Procurement Card Specialist

Procurement Card Specialist

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Procurement Card Specialist.

Position Details
Location	Hattiesburg 118 College Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001 United States
Division	Procurement and Contract Services
Position Type	Staff
Employment Status	Full Time
Grant Funded	No
Salary Range	14.38 - 16.91
Pay Grade	N05
Posting Close Date	April 1, 2024

Job Summary:
The Procurement Card Specialist is responsible for assisting the Procurement Card Administrator in all aspects of the Procurement Card (P-Card) program.  Among other duties, the position communicates policies to cardholders, and investigates policy violations and suspicious card activity within the card reconciliation system to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the Procurement Card program.  This position also serves as the back-up to the Card Administrator for all campuses.
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

 
1. Provides campus community with guidance and assists with procedures necessary to ensure information is communicated related to allowable purchases that meet the business requirements of the program and comply with applicable state laws and regulations.  Explains the fundamental principles of the card program to campus constituents, and advises and assists the Card Administrator with resolution of incorrect/improper actions and/or behavior of cardholders.
2. Audits and evaluates transactions and all supporting documentation to ensure all purchases are valid and contain legitimate University business expenses in compliance with P-Card policies and procedures, including quantitative review as needed.  Investigates, documents, and follows up on policy violations using relevant information and the card reconciliation system (SOARFIN) to resolve non-compliance issues.  Reports any discrepancies, repeated violations, suspicious activities, or issues with cardholders to the Procurement Card Administrator for further review.
3. Serves as back up to the Procurement Card Administrator.  Independently resolves daily P-Card program matters including disputes, lost/stolen cards, fraudulent transactions, and other urgent issues.  Accesses the card-issuing bank’s commercial card system for the administration of cardholder accounts and other related purposes.  Maintains the P-Card test records for each cardholder as necessary.  Organizes and files cardholder records as assigned.
4. Monitors the P-Card email account to answer questions and approve cardholder requests for cardholder updates, reconciler/proxy changes, and card-purchase request forms that require pre-approval before purchase.  Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the rules and regulations in the Mississippi DFA Procurement Manual and of University procurement policies.
5. Assists cardholders with policy-related questions, procedures, troubleshooting purchase issues, and reconciling issues.  Provides cardholder refresher/remedial training as necessary.
6. Assists with technology enhancements by participating in periodic testing of software related to upgrades and/or patches to the P-Card reconciliation system.
7. Assists Accounts Payable and Travel, Purchasing, and Property Accounting with related crossover P-Card transactions, and performs other duties as assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications:
Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university and two years’ related procurement experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Ability to read, analyze, and comprehend general business-related subject matter such as professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations germane to business and the banking card industry. 
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. 
• Ability to effectively present information, both oral and written, and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public, all of which require providing polite, positive customer service. 
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. 
• Ability to apply concepts of basic mathematics and algebra. 
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Preferred Qualifications: 
Experience in higher education or governmental procurement operations.  Experience with a purchasing card program and/or commercial bank card program.  Experience with Peoplesoft ERP.

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. For more information, visit www.usm.edu . 

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.