PUC Jobs Board

The Public Service Commission (PSC) seeks an accounting professional to be responsible for the agency’s accounting and fiscal activities, analysis of impacts to the budget, and monthly financial analysis to ensure compliance with governmental accounting. The successful candidate will enjoy working with an accounting technician and our team of highly motivated staff who collaborate on interesting, meaningful, and critical work. Together we strive to meet our agency's goal of providing extraordinary service to the citizens of Montana.

Responsibilities:

• Prepares accounting transactions, accounts receivable, accounts payable, travel reimbursements, and payroll utilizing Statewide Accounting, Budgeting and Human Resources System (SABHRS).
• Analyzes and maintains ledgers, journals, registers, and reconciles statements with records and accounting transactions.
• Completes financial reports, reconciliations, and performs fiscal year end closing activities.
• Provides financial information or testimony to legislative committees, and/or other public forums as assigned.
• Monitors state and federal budget and provides recommendations on budget proposals, cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation.
• Analyzes financial activities and assists with designing and implementing internal controls.

Required Application Materials:

A completed Montana state application, cover letter, and resume.

Benefits Provided: On the first day of employment, employees and eligible dependents receive health coverage with medical, dental, vision, and prescriptions including free health care provided by the Montana Health Care Center. Wellness programs, life insurance, and retirement plan choices are offered. New employees also receive prorated 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, and paid holidays including a floating holiday. Flexible schedules may be considered as work/life balance is healthy and encouraged.

The Montana Department of Public Service Regulation (DPSR) is a small state agency with a big impact. We are headed by 5 elected commissioners (the Commission) representing every region of beautiful Montana. Commonly referred to as the Public Service Commission (PSC), our agency is staffed by a team of approximately 33 professionals in the Legal, Regulatory, and Centralized Services Divisions. The PSC is responsible for supervising monopolistic industries within Montana to ensure fair prices, responsible business practices, and sustainable, reliable service for the Montana customers who rely upon them. Regulated industries currently include privately held power, water, sewer, telecommunications, sanitation, and certain commercial transportation providers. The PSC also plays a vital role in railway and pipeline safety. The agency has a clear and well-defined strategic plan to enhance our operations, work environment, and value to the public.

Employees enjoy a personable work environment with individual offices. Staff members are encouraged to cross-train with other positions, providing an opportunity for diversified professional experiences and advancement. The PSC provides ample parking in a private parking lot immediately adjacent to our ground-floor office space, and the building is conveniently located between two of Helena’s least congested thoroughfares -- making the drive, walk or ride to work quick and easy.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of state governmental accounting systems, state and federal rules, departmental accounting needs, payroll process; and budget requirements, state and federal reporting, and internal control concepts.
• Knowledge of governmental Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including public speaking.
• Specialized accounting and mathematical computation skills.
• Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent time management, organization, initiative, flexibility, impartiality, and attention to detail skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel spreadsheet skills and Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Ability to recognize and resolve accounting and budget problems within legal limitations.
• Ability to interpret and analyze accounting records, rules, policies, and laws.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships, work independently and within a team.
• Ability to maintain documentation to support internal control objectives.
• Ability to learn and apply governmental accounting and internal control concepts.
• Ability to provide verbal and written presentations of complex topics to non-expert audiences.
• Ability to interpret and analyze accounting records, rules, policies, requirements, and laws.
• Ability to adhere to professional and confidential standards and proper release of information.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or related field OR four years of related accounting experience to substitute for the degree.
• Four years of state government financial accounting, SABHRS, and reporting experience.
• Extensive experience with SABHRS Financials and SABHRS HR preferred.
• Highly preferred Montana Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or ability to earn CPA.
• Alternate qualifications may be considered.