Accounting Manager

NACBA; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Polar Bears International in Bozeman, MT is seeking an Accounting Manager to oversee full-cycle accounting, including A/P, A/R, GL posting, and staff card management. You’ll collaborate with leadership and an outsourced controller to ensure accurate financial statements and strong internal controls.

The role requires nonprofit accounting familiarity, multi-currency processing, and proficiency with spreadsheet tools and cloud-based software.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in accounting or business administration with 2–3 years of bookkeeping experience.
• Knowledge of GAAP and general accounting principles.
• Proficiency with Excel/Google Sheets, Google Drive, and cloud-based accounting software.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting, donor/grant tracking is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to work independently and with remote teams.
• Interest in wildlife conservation and Arctic ecosystem issues.

Responsibilities

• Manage A/P, A/R and staff credit cards; handle multi-currency transactions.
• Post payments, monitor schedules, and reconcile monthly US/Canadian bank accounts and cards.
• Maintain the general ledger; perform month-end reconciliations and assist with reports and audits.
• Prepare 1099 forms and T4A list for vendors and Canada accounting firm.
• Collaborate with leadership to support cash flow, reporting, and tax filings.

Skills

Attention to detail

Integrity

Time management

Communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Associate’s degree in accounting/business administration

Tools

Excel/Google Sheets

Google Drive

Cloud-based accounting software

Sage Intacct

Apple/Microsoft Office familiarity

Job description

Job Summary

The Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing and participating in full-cycle A/P, A/R, posting/reviewing GL, managing monthly credit card statements, and the day-to-day financial transactions of Polar Bears International ('PBI'), ensuring accurate records of cash flow and financial statements. They will assist with cash management, financial reporting, and analyze those and other reports to provide insights for decision-making. They will work closely with the Sr Director of Operations and an outsourced controller to compile financial reports and maintain a general ledger, including accounting, bookkeeping, accounts receivable and accounts payable. This role requires proficiency in accounting software, strong time management, and problem-solving skills to identify discrepancies and support PBI's financial health.

Duties

Manage A/P, A/R and Staff Credit Cards (.50)

• Responsible for general bookkeeping functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general accounting in both US and foreign currencies
• Assist with monitoring schedules for accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Post payments against Accounts Receivable
• Collect receipts from staff and ensure proper coding of expenses
• Conduct monthly reconciliation of all US and Canadian bank accounts and credit cards
• Review and track outstanding credit card receipts and resolve with appropriate staff members
• Ensure all staff adhere to PBI’s financial policies and procedures
• Respond to staff questions regarding payment and expense coding

Reporting (.25)

• Collaborate with the development team to complete a bridge report between the accounting software and the donor management system
• Maintain the general ledger, including posting and reviewing entries, and month-end account reconciliations
• Provide information and assist with preparing monthly detailed financial reports, cash flow projections, facilitating audits, and handling tax filings like IRS Form 990 and other reconciliations for timely financial reporting
• Prepare 1099 forms for US vendors and provide T4A list for the Canadian accounting firm

General Accounting (.25)

• Maintain internal controls and safeguards for accounting practices
• Maintain an orderly and accurate electronic and hardcopy accounting filing system
• Maintain the chart of accounts
• Share responsibility for the overall financial system of the organization, ensuring the security, documentation, and integrity of financial information with regular backups of accounting software
• Analyze the organization’s operations to identify financial benefits and improve efficiency
• Analyze, manage, and maintain all financial / accounting system security measures
• Collaborate with the Controller, Human Resources Manager, Director of Operations, and/or Executive Director on accounting-related projects
• Provide clerical and administrative support to management as requested
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings with Bozeman-based and remote staff

Required Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Associate’s degree in accounting/business administration (or equivalent experience) plus 2–3 years of hands‑on bookkeeping experience.
• Knowledge and application of generally accepted accounting principles.
• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing and Excel, with an aptitude for Apple products, Microsoft
• Office, Google Drive, and other shared document programs
• Ability to demonstrate levels of integrity, trustworthiness, flexibility, compassion, and humour that are necessary to address the practicalities of a
• growing nonprofit
• Excellent written and oral communication, reading comprehension, writing and speaking skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a group
• Ability to share knowledge, communicate ideas, and collaborate with diverse and remote teams
• Passion for and knowledge of issues in wildlife conservation and the Arctic
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with Excel/Google Sheets, shared cloud drives, and modern cloud-based accounting software.
• Core Competencies: Exceptional attention to detail, strong ethical boundaries, and clear verbal/written communication skills.
• Mission Alignment: Passion for wildlife conservation and Arctic ecosystem issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Multi-Currency Experience: Experience processing transactions in multiple currencies (specifically US and Canadian dollars).
• Additional education and experience in finance, business, or business management
• Software Familiarity: Working knowledge of Sage Intacct and modern AP automation tools (e.g., Ramp, Tipalti).
• Nonprofit Sector: Experience with nonprofit accounting, donor/grant tracking, and cross-border US/Canadian entities. Polar Bears International is a registered nonprofit in the US and Canada.
• Experience with nonprofit donor CRM integration