Operations Specialist

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University is seeking an Operations Specialist to advance finance and business operations through data-driven decision making and process improvements. You will develop reporting tools, dashboards, and ROI analyses, partnering across units and with an RPA team to implement automation.

The role requires collaboration with the Director of Business Operations, leadership of AP staff, and strong accounting knowledge to ensure compliant, efficient service delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, or Finance is required.
• Two years of accounting or related experience are required.
• Six hours of accounting coursework are required.

Responsibilities

• Develop operational reports and dashboards from various systems to track productivity in operations and AP.
• Assess inefficiencies and recommend opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee AP reporting functions such as GRIR, SUA, etc.
• Supervise AP staff workload and provide guidance and training.
• Assist on automation/system projects to increase efficiency across finance and business operations.
• Collaborate with Director and RPA team to evaluate solutions and ROI data.
• Manage Central Files area.
• Directly supervise the Departmental Operations clerk and ensure policy compliance.
• Make hiring, separation, pay adjustments, promotions and training decisions.
• Serve as backup contact for Central Files during leaves.
• Provide backup to the Director as needed.

Skills

Accounting basics

Analytical thinking

Communication

Leadership

Planning

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Excel

Word

Data reporting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, or Finance

Two years accounting or related experience

Six hours of accounting coursework

Tools

SAP

Concur

Ariba

Cognos Reporting

TeamDynamix

PaymentWorks

Job description

At Purdue University, we believe that operational excellence fuels meaningful impact. As an Operations Specialist, you will play a key role in advancing the effectiveness and efficiency of finance and business operations through data-driven decision making, process improvement, and innovative solutions. Working closely with the Director of Business Operations and Administration, you will lead and support critical financial and operational initiatives that enhance productivity, strengthen compliance, and improve service delivery across the organization.

In this highly collaborative role, you will develop and manage reporting tools and dashboards that provide actionable insights, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and support strategic decision making. You will partner with leaders, business units, and automation specialists to evaluate processes, implement technology-driven solutions, and contribute to a culture of innovation and operational excellence.

This role is ideal for a forward-thinking professional who enjoys solving complex problems, leveraging technology to improve processes, and making a measurable impact on organizational performance.

Responsibilities Include:

• Develop operational reports and dashboards from various systems to assist in tracking and measuring productivity across business operations as well as the accounts payable team.
• Assess inefficiencies and recommend opportunities for improvement to operations.
• Oversight and management of reporting of AP related functions such as GRIR, SUA, etc.
• Provide indirect oversight of the day-to-day workload of the Accounts Payable staff. Including serving as a resource and providing routine guidance and training and ensuring processes are thoroughly documented and up to date.
• Assist the Director on projects to implement new automation/systems to increase efficiency in processes throughout the finance and business organization.
• Work closely with the Director and RPA team on determining viable solutions and assist with gathering data needed to calculate ROI for process improvements proposals.
• Management of the Central Files area.
• Provide direct supervision of the Departmental Operations clerk and ensuring compliance with central record retention policies.
• Direct supervisory responsibilities include making decisions for hiring, separating, pay adjustments, promotions and training staff.
• Fill in as the point of contact for Central Files and/or building related inquiries during the clerk’s leaves of absence.
• Serve as backup to the Director when needed.

What We're Looking For:

Required:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, or Finance.
• Two years of accounting or related experience.
• Six hours of accounting coursework.

Skills Needed:

• Good understanding of accounting principles as well as accounts payable processes and policies.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate policies and procedures.
• Excellent communication (oral & written), leadership, planning, problem-solving, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Ability to influence and build work relationships among a diverse workforce at all levels.
• Able to foster a participative supervisory style and teamwork to successfully guide the work of others.
• Personal computer and related skills (i.e. Word, Excel).
• High level of attention to detail.
• Strong analytical skills to solve complex problems with little or no precedent.
• Ability to compile, analyze, and synthesize data into a clear, precise format and presentation.
• Able to manage the production of timely and accurate reports based on customer requirements.
• Able to work under pressure and meet frequent deadlines.

What is Helpful:

• Experience in Higher Education, including knowledge of University, state, federal and agency policy procedures.
• Experience with LEAN or SIX SIGMA training.
• Supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of educational and/or accounts receivable software such as SAP, Concur, Ariba, Cognos Reporting, TeamDynamix and PaymentWorks etc.

Additional Information:

• To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Professional 2

Pay Band S065
Job Code #20002192
The anticipated annual rate for this position is $64,940/year.

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.