Accountant

Put Your Accounting Skills to Work for Your Community

The City of Missoula is seeking a motivated and detail-driven professional to join our team as an Accountant. In this essential role, you’ll support the City's financial operations by performing a variety of accounting tasks, from preparing reports and reconciling records to analyzing financial data and ensuring compliance with governmental standards.

If you have a passion for numbers, a strong sense of integrity, and an interest in public service, this is your opportunity to apply your skills in a meaningful way. You’ll collaborate with departments across the City, assist in budget planning, support long-term financial strategies, and help ensure that taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly and transparently.

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, enjoys solving problems, and is eager to grow their career in municipal finance. Join our team and be a part of building a financially sustainable future for Missoula.

Screening of applications will begin on Monday, April 21, 2025. Applicants applying on or after this date will only be considered if a competitive applicant pool is not received. 

To Apply: All applicants must submit the City of Missoula application AND Cover Letter explaining your interest in this position and detailing how your experience and education meet the qualifications.

Resumes will not be reviewed. All details should be entered on the application. 

** The full range for the position is $31.98 - 38.09/hour and will increase each year for longevity and cost of living adjustments.

• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of the City's financial records, including general ledger entries, accounts payable and receivable.
• Perform monthly and year-end closing procedures in a timely and orderly manner.
• Assist with the preparation of financial statements and reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with established guidelines and regulations.
• Reconcile bank statements to the general ledger; analyze and reconcile general ledger accounts; research and resolve discrepancies concerning financial records and accounts.
• Monitor departmental expenditures for budgetary compliance; review major expenditures for accuracy of account codes and adherence to budgets, contracts, and grants.
• Provide support in the development of revenue projections and cash flow analyses for various funds.
• Assist departments in developing budget goals and objectives; provide financial and budgetary planning assistance to City departments.
• Advise and train fellow employees on proper accounting coding and procedures.
• Utilize quantitative and statistical methods to forecast revenues and perform cost/benefit analyses; design financial and budgetary reports using computer spreadsheets, graphs, charts, databases, and word processing software.
• Respond to inquiries and resolve problems for vendors, department heads, and others regarding accounting functions.
• Assist in maintaining capital assets records; may provide backup and support for various duties performed by senior accountant positions.
• Perform internal financial and performance analysis of programs and operations; assist in the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report; coordinate and prepare working papers; answer technical questions.
• Assist with cost accounting and managerial accounting; assist with development of Official Statements for bond offerings; provide financial support in the administration of the City’s utility billing, debt administration, and cash management functions; reconcile budget documents to financial software systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of public sector financial administration principles and practices, including basic governmental accounting and financial reporting, debt administration, and budgeting.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and  Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements, regulations, and guidelines.
• Knowledge of or the ability to learn state budgetary accounting and reporting system (BARS) as it applies to local governments
• Knowledge of grant administration and auditing procedures.
• Proficiency in financial analysis, research, and reporting.
• Skill in understanding and interpreting complex laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Skill in evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of city operations and proposed programs.
• Skill in multi-fund governmental budget preparation and operations.
• Skill in communicating, both in person and in writing.
• Skill in problem-solving and decision-making.
• Skill in financial research, analysis, and preparing reports and recommendations.
• Skill in performing account reconciliations, identifying discrepancies, and ensuring accuracy in financial records.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with elected officials, city employees, businesses, and citizens.
• Skill in utilizing various computer software and databases, including Microsoft 365 and accounting software with the ability to learn job-specific applications and equipment. 
• Ability to maintain and exhibit integrity and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to resolve conflicts with facilitating outcomes while maintaining a calm demeanor.
• Ability to learn and interpret departmental and City of Missoula policies, practices, and procedures, including the Missoula Municipal Code, City Administrative Rules, and other laws and regulations related to pay practices and governmental reporting.

Education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in accounting, financial management, or a related field with coursework in municipal finance and budgeting, plus one (1) year of accounting and finance experience utilizing a computerized accounting system, or an equivalent combination of education and experience equal to five (5) years. Governmental accounting experience is preferred.

Salary : $66,518 - $74,755