Accounting Associate III, Flathead Lake Biological Station

The Flathead Lake Biological Station invites applications for an Accounting Associate III to join their team. This position will be supervised by the Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) Budget Analyst III who will provide training, guidance and support. The work completed by the person in this position will need to be done with a high level of organization, detail and exactitude, and in compliance with UM, State and Federal policies and procedures.

Key duties and responsibilities of this position include:

• Competently manage, monitor, and reconcile large volumes of fiscal records for the Flathead Lake Biological Station
• Assist with accounts payable, accounts receivable, and procurement activities, including purchase orders, requisitions, inter-unit journals, petty cash, and cash handling
• Process invoices for payment using GrizMart, Procard and Banner
• Maintain internal electronic bookkeeping system for financial records and reconciliation to Banner/UMDW/ InfoGriz reports for state, designated, auxiliary, grant, and gift funds
• Compile monthly reports for all accounts using resources available through the University of Montana (UM)
• Perform job-costing analysis
• Perform payroll data entry and verification
• Complete travel and reimbursement processing
• Perform purchasing duties in compliance to policies and procedures
• Maintain files and inventory records of equipment purchased
• Prepare electronic forms and letters
• Perform data entry
• Monitor grant/contract reporting requirements and communicate with PIs
• Assist PIs and researchers to develop budgets as requested for proposals and grants/contracts
• Serve as back-up receptionist/administrative associate
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Upon completion of training, the incumbent will have developed:

• Highly functional knowledge of financial systems and accounting codes utilized by UM (such as Banner, ProCard, UMDW, InfoGriz, GrizMart)
• Strong knowledge of governmental accounting principles/practices and University, Federal, State and private funding agency policies and procedures, and correct application of pertinent federal regulations to monitor and track account expenditures
• Ability to complete assigned duties in compliance with all UM requirements and Montana Board of Regents’ policies
• Ability to work with FLBS leadership and faculty to assist with budget creation, execution, and tracking of programmatic financial transactions including grants
• Ability to monitor grant activity and reconcile accounts
• This position will have the opportunity to take the necessary trainings working towards becoming the FLBS Departmental Research Administrator overseeing research grant proposals, awards and activities if desired. Once trained, this position will help FLBS PIs prepare proposals (especially budgets) and work with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Pre-Award and Post-Award Sponsored Programs Specialists

Required Skills

• Ability to processing a high volume of transactions and documentation with a high level of both precision and accuracy.
• Knowledge of accounting and budget management practices and procedures
• Ability to understand contract language
• Skill in the operation of personal computers and related word processing, spreadsheet and database software (Word, Excel, Microsoft Office, Outlook); ability to learn new software quickly
• Professional communication skills with the ability to communicate FLBS financial & accounting practices as well as procurement processes, budgets, etc. to a diverse group of individuals
• Ability to research, analyze data, and provide appropriate reports
• Ability to problem solve, exercise sound judgment, and maintain a professional demeanor and confidentiality
• Project management skills—taking an assignment from inception to completion
• Knowledge of or ability to learn: BANNER Financial System; GrizMart; ProCard; PaymentWorks; UMDW, InfoGriz and Procard; acceptable accounting principles and practices; UM and FLBS accounting policies and procedures; budgeting and record keeping practices and procedures; and standard office practices and procedures
• Ability in math; extensive computer skills to include mastery of Word and Excel, Internet, E-mail, etc.; ten-key data entry; problem-solving and interpretation of financial information; data entry; customer service and cashiering
• Knowledge of or ability to learn: accounts receivables/payables; bookkeeping and office practices; vendor/product information and purchasing guidelines
• Ability in use computers, excellent written and verbal communication skills, problem-solving; record keeping; negotiating skills; multitasking; and customer service
• Knowledge of or ability to learn: Cayuse Research Management system, pre- and post-award responsibilities related to grant/contract management and sponsored programs
• Ability to assist with budget and proposal preparation; contract and subcontract document preparation; professional accounting work in managing grant and contract activities

Minimum Required Experience

• High School diploma and three (3) years of directly related professional accounting experience; or any combination of experience and education that would provide the competencies required to successfully discharge the essential duties assigned to this position

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree in accounting, finance or a related field
• Knowledge of and familiarity with UM procedures and systems including Banner Finance, UMDW, GrizMart and/or ability to learn and apply UM policies, procedures and finance systems
• Knowledge of payroll processing, Procurement, Accounts Payable and Receivable, and UM Procard procedures
• Knowledge of State, Federal, and University guidelines and regulations concerning grant and fiscal management
• Demonstrated ability to monitor grant activity and reconcile associated accounts accordingly

About the Flathead Lake Biological Station and UM

The Flathead Lake Biological Station is a field research and teaching facility designated as a Center of Excellence of the University of Montana. The mission of the Bio Station is to conduct basic and applied research in ecology with an emphasis on freshwater; provide field ecology courses for college students, K-12 teachers and natural resource professionals; train graduate students for professional or teaching careers; and, provide scientific data, interpretation and outreach to help resolve environmental problems and inform public policy locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Being 80 miles north of UM, FLBS runs its own mini-campus. The faculty and staff operate multiple laboratories and generate and maintain natural resource databases in support of public and resource management agencies as well as research programs at the Bio Station.

Our facilities host a mix of users including from FLBS, UM, other universities, local schools, management agencies, conservation groups, and professional groups. Our facilities are housed on 80 acres adjacent to Flathead Lake and include resident housing, dormitory rooms, cabins, dining hall, a sewage treatment facility, physical plant, motor pool (including multiple boats), fire station, classrooms, meeting rooms, research laboratories, office buildings, library, museum and long-term research locations off-site elsewhere in the Flathead watershed. In short, there are a lot of moving parts.

The University of Montana is flagship, research institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains and three rivers converge. 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, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
• Video: Mission First, People Always
• UM on YouTube

Position Details

Position Title: Accounting Associate III

Position Number: NEW

Department: FLBS

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: $15.09/hr

Union Affiliation: FOCUS-MFPE

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: Thursday, February 10, 2022 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 via "New Resume/CV" button below

*Please note, only five (5) attachments allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

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 Polson, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular