Accounting Operations Strategic Automation Specialist

Help shape the future of financial operations at Ohio Wesleyan Ohio Wesleyan University is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Accounting Operations & Strategic Automation Specialist to strengthen our financial operations while helping us modernize the way work gets done. This is an opportunity for an accounting or financial operations professional who combines strong technical knowledge with curiosity, initiative, and a passion for continuous improvement. You will provide leadership for essential accounting functions - including accounts payable, purchasing, reconciliations, and financial close activities - while identifying ways to use automation, data analytics, and AI-enabled tools to reduce manual work, improve accuracy, and support better decision-making. The successful candidate will be comfortable moving between day-to-day financial operations and broader strategic initiatives. You will collaborate with colleagues across the University, assess current processes, develop practical improvements, and help build a culture that embraces innovation, efficiency, and responsible financial stewardship. # What You'll Do Strengthen accounting and financial operations - Support accurate financial reconciliations and proactively identify and resolve variances. - Establish, maintain, and continuously improve reconciliation procedures and timelines. - Support timely monthly reporting and 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 - Analyze University spending to identify cost-saving opportunities, purchasing efficiencies, duplicate vendors, and opportunities to consolidate services. - Support requests for proposals for major purchasing categories, evaluate vendor responses, and recommend sourcing strategies aligned with University priorities. - 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 []{style="font-family: Arial "}