Finance Assistant Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of established, recognized procurement practices, procedures, methods, and strategies.
• Thorough knowledge of formal competitive bidding procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of the legal requirements associated with formal competitive bidding.
• Considerable knowledge of the structure and organization of a school system.
• Skill in performing technical research and preparing detailed reports, documents, and specifications.
• Skill in analyzing and evaluating detailed proposals and information and recommending an appropriate course of action.
• Skill in recognizing and defining procurement and contracting problems and initiating appropriate action.
• Skill in communicating effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise considerable independent judgment and sound reasoning ability in the evaluation of alternative proposals and bids.
• Ability to maintain detailed records and information and prepare evaluative reports.
• Ability to establish and supervise an effective contract administration system to ensure contract compliance by vendors with the specifications, terms, and conditions of the contract.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, school personnel, outside contractors and vendors, county purchasing staff, attorneys, and the general public.
• Experience of supervising staff is required. To include: setting, monitoring and evaluating objectives, developing training plans.
• Knowing and understanding of the terms and conditions of ITBs, RFPs and contracts is required.

Nice To Haves

• A minimum of five (5) years experience, reflecting progressive responsibilities, in public procurement in Virginia is preferred.
• Experience in public procurement outside of Virginia and non-public procurement may be substituted providing the work was sufficiently complex.
• Certification by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council as a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) and Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO), Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) or Certified Professional in Supply Management(CPSM) are preferred.
• Working knowledge of Virginia Public Procurement Act is desirable.
• Proven ability to establish, and maintain, effective working relationships with end users is essential.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for awarding contracts for goods, services (both professional and non-professional), construction, and insurance on behalf of all Arlington Public Schools schools and departments.
• Administers Arlington Public Schools’ procurement program and develops improvements.
• Investigates and determines the most efficient, reliable vendors for the purchase of materials, supplies, and services.
• Conducts interviews and establishes ongoing relationships with vendors; responds to vendor inquiries and/or problems.
• Participates in cooperative purchases with federal, state, and local governments.
• Participates in and conducts a variety of activities and meetings concerning purchasing.
• Ensures proper administration and adherence to established procurement rules, regulations, and laws.
• Investigates and reports to the Director of Procurement, complaints, improper purchasing procedures, protests of awards relating to bidding or award irregularities, restrictive specifications and/or contractors’ failures to receive solicitations.
• Prepares requests for proposal and bid specifications; reviews and analyzes bids for completeness; evaluates and recommend enhancements to the automated purchasing system; identifies areas for improvements.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.