Accountant
Montana Legal Services Association • Helena, MT • Full Time
Posted on Sat, May 30, 2026
The Accountant plays a key role in supporting the daily operations of a nonprofit legal aid organization dedicated to expanding access to justice. This role focuses on general ledger activities to support the financial management of grant-funded programs while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and proper reporting. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to the mission of legal aid, with a genuine interest in serving underserved communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with closing processes, including accruals, adjusting entries, and financial statement preparation.
- Reconcile bank accounts and other balance sheet accounts monthly and resolve discrepancies.
- Monitor grant expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets, cost principles, and funding restrictions.
- Assist with payroll process, including allocations between funding sources.
- Cross train with accounts payable, payroll and reviewing, to serve as a backup.
- Support annual audits and grant-specific audits by preparing schedules, documentation, and responses.
- Ensure expenses align with grant agreements and regulations; maintain supporting documentation for audits.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- 2–5 years of accounting experience, preferably in nonprofit or grant accounting
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting systems (e.g., MIP, Sage Intacct, Blackbaud, or similar).
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple grants and deadlines simultaneously.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred
- Knowledge of fund accounting and cost allocation methodologies.
- Familiarity with nonprofit financial reporting and restricted funds.
- Experience working in a nonprofit, legal, or social services environment.
Mission Alignment
- Demonstrated interest in and commitment to the mission of legal aid and expanding access to justice.
- Ability and willingness to work cooperatively and collegially with multiple timelines within a decentralized statewide law firm.
- Sensitivity to the needs of low-income and vulnerable populations.
- Ability to interact respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Respect for confidentiality and strong ethical judgment.
Work Environment
- Hybrid work environment.
- Primarily sedentary and performed in an office environment, requiring regular computer use and the ability to alternate between sitting and standing at a workstation for most of the workday.