement process.
• Analyze current procurement activities and recommend improvements through more efficient procurement methods, e-procurement, privatization, quantity discounts, standardization, value analysis or cooperative purchasing.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and documentation on all solicitations, responses, purchases, contracts, correspondence and related follow-up.
• Confer with consultants, contractors and suppliers to acquaint them with procurement policies and procedures and to obtain information on required products and services.
• Review and execute purchase orders, contracts, change orders and other documents within delegated authority. Edit requisitions and confer with departments regarding requirements, specifications, quantity, quality and delivery. Recommend alternatives that would result in greater value.
• 15%: Accounting/General Ledger
• Assure proper expense account coding of all purchase orders for accounts payable technician.
• Maintain all purchase order files.
• Request W-9s from vendors as required.
• 5% Other
• Assist auditors during annual fiscal audit as needed.
• Primary backup to the Account Tech Accounts Payable as needed.

Requirements

• Strong working knowledge of North Carolina governmental purchasing rules and regulations
• General knowledge of accounting and auditing principles and practices
• Knowledge of and ability to explain and apply the provisions of the standardized accounting practices adopted by State Government
• Working knowledge of accounting software
• Ability to interpret and analyze accounting data and apply that analysis to the departmental or institutional needs and determine compliance with pertinent guidelines, rules, regulations, and laws
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of related contact agencies, departmental staff, and the general public
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing
• High level of accounting skill
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Word, Excel, and Outlook

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in Accounting or Business; AND three (3) years of experience in business or governmental agency; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Local Government Purchasing Certification preferred.