Accountant 3

State of Montana; East Helena (MT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana Department of Corrections is seeking an Accountant 3 in Helena, MT to provide advanced accounting and analytical support within a governmental environment. You will oversee major accounting functions, including ACFR reporting, fund analysis, and federal grant oversight, while ensuring compliance with state and federal standards.

Ideal candidates bring governmental accounting experience and proficiency with integrated financial systems.

Qualifications

• The knowledge, skills and abilities for this position are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
• Four years of accounting experience.
• Advance training, licensure, or certification associated with accounting specialty.

Responsibilities

• Analyze financial trends across multiple funding sources.
• Interpret and apply GAAP and GASB guidance.
• Deliver high‑impact recommendations that strengthen financial operations.
• Collaborate closely with program managers, statewide accounting staff, and auditors.

Skills

Financial analysis

GAAP knowledge

GASB knowledge

Government accounting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Four years of accounting experience

Advanced accounting certification

Tools

Integrated financial systems

Job description

ACCOUNTANT 3

DIRECTOR’S OFFICE

HELENA, MT

The Montana Department of Corrections (DOC) is creating a safer Montana through Accountability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment. If you want to work making positive changes in your community, the Montana Department of Corrections is the place for you!

The Director’s Office provides critical support to the department’s executive team through communications, financial services, legal services, and human resources. The landscape of corrections is constantly evolving, and this team is at the forefront of managing this change on behalf of Montana citizens. Join us today!

TheAccountant 3 serves as a key financial expert within the Financial Services Bureau, providing advanced accounting and analytical support in a complex governmental environment. This role oversees major accounting functions, including ACFR reporting, fund analysis, federal grant oversight, and internal control development, ensuring the department meets all state, federal, and governmental accounting standards.

In this position, you will analyze financial trends across multiple funding sources, interpret and apply GAAP and GASB guidance, and deliver high‑impact recommendations that strengthen financial operations and support executive decision‑making. You’ll collaborate closely with program managers, statewide accounting staff, and auditors, serving as a trusted resource for resolving complex accounting issues and improving fiscal processes.

Ideal candidates bring strong governmental accounting experience, proficiency with integrated financial systems, and the ability to lead agency‑wide financial initiatives. Advanced certifications such as CPA or CGFM, as well as experience in federal grants or internal control frameworks, are highly valued.

QUALIFICATIONS

The knowledge, skills and abilities for this position are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting


• Four years of accounting experience


• Advance training, licensure, or certification associated with accounting specialty

BENEFITS

Your service is rewarded with competitive compensation and generous State of Montana Benefits.

State of Montana employment may qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Successful applicants will be subject to:

• Criminal history check


• Child/patient/offender abuse registries


• Reference checks

The Department of Corrections 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/.

NOTICES

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)

Any person who has 1) engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution; 2) been convicted of engaging in or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or 3) been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in activity as described in the latter, are not qualified for this position.

Tobacco Free

The use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products and tobacco substitutes is prohibited in Department of Corrections buildings. In secure care facilities possession of tobacco products is prohibited.