Head of Acquisitions & Accounting

The University of Colorado Boulder Libraries invites applications from collaborative and innovative candidates for the position of Head of Acquisitions & Accounting!

Job Announcement

University of Colorado Boulder Libraries

Head of Acquisitions & Accounting

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) Libraries invites applications from collaborative and innovative candidates for the position of Head of Acquisitions & Accounting! The Head of Acquisitions and Accounting leads and manages the Acquisitions & Accounting Section which is responsible for ordering; monograph & serials receiving; licensing; serials, databases, journal packages, and ongoing renewals; invoicing and accounting for library collection resources across all formats. This position supports the strategic priorities of the Collection Sustainability Team through a data-informed approach to decision-making and implementation of innovative and efficient approaches to acquisitions processes, systems, and functions to ensure sustainable collection and acquisitions practices. This position is highly collaborative, engaging with internal and external partners and collaborators including: vendors, liaison librarians, faculty, Research and Innovation Strategies colleagues, CU system colleagues, and numerous colleagues across the Libraries. This position supervises 7 FTE including faculty, university staff, and classified staff. 

As a member of the University Libraries faculty, the Head of Acquisitions & Accounting will be expected to maintain a record of scholarly research/creative work, participate in professional service activities, and actively engage in faculty governance, in keeping with the standards of the University of Colorado Boulder. This position has the opportunity to work in a hybrid capacity. This teaching professor-track faculty position reports to the Director of Collection Sustainability within the Research and Innovative Strategies (RIS) Chapter. A typical annual merit formula for teaching professor-track faculty may be 70% librarianship, 10% scholarly and creative work, and 20% service. The Acquisitions & Accounting Section is part of the Collection Sustainability Team, part of the Research and Innovation Strategies Chapter. Please see the Libraries’ organizational chart. 

What We Require

Please address each of these qualifications in your application materials:

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited or equivalent institution;
• At least three years of experience in one or more of these areas: acquisitions, e-resources, serials, collection development, procurement, finance in higher education or libraries
• Experience developing collaborations and partnerships
• Minimum 1 year of supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to support a welcoming and inclusive environment;

What You Will Need

• Knowledge of acquisitions functions including monographic ordering, approval plans, licensing, renewals for print and e-resources, invoicing, and accounting for library collection resources
• Potential for research, scholarly work, and professional service
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with a commitment to data-informed, decision-making process 

What We Would Like You to Have

Evidence of any of the following will enhance a candidacy:

• Experience with or interest in learning library services platforms such as FOLIO, GOBI, OCLC Connexion, or OCLC Worldshare
• Experience identifying inefficiencies and improving workflows
• Demonstrated ability in providing fiscal oversight of budgets and analyzing and reporting on expenditures
• Knowledge of developments and emerging issues in academic libraries, collections, and acquisitions, including open access
• Experience negotiating pricing and licensing with vendors and publishers
• Coursework or experience in business, accounting, or finance

Who We Are

Mission

We are a knowledge catalyst. We fuel inquiry, discovery, collaboration, creation, and the dissemination of knowledge. We welcome everyone, wherever they are on their educational journey.

Vision

An information-empowered world.

Values

Empower | Connect | Learn | Inspire

Our values define our interactions within the Libraries and radiate outwardly. This means that we develop a culture that compassionately and authentically embodies our values in all aspects of our work.

The University Libraries encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. As you review the qualifications, please think about how your qualifications are transferable if (at first) they do not seem directly related. Share how your skills translate in your cover letter. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet every preferred qualification.

What We Can Offer

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit, and an ECO Pass! The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment.

The successful candidate will be appointed as a full-time (12-month) teaching professor-track faculty member at the Assistant Teaching Professor rank. The salary range for Assistant Teaching Professor is $73,000-$84,000. A candidate with seven or more years of professional experience may be eligible for the rank of Associate Teaching Professor with a starting salary range of $80,000-$88,000. This position also includes a 5% Associate Faculty Director Stipend to serve as Section Head.

Relocation assistance may be available within University Libraries guidelines.

Faculty receive limited professional development funds annually.

What You Should Know

This position is offered in a hybrid capacity. There will be an information session on November 17, 2025 from 11:00-11:45 am MT. At this information session, the search committee will share information about the Head of Acquisitions & Accounting  job search, working at CU Boulder, the teaching professor track, and answer attendee questions. A webinar link will be provided to registrants via email. 

Application Process

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. It is recommended that applications be submitted by 11:59 pm MT on November 30, 2025, to receive full consideration. The application must be made online at CU Boulder Jobs (posting 68309) and must include the following:

• A cover letter of application specifically addressing qualifications for the position
• CV/Resume

References will be requested at a later stage in the search process.

Questions may be directed to George Karpoff, Search Coordinator, at George.Karpoff@Colorado.EDU.

Direct Link to Apply: https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=68309 

The candidate selected for this position must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin. The University of Colorado Boulder is dedicated to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and, when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.

About the University and the Libraries

As the flagship University of a multi-campus system in the State of Colorado, CU Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners situated on one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. As one of 35 U.S. public institutions belonging to the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.

