Accounting Operations Strategic Automation Spc

Ohio Wesleyan University • Delaware, OH

29d • Onsite

About The Position

Ohio Wesleyan University is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Accounting Operations & Strategic Automation Specialist to strengthen its financial operations and modernize work processes. This role is for an accounting or financial operations professional with strong technical knowledge, curiosity, initiative, and a passion for continuous improvement. The specialist will lead essential accounting functions, including accounts payable, purchasing, reconciliations, and financial close activities, while exploring automation, data analytics, and AI-enabled tools to reduce manual work, improve accuracy, and support decision-making. The candidate will balance day-to-day financial operations with strategic initiatives, collaborating with colleagues across the University to assess processes, develop improvements, and foster a culture of innovation, efficiency, and responsible financial stewardship.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, financial operations, procurement, strategic sourcing, or a closely related area.
• Strong proficiency with ERP systems, financial software, electronic procurement platforms, and advanced Microsoft Excel functions, including pivot tables and lookup functions.
• Demonstrated success designing and implementing process improvements, automation, or system enhancements.
• Experience using - or the ability to effectively evaluate and apply - AI-enabled accounting tools and emerging automation technologies.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including the ability to assess costs and benefits, evaluate contracts, monitor performance measures, and translate data into recommendations.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities with limited direction.
• A collaborative, customer-service-focused, and solution-oriented approach.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Accounting, procurement, or financial operations experience in higher education or another complex organization.
• Experience with expense management systems such as Concur.
• Experience with accounts payable automation or electronic procurement platforms such as Jaggaer.
• Experience leading change initiatives, building organizational support, and encouraging innovation.
• Experience providing direction or guidance to staff or student employees.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen accounting and financial operations, including accurate financial reconciliations and proactive variance resolution.
• Establish, maintain, and improve reconciliation procedures and timelines.
• Support timely monthly reporting, year-end close, and audit activities.
• Oversee accounts payable and procurement processes, including invoice processing, vendor management, payment practices, and cash-flow considerations.
• Provide lead direction and guidance to assigned staff and student employees.
• Advance strategic sourcing and cost optimization by analyzing University spending to identify cost-saving opportunities, purchasing efficiencies, duplicate vendors, and consolidation opportunities.
• Support requests for proposals, evaluate vendor responses, and recommend sourcing strategies.
• Monitor contract renewals, vendor performance, cost increases, and related budget impacts.
• Strengthen vendor relationships while improving payment terms, processes, and financial visibility.
• Lead automation and process modernization by identifying, designing, and implementing automation opportunities across accounting and financial workflows.
• Develop automated accounts payable entry, approval, and payment processes.
• Use data analytics, exception reporting, intelligent matching, and standardized templates to improve reconciliation processes.
• Explore practical uses of AI-enabled accounting tools, robotic process automation, and other emerging technologies.
• Partner with Finance, Information Services, budget managers, and campus colleagues to ensure technology recommendations support institutional priorities.
• Help colleagues understand and adopt new processes by building engagement, providing guidance, and demonstrating the value of change.

Benefits

• The OWU Connection program
• Work in a selective, residential liberal arts college
• Located in Delaware, Ohio, a lively college town near Columbus
• Opportunity to work in a growing, economically vibrant region
• Commitment to fostering a campus community where every individual is respected, supported, and able to flourish
• Equal opportunity institution

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level