Senior Accountant

• Administrator:  Controller
• Preferred Experience:  Three to five years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including preparation of complex journal entries, account reconciliations, and audit or tax schedules. Experience in nonprofit or fund accounting is preferred. 
• Education Required:  Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or closely related field
• Certification Preferred:  CPA or CPA candidate preferred, not required
• Overtime Status:  Exempt, not eligible for overtime
• FTE and Benefits:  1.0 FTE, eligible for full employment benefits
• Location:  Onsite in Bozeman, MT; hybrid opportunities may be available based on performance
• Preferred Start Date:  September 28, 2026

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senior Accountant of the Montana State University Alumni Foundation ("Alumni Foundation”) performs advanced professional accounting work that supports the accuracy, integrity, and timely completion of the Alumni Foundation’s financial records. Reporting to the Controller, this position independently prepares complex journal entries, reconciliations, analyses, and audit and tax workpapers; supports month-end and year-end close activities; and researches non-routine accounting matters. The Senior Accountant serves as an experienced accounting resource and contributes to process improvement and internal control compliance. This is an individual contributor role and does not have responsibility for managing staff or providing final approval of the work of others.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Prepare and post complex monthly and recurring general ledger journal entries in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit fund accounting standards, including entries involving payroll, accruals, allocations, investments, and related entities.
2. Prepare and complete complex monthly and quarterly balance sheet reconciliations and supporting schedules; research and resolve variances, aged items, and discrepancies.
3. Independently manage assigned components of the month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries, reconciliation tracking, subledger adjustments, and completion of supporting documentation within established deadlines.
4. Prepare accounting records and schedules for affiliated entities, including customer invoicing, journal entries, reconciliations, and preliminary financial reporting support.
5. Prepare and analyze payroll, benefit, retirement, paid time off, and other liability account entries and reconciliations.
6. Prepare investment pool schedules and related reconciliations, including verification of activity and balances to supporting records.
7. Research non-routine gifts, transactions, and accounting issues; document findings and recommend appropriate accounting treatment to the Controller.
8. Prepare complex annual audit and tax workpapers, testing samples, reconciliations, and supporting documentation; respond to assigned information requests from external auditors and tax preparers.
9. Prepare and support the annual Spending Distribution process, including calculations, reconciliations, and validation of supporting data.
10. Prepare budget-to-actual analyses, financial reports, and schedules from accounting systems; identify significant variances or unusual activity for follow-up with the Controller and appropriate stakeholders.
11. Provide clear, responsive, and professional support to internal and external stakeholders regarding assigned accounting questions, reports, and requests.
12. Maintain accounting procedures and documentation, identify process improvement opportunities, and contribute to enhancements in internal controls, financial systems, and task automation.
13. Use financial systems and technology platforms efficiently, including emerging artificial intelligence tools, while maintaining appropriate data governance, confidentiality, and professional judgment.
14. Foster and maintain a professional, proactive, positive, highly collaborative, and performance-focused work environment.
15. Fulfill other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Duties and responsibilities may change at any time.

SPECIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Strong knowledge of and demonstrated ability to independently apply GAAP and nonprofit fund accounting principles to complex accounting transactions.
2. Ability to prepare complex journal entries, reconciliations, analyses, and supporting schedules with a high degree of accuracy.
3. Ability to research accounting issues, analyze data and account errors, document conclusions, and elevate matters requiring final review or approval.
4. Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Excel and the ability to learn and effectively use financial systems, automation tools, and emerging technologies.
5. Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning, process improvement, internal controls, and operational excellence.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain accounting information clearly and concisely to non-accountants.
7. Well-organized and able to prioritize multiple assignments, work independently, collaborate effectively, and meet deadlines.
8. Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with a diverse group of individuals.
9. Ability to perform work with a high standard of professional ethics, confidentiality, and judgment.

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-yr anniversary, up to 5 weeks’ paid time-off, 11 paid holidays, tuition assistance and more. 

APPLICATIONS 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.