The University is committed to Colorado communities through collaborative research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Our faculty, staff and students work with the broader community to establish unique connections that have lasting outcomes—both across Colorado and around the world. Today, with our sights set on becoming the standard for the outstanding comprehensive public research universities of the new century, we strive to serve the people of Colorado and to engage with the world through excellence in our teaching, research, creative work, and service. The CU Systemwide Lands Recognition Statement, arrived at after connecting with Native American groups on all CU campuses, chancellors and system leadership, is available at https://president.cu.edu/statements/cu-systemwide-lands-recognition-statement.

The University Libraries faculty and staff are dedicated, and hardworking people from a variety of backgrounds who share this vision and mission. Librarians participate at all levels of the campus and hold full faculty status and rank. Our organization employs professionals of various academic tracks and ranks as well as university and classified staff, and all work is valued and appreciated regardless of position type. The Libraries are a member of the Association of Research Libraries and hold the largest collection in the Rocky Mountain region with over 11 million books, periodicals, government publications, audiovisual materials, microforms, maps, manuscripts, papers, and computer-based resources. The Libraries are a long-standing member of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging Program. The Libraries faculty and staff collaborate internally, with colleagues beyond the campus and with our clients to advance information literacy, intellectual freedom, lifelong learning, the disciplinary growth of information, and the amplification of knowledge.

About Boulder, Colorado

Boulder and the surrounding area are known as one of the best places to live because of the spectacular setting, acres of open space, and vibrant atmosphere. At 5,430 feet above sea level, acres of vast open space entwine into Boulder's cityscape nestled into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Home to approximately 106,000 residents, Boulder has a mild, dry climate with more than 300 days of sunshine per year. Boulder offers activities for every interest.

Position Description

University of Colorado Boulder

Head of Acquisitions and Accounting

The Head of Acquisitions and Accounting is a non-tenure track faculty librarian position reporting to the Director of Collection Sustainability within the Research and Innovative Strategies (RIS) Chapter. The Head of Acquisitions and Accounting leads and manages the Acquisitions & Accounting Section, responsible for ordering; monograph & serials receiving; licensing; serials, databases, journal packages, and ongoing renewals; invoicing and accounting for library collection resources across all formats. This position supports the strategic priorities of the Collection Sustainability Team through a data-informed approach to decision-making and implementation of innovative and efficient approaches to acquisitions processes, systems, and functions to ensure sustainable collection and acquisitions practices. This position is highly collaborative, engaging with internal and external partners and collaborators including: vendors, liaison librarians, faculty, RIS colleagues, CU system colleagues, and numerous colleagues across the Libraries. This position supervises 7 FTE including faculty, university staff, and classified staff. 

Job Duties:

• Manage, develop, and oversee the strategic operation and ongoing function of the Acquisitions & Accounting Section which includes ordering; monograph & serials receiving; licensing; serials, databases, and ongoing renewals; invoicing and accounting for library collection resources.
• Provide fiduciary oversight of Libraries collections expenditures. Ensures acquisitions operations are conducted in accordance with Libraries, University, and State fiscal policies and practices, and with a high degree of fiscal accountability. In collaboration with stakeholders, leads fiscal close activities including: establishing fiscal close timeline and deadlines; monitoring ordering, receiving, and invoicing progress; generating financial reports and tracking; supporting budget reporting needs; overseeing and supporting in reconciliation efforts; keeping up-to-date with University fiscal close announcements.
• Supervises and develops Acquisitions and Accounting section personnel. Conducts performance reviews, creates performance plans, and manages employees for growth, engagement, and effectiveness.
• Collaborates with colleagues. Engages with stakeholders across the Libraries and CU system. Serves as point of contact for general acquisitions related questions for colleagues across the Libraries including subject specialists. Works with colleagues and Acquisitions staff to identify issues and problems. Leads efforts to address questions, issues, and resolve problems. Collaborates with Research & Innovation Services Chapters Section Leads on supporting strategic initiatives and objectives of the Team.
• Engages with vendors. In collaboration with colleagues from the Collection Development and Assessment Section, engages in vendor meetings. Works with vendors and Acquisition staff to identify issues and problems. Works with vendors to advance efficient processes, such as API integrations, and explore emerging acquisition models.
• Engages with FOLIO and emerging systems and technological advancements. Develops functional expertise of FOLIO and acquisitions related apps. Engages with the FOLIO community across the Libraries, with the Law library, and with the broader FOLIO community nationally and internationally. Actively monitors and integrates new technologies to drive improvements in acquisition workflows and systems, including but not limited to artificial intelligence, automated processes, and interoperable system development.
• Applies a data-informed approach to decision-making and assessment of acquisition functions. In collaboration with Collection Development and Assessment Section colleagues and other stakeholders, develops a framework for continual assessment of acquisitions activities, initiatives, and workflows, and evaluates the impact and value of library acquisitions to students, faculty, University, and broad community of users and stakeholders. Supports growth and development of Acquisitions and Accounting section by cultivating a culture of data-informed practices, and advances the section's skills and knowledge of analytical techniques and data practices.
• Actively engages in professional service and consistently maintains a record of scholarship or creative works according to the requirements for a non-tenure track faculty librarian position.