Staff Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Administrator: Accounting Manager

Preferred Experience: Accounting experience in private or non-profit organizations, including journal entry preparation and balance sheet account reconciliations; preference for education or experience in fund accounting

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Overtime Status: Exempt, not eligible for overtime

FTE and Benefits: 1.0 FTE and eligible for full employment benefits

Location/Hybrid Work Environment: This position is located in Bozeman, MT. The MSU Alumni Foundation may offer a hybrid work environment following an employee's successful first three months in the office

Preferred Start Date: September 15, 2026

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Staff Accountant of the Montana State University Alumni Foundation (“Alumni Foundation”) plays a key role in maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the organization's financial records. Reporting to the Accounting Manager, this position preforms professional-level accounting work, including preparation of general ledger entries, account reconciliations, month-end close activities, and support for related entities. The Accountant helps ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), nonprofit fund accounting standards, and internal controls while supporting efficient and effective accounting operations. The ideal candidate is detail orientated, analytical, committed to continuous improvement, and capable of working independently while collaborating across teams.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Prepare and enter monthly general ledger entries in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and nonprofit fund accounting standards.
2. Prepare and complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations and supporting documentation to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records.
3. Support month-end close activities, including all journal entries, reconciliation tracking, and subledger adjustments associated with monthly gift processing and related accounting functions. Perform daily accounting activities and financial support for affiliated entities, including customer invoicing, journal entry preparation, reconciliation activities, and preliminary financial statement preparation.
4. Assist with monthly and quarterly reconciliations of payroll, benefit, retirement, PTO, and other liability accounts.
5. Research, analyze, and resolve accounting discrepancies, account variances, and reconciliation issues.
6. Prepare reports, schedules, and supporting documentation from financial systems to support operational and management reporting needs.
7. Assist with annual audit and tax preparation activities, including workpaper preparation, sample selection, supporting documentation, and information requests.
8. Utilize financial systems and technology platforms efficiently while ensuring transactions are appropriately coded and recorded.
9. Document procedures, identify process improvement opportunities, and actively contribute to initiatives that enhance departmental efficiency and effectiveness.
10. Provide responsive and professional customer service to internal and external stakeholders regarding accounting-related questions and requests.
11. Foster and maintain a professional, proactive, positive, highly collaborative and performance-centric work environment.
12. Fulfill other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time.

SPECIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Strong knowledge of and ability to independently apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”).
2. Demonstrated ability to learn and effectively leverage emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence tools, while maintaining appropriate data governance, confidentiality, and professional judgment.
3. Commitment to continuous learning, process improvement, and operational excellence.
4. CPA preferred (or CPA candidate), not required.
5. Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Excel.
6. Ability to learn new software and tools to create task efficiencies.
7. Ability to analyze and interpret accounting information and various policies and procedures.
8. Ability to identify and solve problems, research and analyze data and account errors, and reconcile accounts.
9. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey accounting information in a clear and concise manner that can be understood by non-accountants.
10. Well-organized, efficient, able to work independently and meet deadlines.
11. Ability to complete quality work with a high degree of accuracy.
12. Effective interpersonal skills including ability to work with a diverse group of individuals in a positive team atmosphere and to establish and maintain working relationships.
13. Ability to perform work with a high standard of professional ethics.

BENEFITS:

The MSU Alumni Foundation offers a comprehensive benefit package which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance (all of which are 90-100% employer-paid for employee-only coverage), 403(b) retirement plan with 7% employer contribution after 1-year anniversary, up to 5 weeks’ paid time-off, 11 paid holidays, tuition assistance and more. 

APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT:

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, a resume, and three professional references online. Recruitment will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The MSU Alumni Foundation is an equal employment opportunity employer who believes that diversity, equity and inclusion allow us to better serve our students and communities and are critical to supporting the mission of Montana State University as a land grant institution.