The Accounting Associate III processes the financial records for the College of Forestry and Conservation (CFC) and the Montana Forest and Conservation Experiment Station. This position consists of data entry, payroll processing, grant monitoring, invoicing and form processing, creation of detailed financial reports and reconciliation of State, Designated, Auxiliary and grant budgets. Position also provides financial guidance and support to CFC, MFCES, University departments and others. Duties included but are not limited to: maintaining financial records; analyzing and interpreting accounting information and preparing financial reports for the Dean, Department Chairs and the Accounting Manager; performing payroll functions for the department; correctly processing hiring paperwork, time rosters, time cards, and graduate assistant contracts; monitoring grant activity and reconciling grant accounts using Banner Finance and CFC’s in-house accounting programs; providing assistance to faculty, staff, students, other university departments, various funding agencies and vendors; processing forms and invoices regarding purchasing, making travel arrangements and utilizing the University’s purchasing card; processing necessary paperwork and transactions in an accurate and timely manner.

Position will demonstrate: knowledge of or ability to learn The University of Montana, Federal, State, and private funding agency policies and procedures; ability to analyze and interpret accounting information; knowledge of State, Federal, and University guidelines and regulations concerning accounting and fiscal management; ability to process related paperwork and perform keyboard entry with the ability to recognize and correct errors; ability to use common sense approaches in making sound decisions; demonstrated oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey accounting information in a clear and understandable manner to various individuals; demonstrated knowledge of professional office practices and procedures; business English, spelling, composition, and grammar, including the ability to write, edit, and layout documents in a variety of formats suitable for intended audience; demonstrated skill in fast, accurate keyboarding, proofreading and editing.

High school graduation and three (3) years of progressive accounting experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and education

Demonstrated intermediate knowledge and experience in accounting principles and practices

Ability to analyze and interpret accounting information and prepare financial reports

Ability to monitor grant activity and reconcile grant accounts

Skill in the use of personal computers and related word processing, spreadsheet and database software (MS Excel, Word, Access), with the ability to learn new software

Demonstrated effective interpersonal, public relations and communication skills including the ability to work with a diverse group of individuals

Ability to maintain a consistently professional, personable demeanor

Proven ability to set priorities, delegate tasks and pay close attention to detail

1. Describe your professional work experience and/or education as it relates to this position. Why are you interested in this position?

2. Please describe a job (if applicable) where you have had to perform the following functions:
a. Creating and balancing accounting entries
b. Monitoring and reconciling grant accounts
c. Invoicing expenses
d. Processing payroll

3. Describe your problem solving, organizational, and prioritizing skills. What methods do you use to organize and prioritize your work?

4. Please explain your experience communicating complex and detailed processes, procedures and guidelines to others.