Chief Financial Officer

Why live in Helena, Montana?

Helena is Montana’s capital city of about 75,000 people, surrounded by rolling hills and lofty mountains just below the Continental Divide, offering a quiet place to call home where small‑town living meets year‑round outdoor adventure.

Why should you keep reading and consider working here?

We know you have other work options, but we invite you to consider joining us at the State of Montana Department of Administration. As a customer service–focused organization, we provide centralized services, specialized support, and practical solutions to state agencies, boards, and commissions, as well as local governments across Montana. Our vision is to transform how government services are delivered and accessed, serving state government with effective, efficient, and customer‑driven solutions that benefit all Montanans. (You can learn more about us here.) 

What is this career opportunity?
As the department’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), you will lead a team of thirteen professionals in the Office of Finance & Budget (OFB) to drive strategic financial planning and budgeting, accounting, and internal audit functions. Reporting to the Deputy Director in the Director’s Office, you will provide executive-level leadership and oversight of the department’s financial operations, ensuring fiscal integrity, transparency, and alignment with department and statewide priorities.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead development of financial models and strategies to support both existing operations and proposed programs.

• Establish, document, and communicate department-wide accounting policies and financial reporting standards.

• Develop and manage timely, dynamic multi-year budgets aligned with the agency’s strategic priorities.

• Serve as the department’s internal control officer, overseeing the design, implementation, and monitoring of internal control policies and procedures.

• Act as Agency Security Officer for financial systems, ensuring appropriate access controls and regulatory compliance.

• Administer the Montana Unified Volume Cap Bond Allocation Act.

• Collaborate with the Governor’s Budget Office, Board of Examiners, agency partners, and bond counsel on bond issuance and related activities.

• Direct and oversee fiscal year-end closing processes to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Coordinate with the Legislative Audit Division on audits and related follow-up activities.

• Partner with agency leadership to provide financial analysis, insights, and strategic guidance to support informed decision-making aligned with departmental goals.

• Represent the department and testify before legislative committees on matters relating budget and other financial matters.

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field.

• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in governmental finance, accounting, budgeting, or internal audit, including supervisory or leadership experience.

• Alternative combinations of relevant education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Preferred experience and certifications:

• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a permit or license to practice or activate an inactive license within 6 months of hire.

• Experience working with legislative processes, bond issuance, or complex funding structures is preferred.

What are we looking for?

To thrive in this role from day one, you should demonstrate the following skills:

• Significant experience in governmental accounting, budgeting, or financial management.

• Strong knowledge of public sector financial regulations, internal controls, and audit practices.

• Demonstrated experience with financial modeling, multi-year budgeting, and strategic financial planning.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and forecasting skills for revenue and expenditure planning.

• Proven ability to lead teams, manage competing priorities, and communicate complex financial information to diverse stakeholders.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to advise executive leadership and legislative stakeholders.

Does this sound like you?

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume, cover letter, and three professional business references. (Please Note: You do not need to complete the “work experience” or the “education & certifications” portion of the application process in our recruiting system. You only need to upload the requested documentation.)

What can you expect from us in return for your hard work?

Ø  Look here to see the additional benefits! They include:

o  Work/life Balance

o  Health Coverage

o  Retirement plans

o  Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays

o  And more…

Ø  Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Other important information to be aware of.

• This position requires successful completion of a criminal background check.

• Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you are able to receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

• The Department of Administration participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.  After accepting a job offer and completing form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.   For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/.