Accountant 2

Accountant II

The Montana Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for an Accountant II, located in Helena, MT. Recruitment is open until filled with first review of candidates September 8, 2026. The mission of the Department of Agriculture is Serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky.

Job Overview: This position performs professional-level accounting work with primary responsibility for the Department's federal awards and related grant accounting activities. The position requires extensive knowledge of governmental accounting principles, federal grant requirements, and Department fiscal procedures. The accountant reviews and approves vouchers, journals, incoming wires and grant payments; monitors grant expenditures and revenues; draws federal funds; submits required federal financial reports; and reconciles federal grant activity to SABHRS; provides financial reporting and support for the hail insurance program. The position reviews financial transactions and supporting documentation to ensure costs are accurately recorded, allowable, allocable, reasonable, adequately supported, and consistent with applicable federal award terms, state requirements, Department policy, and accounting standards. The incumbent provides professional fiscal support to Department programs by establishing, evaluating, and maintaining accounting systems, internal controls, procedures, and records that ensure the accurate and efficient processing of business transactions and financial reporting activities. The position prepares financial, budget, reimbursement, reconciliation, and compliance reports; researches and resolves accounting discrepancies; supports monitoring and audit activities; and provides technical assistance to program staff and other financial contacts regarding grant-related fiscal requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: • Knowledge of the concepts and theories of accounting, financial management, budget development and administration. • Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as they relate to governmental entities. • Knowledge of auditing procedures and processes. • A high degree of analytical skills, including accounting analysis and a generally high level of math skills. • Skills in budgeting, program management, and plan implementation. • Knowledge of standard MS Office and specialized accounting software applications (e.g., SABHRS, IBARS). • Familiarize with department programs functions quickly. • Ability to prioritize and balance workload in order to meet deadlines. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in accounting. Or 4 years of related accounting experience in lieu of a degree. • Two years of accounting experience. • Alternate combinations of related experience or education may be considered. Such as an associate's degree in accounting and 3 years of related accounting experience; OR 5 years of related accounting experience.

Salary: $69,000.00 - 73,000.00 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 Agriculture

Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date: Sep 1, 2026, 1:05:42 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone): Ongoing

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume

Contact Name: Traci Merzlak

Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

Contact Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application. State government does not discriminate based on race, 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.