Accountant 2

State of Montana • Helena, MT

3d

About The Position

The Department of Administration’s Office of Finance and Budget (OFB) partners with division leadership to provide accounting and budgeting support services. The Accountant 2 will also lead and perform duties supporting implementation of the state’s travel policies and resources. OFB has fourteen employees who collaborate, support one another, and value a high-trust team environment.

The position verifies financial data and accounting transactions; processes invoices, travel claims, and accounts receivable; advises program managers on policies and available funds; and interprets accounting policies and laws. It reviews and develops procedures, coordinates fiscal year-end processes, responds to legislative auditor questions and issues, supports the Montana Unified Volume Cap Bond Allocation Plan Act, records fixed assets and adjustments, assists with fiscal notes, and performs assigned accounting and fiscal projects such as data analysis.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or a related field.
• One to two years of increasingly responsible professional accounting and budgeting experience.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Competency using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for governmental entities.
• Strong analytical skills, including accounting analysis, and generally strong math skills.
• Ability to forecast costs and/or revenues using analytical methods.
• Teamwork skills and willingness to contribute creative and innovative ideas and support other staff with their projects.
• Ability to identify and appropriately resolve problems within areas of responsibility.
• Accuracy and thoroughness, including monitoring one’s own work to ensure quality.
• Ability to build and maintain customer satisfaction through effective delivery of budgeting and accounting services.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated knowledge of governmental accounting principles.
• Knowledge of state government administrative policies and procedures, state laws, and the state budgetary process.
• Experience with the Statewide Accounting, Budgeting, and Human Resources System (SABHRS) and Internet Budget and Reporting System (IBARS).
• Experience with internal controls, including documenting procedures, risk assessments, and monitoring.
• Knowledge or experience in capital asset accounting.
• Knowledge of uniform administrative requirements and cost principles of federal awards.

Responsibilities

• Verify the accuracy and completeness of financial data and accounting transactions.
• Approve or deny invoices and travel claims for payment, or accounts receivable processing.
• Advise program managers on applicable policies and the availability of funds.
• Read, interpret, and apply accounting policies and laws.
• Review and update written procedures and develop new accounting procedures.
• Coordinate major aspects of the department’s fiscal year-end processes.
• Develop and provide responses to legislative auditor questions and issues.
• Assist with responsibilities under the Montana Unified Volume Cap Bond Allocation Plan Act.
• Record fixed assets and adjustments for software, buildings, and equipment in accordance with GASB and Montana Operational Manual accounting policy.
• Help prepare fiscal notes during the legislative session.
• Perform assigned special accounting and fiscal projects, including data analysis.
• Lead and perform duties related to implementation and support of state travel policies and resources.

Benefits

• Work/life balance.
• Health coverage.
• Retirement plans.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level