Accountant

A Little About Our Business

We know you have other work options, but we ask you to consider working with us at the State of Montana Department of Administration (DOA). Our foundation of success is having effective working relationships built on mutual trust and respect. We will challenge you to be the best you can be and will work hard to provide a work environment that allows you to succeed.

(You can learn more about the DOA here.)

What is this career opportunity?

The Local Government Services Bureau (LGSB) is a small team of dedicated accountants who strive to significantly impact local government success. Our role is to assist and support local government entities (LGE) and their elected officials, board members, and employees in complying with Montana law, generally accepted accounting principles, the Local Budget Act, and the Montana Single Audit Act.

We provide guidance and training on financial reporting, budgeting, and changes in governmental accounting and auditing standards. We collaborate with local governments and independent CPA firms to ensure that financial and compliance audits meet statutory requirements and professional standards.

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with a balance of accounting expertise and soft skills to work with the wide variety of stakeholders we serve. (You can learn more about Local Government Services here.)

In this position, you will have the opportunity to telework; however, there will be required weekly in-office day(s) in Helena. Specific conditions will be outlined as part of the job offer, and you must adhere to state policy.

What are we looking for?

Competencies:

Knowledge of:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), especially as related to governmental accounting.

• Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) statements

Specialized Knowledge of (we are willing to train you in these areas):

• Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS)
• Federal Office of Management and Budgets (OMB)
• State and federal regulations as they apply to governmental financial reporting and budgeting.

The ability to:

• Provide exceptional customer service to stakeholders with varying skill levels.

• Apply principles and practices of governmental accounting, auditing, and budgeting.

• Conduct research, interpret, and apply technical accounting, financial reporting, and auditing literature.

• Analyze and review financial reports, audits, and corrective action plans.

• Provide guidance on accounting entries and adjustments to LGEs.

• Create and maintain financial statement reporting tools and templates.

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written (exercise discretion and diplomacy in all situations)

• Build and maintain successful working relationships.

• Work as a member of a team or independently to meet Bureau objectives.

• Plan, organize, gather information, and problem-solve.

• Prioritize and juggle multiple projects.

• Demonstrate strong attention to detail and critical thinking.

• Provide training to small and large groups in person and electronically.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, OR

• Two years of applicable experience.

• Other combinations of education and experience will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Does this sound like something you would enjoy?

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume, cover letter, and three professional business references. (Please Note: You do not need to complete the "work experience" or the "education & certifications" portion of the application process in our recruiting system. You only need to upload the requested documentation.)

What can you expect from us in return for your hard work?

Ø Look here to see the additional benefits! They include:

o Work/life Balance

o Health Coverage

o Retirement plans

o Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays

o And more…

Ø Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Other important information to be aware of.

• This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check.

• Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application.