Accountant 2

State of Montana; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 69,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Health Insurance

Paid leave & holidays

Retirement plan

Job summary

State of Montana in Helena seeks an Accountant 2 to support budgeting and accounting services within the Department of Administration. The role will implement and support the state travel policies and resources while collaborating with a small team to ensure accuracy and compliance.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field and 1–2 years of relevant experience, plus proficiency in Microsoft Office and GAAP for governmental entities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration or related field.
• 1–2 years of increasingly responsible professional accounting and budgeting experience.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Demonstrated competency in using software including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Knowledge of GAAP for governmental entities.
• A high degree of analytical skills including accounting analysis and generally a high level of math skills.
• Ability to forecast costs and/or revenues using analytical methods.
• Teamwork skills with a willingness to contribute creative and innovative ideas as well as to support other staff with their projects.
• Identifies and resolves problems appropriately within areas of responsibility.
• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality work output.
• Build and maintain customer satisfaction through effective delivery of budgeting and accounting services.

Responsibilities

• Verifies accuracy and completeness of financial data and or accounting transactions.
• Approves or denies invoices, travel claims for payment or accounts receivable processing.
• Advises program managers on the appropriate policies and availability of funds.
• Reads, interprets, and applies all accounting policies and laws.
• Reviews and updates written procedures and develops new accounting procedures
• Plays a major role in coordinating fiscal year-end processes for the department. Develops and provides responses to legislative auditor questions and issues.
• Assists with carrying out the responsibilities of the Montana Unified Volume Cap Bond Allocation Plan Act.
• Records fixed assets and various adjustments for software, buildings and equipment, in accordance with GASB and Montana Operational Manual (MOM) accounting policy.
• Helps with the preparation of fiscal notes during the legislative session.
• Performs special accounting and fiscal related projects such as data analysis as assigned by dep artment management.

Skills

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Forecasting costs/revenues

Attention to detail

Problem solving

GAAP knowledge (governmental)

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Description - Accountant 2 (26142693)

Why live in Helena, Montana?

• Helena is surrounded by rolling hills and lofty mountains and is tucked below the Continental Divide.
• It is a relatively quiet place to call home where small-town living collides with outdoor adventure.
• Helena has a rich history and was originally founded as a gold camp during the Montana gold rush.

Why should you keep reading and consider working here?

We know you have other work options, but we ask you to consider working with us at the State of Montana Department of Administration. 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.

What is this career opportunity?

The Department’s Office of Finance and Budget (OFB) partners with division leadership to provide accounting and budgeting support services within the agency. In addition, this role will lead and perform duties in the implementation and support of the state’s travel policies and resources.

The Office of Finance and Budget, within the Department of Administration, is staffed with fourteen motivated and personable employees who regularly collaborate on topics, support each other as a cohesive team, and value a high trust environment while maintaining a degree of humor.We are seeking just the right person to join our cohesive team.

Job duties:

• Verifies accuracy and completeness of financial data and or accounting transactions.
• Approves or denies invoices, travel claims for payment or accounts receivable processing.
• Advices program managers on the appropriate policies and availability of funds.
• Reads, interprets, and applies all accounting policies and laws.
• Reviews and updates written procedures and develops new accounting procedures
• Plays a major role in coordinating fiscal year-end processes for the department. Develops and provides responses to legislative auditor questions and issues.
• Assists with carrying out the responsibilities of the Montana Unified Volume Cap Bond Allocation Plan Act.
• Records fixed assets and various adjustments for software, buildings and equipment, in accordance with GASB and Montana Operational Manual (MOM) accounting policy.
• Helps with the preparation of fiscal notes during the legislative session.
• Performs special accounting and fiscal related projects such as data analysis as assigned by dep artment management.

What are we looking for?

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration or related field.
• One to two years of increasingly responsible professional accounting and budgeting experience.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Demonstrated competency in usingsoftware including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Knowledge of General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for governmental entities.
• A high degree of analytical skills including accounting analysis and generally a high level of math skills.
• Ability to forecast costs and/or revenues using analytical methods.
• Teamwork skills with a willingness to contribute creative and innovative ideas as well as to support other staff with their projects.
• Identifies and resolves problems appropriately within areas of responsibility.
• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality work output.
• Build and maintain customer satisfaction through effective delivery of budgeting and accounting services.

Additionally, preferred

• Demonstrated knowledge of governmental accounting principles.
• Knowledge of state government administrative policies and procedures; state laws and the State's 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.
• Uniform administrative requirements and cost principles of federal awards.

What can you expect from us in return for your work with our agency?

• Work/life Balance
• Health Coverage
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

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.
• The Department of Administration participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/ .

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : Not Applicable

Salary: $

68,640.00 - 72,800.00 Yearly Telework Eligibility : Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

1

Employee Status

Regular

Schedule

Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

No

Primary Location

Helena Agency : Department of Administration Union : 000 - None

Posting Date

Oct 22, 2026, 7:20:13 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Nov 6, 2026, 6:59:00 AM

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter, Resume

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.