Purchasing and Financial Coordinator

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Tuition benefits

Paid time off and holidays

Free Pittsburgh bus pass

Employee wellness programs

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh is seeking a Purchasing and Financial Coordinator to support daily research, administrative, and financial operations within the Department of Chemical Engineering. You will handle routine purchasing for laboratories and provide budget support.

The role requires organized, detail-oriented individuals who can manage multiple tasks and communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and students.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field.
• Excellent communication, verbal and written.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Process routine purchase requests from faculty, PhD students, and staff.
• Track orders from request through delivery and follow up on delays.
• Process reimbursements and card reconciliations.
• Assist finance with budgeting, reporting, and vendor negotiations.
• Coordinate freight, deliveries, and inventory for department operations.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field

Job description

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here! Since its inception in 1905, the Carnegie Mellon Department of Chemical Engineering has been on the leading edge of research and innovation in chemical engineering. Today, this is more true than ever. With research thrusts across fields such as health and medicine, biofuels, air quality and more, CMU chemical engineering students are paving the way to healthier, cleaner, more efficient future for all. The Department of Chemical Engineering is seeking a Purchasing and Financial Coordinator to support daily research, administrative, and financial operations. This role manages routine purchasing for research laboratories, provides financial and scheduling support, and serves as a backup point of contact for facilities coordination. The position works closely with other members of the Operations team to keep research and department operations running smoothly for faculty, staff, and students. The ideal candidate is someone organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple recurring tasks and requests at once.

Core Responsibilities

Research Purchasing: Process routine purchase requests from faculty, PhD students, and research staff, including consumables, general lab supplies, and equipment. Track orders from request through delivery; follow up on delays or issues with vendors. Process reimbursements and departmental purchasing card reconciliations. Assist in negotiations with vendors and ensures completion of contract terms; responsible for merchandise selection. Recommends alternative products and vendors. Responsible for obtaining all documentation needed for purchase completion. Assist finance team to develop improved processes for purchasing and other finance operations. Coordinate freight/equipment deliveries, and outgoing equipment shipments/repairs. Assist with receipt/storage of packages requiring special handling (e.g. temperature sensitive). Assist with other purchasing tasks as needed to support department operations.

Financial support: Track, enter, and maintain Oracle labor distribution, working with faculty and the Engineering Research Accelerator’s post-award team to maintain planned labor allocations. Run recurring monthly financial and budget reports for departmental leadership, faculty, and student groups. Process financial transactions, including account redistributions, cost transfers, and other departmental financial activity, as needed. Assist with other financial tasks as needed to support department operations.

General Department Support: Provide backup to other members of the operations team, including facilities and lab staff. Assist with other administrative tasks as needed to support department operations. As well as other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. 1-3 years of related experience. A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered. You should demonstrate: Excellent communication, verbal and written, as well interpersonal relationship capabilities. Ability to work independently and resolve issues as they arise. Ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure and with frequent interruptions.

Requirements

Successful Background Check

Benefits

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Program, Project and Operations Management

Position Type

Staff – Regular Full Time/Part time Full time

Pay Basis

Hourly

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

If your heart is in your work, come work with us. Carnegie Mellon University isn’t just one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions – it’s also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you’ll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you’ll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues – and you’ll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters. We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you’ll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni.

We are committed to providing an accessible experience throughout our recruitment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or hiring process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by email at [e-mail] or by phone at 412-268-5072. For technical assistance, email HR Services or call 412-268-4600.

Prospective Employee Disclosures