Helena-Based Nonprofit Grant Accountant

Nacba; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana Legal Services Association in Helena, MT, is seeking a full-time Accountant to join our team. This position is based in MLSA's Helena office and offers a 35-hour work week with a pay range of $60k–$70k depending on experience.

The role requires a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related field and 2–5 years of nonprofit or grant accounting experience, plus strong Excel and accounting software skills. You will manage grants, assist with closing, payroll, and financial reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 2-5 years of accounting experience, preferably in nonprofit or grant accounting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting systems (e.g., MIP, Sage Intacct, Blackbaud, or similar)
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple grants and deadlines simultaneously
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Assist with closing processes, including accruals, adjusting entries, and financial statement preparation.
• Reconcile bank accounts and other balance sheet accounts monthly and resolve discrepancies.
• Monitor grant expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets, cost principles, and funding restrictions.
• Assist with payroll process, including allocations between funding sources.

Skills

Accounting experience

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Grant management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

Excel

MIP

Sage Intacct

Blackbaud

Job description

Join Montana Legal Services Association and make justice possible. You’ll enjoy Montana’s outdoor lifestyle while representing those without a voice in our legal system.

MLSA is a progressive Montana non-profit law firm. We offer our staff challenging and fulfilling work, where you can go home each day knowing you made a tangible difference. MLSA provides a supportive and collegial work environment and a healthy work-life balance.

MLSA is an equal opportunity employer, and we consider the diversity of our staff to be vital to our organization's success. We strongly encourage and welcome people of all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, ages, genders, and physical abilities to apply.

Who We Are: MLSA is committed to the idea that equal justice under the law is a right, not a privilege. We are zealous advocates for Montanans who struggle to make ends meet and deserve their day in court.

• Our attorneys have pursued impact litigation all the way to Montana’s Supreme Court, helping to level the playing field for all Montanans.
• Our staff works with clients statewide and within Montana’s Tribal Courts.
• We are nationally recognized for our forward-thinking approach to civil legal aid and for our use of technology to advance the cause of justice for all in Montana.

The Position: We’re looking for a full-time, 35 hours per week Accountant to be based in MLSA’s Helena office. The pay range we’re offering is $60k - $70k depending on experience.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 2–5 years of accounting experience, preferably in nonprofit or grant accounting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting systems (e.g., MIP, Sage Intacct, Blackbaud, or similar).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple grants and deadlines simultaneously.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with closing processes, including accruals, adjusting entries, and financial statement preparation.
• Reconcile bank accounts and other balance sheet accounts monthly and resolve discrepancies.
• Monitor grant expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets, cost principles, and funding restrictions.
• Assist with payroll process, including allocations between funding sources.

Location:

Helena: Montana’s capital city, centrally located for a wide variety of outdoor adventures. Helena offers over 80 miles of hiking trails accessible from downtown and its nationally recognized mountain biking trail system offers a full range of expert to family-friendly rides. Cross-country ski trails abound and the local downhill ski area is just 23 miles from Helena and boasts affordable lift tickets, short lift lines, and night skiing on Fridays. And our office is a short walk to Downtown Helena and the Great Northern Town Center featuring great local coffee shops, eateries, craft breweries, a wine bar, a distillery, and handmade ice cream.

Why Should You Apply?

Live your values and put your passion or degree to work by advocating for people who deserve a voice in our legal system.

The chance to hone your skills in a friendly and supportive work environment.

How to Apply: Submit a resume, cover letter, and 3 references to our posting on BambooHR. Screening of applicants is ongoing, and the position will remain open until filled. The priority deadline for applications is October 20, 2026.

All applicants must apply though our BambooHR career site here - https://montanalegalservices.bamboohr.com/careers/129?source=aWQ9MjY%3D

Visit our website, mtlsa.org to learn more about MLSA, our staff, and the work we do.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 2–5 years of accounting experience, preferably in nonprofit or grant accounting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting systems (e.g., MIP, Sage Intacct, Blackbaud, or similar).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple grants and deadlines simultaneously.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.