Accounting Associate III, Human Resource Services

The Human Resources Department invites applications for an Accounting Associate III to join their team. This position is responsible for the timely and accurate remittance of payments to vendors and/or government agencies for all monies withheld from employee paychecks and employer payroll liabilities. Payments are processed using Banner accounts payable system, Griz Mart, or journal vouchers completing various deadlines and legal requirements of making withholding payments.

This position will ensure that the University of Montana is in compliance with all laws in regards to the employment of Nonresident aliens. Candidate must be able to work closely with departmental contacts and nonresident aliens to ensure compliance with the complex set of regulations. Calculates Substantial Presence Test for all nonresident aliens and ensures appropriate payroll taxation according to IRS regulations. Position will calculate employees’ average hours for health insurance eligibility according to the ACA (Affordable Care Act) laws and regulations. Assist in the annual ACA review to determine eligibility for health insurance at the beginning of the MUS Benefits Plan year. The position will process bank deposits of all monies received for Human Resource Services and retirement pension reports.

Incumbent will be responsible for reconciling the Payroll Liability Agency Accounts in excess of $120 million each year and creating necessary adjustments as needed. Assists in the preparation of annual wage and tax statements, such as W-2s and 1042s for legal recipients; processes department invoices in Griz Mart; prepares and enters journal vouchers to allocate expenses appropriately to other departments; and allocates Procard charges monthly to the appropriate expense accounts and ensures compliance to the Procard procedures.

Additionally, responsible for calculating, printing and entering manual checks into Banner; processing EFT Rejects, Warrant Cancellations and Warrant Replacement Request, and entering taxable fringe benefits into Banner for payroll processing. Answer employee inquiries regarding paycheck deductions or changes.

This position requires incumbent to develop a working knowledge of UM payroll and accounting processes and procedures. Also, a thorough knowledge of UM, HRS, and MUS Staff Compensation policies, practices and procedures will be expected post-training. Position will require the candidate to develop a working knowledge of Banner, Griz Mart, International Tax Navigator, and retirement agencies web application; as well as the ability to research and interpret University, Board of Regents, state and federal regulations, policies and procedures.

Required Skills

• Expertise in the operation of personal computers and a variety of software programs
• Basic understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and the ability to analyze & reconcile data in various formats
• Ability to work closely and maintain professional relationships with departmental contacts to ensure compliance with a complex set of regulations
• Polished communication skills, including the ability to effectively write professional memos, letters, emails, documents, and reports
• Consistently exercise initiative, diplomacy, and good judgment
• Detail oriented in order to achieve the highest level of accuracy
• Demonstrated ability to create spreadsheets and databases in order to use information for tracking and analysis
• Ability to enforce relevant policies and rules and do so with diplomacy and deliver negative information with tact
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Be self-directed and self-motivated, adapt to frequently changing priorities, and be able to organize and prioritize multiple work assignments

Minimum Required Experience

• High School diploma and three (3) years of proven basic bookkeeping and/or payroll experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Accounting

About the Human Resources Department and UM

Human Resource Services is dedicated to providing support to attract and retain a talented and diverse group of outstanding faculty, staff, and professionals to create an organizational climate that encourages a high level of professionalism, service, performance, and dedication.

The University of Montana is a unit of the Montana University System with over 10,000 students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 72,000, surrounded by mountain grandeur which was recently ranked in the “ top 20 best college towns with a population of less than 250,000 ” by the American Institute for Economic Research and ranked 9th in Outside Magazine’s “ The 16 Greatest Places to Live in America” in 2014 . Many national publications recognize Missoula for its high quality of life . Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.



To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
• Video: UM Lifestyles
• University Highlights

Position Details

Position Title: Accounting Associate III

Position Number: 013410

Department: Human Resource Services

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year.

Salary: $12.50 - $14.59/hr –Current employee’s rate of pay for this position will be determined by the staff compensation plan and will minimally be this posted salary. For questions and details regarding the staff compensation plan, email the Compensation Department .

Union Affiliation: None

Probationary Period: Six months minimum

Benefits Include : Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).


How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2020 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular