SPECIAL INFORMATION:

 

·      The nature of this job may require long work hours during peak times.

This is advanced professional level accounting work for the Administrative Services Division of the Montana State Court Administrator’s office. Work involves responsibility for all financial and grant activities.

 

The accounting activity carried out by the position is a key financial function of the State Court Administrator’s office and involves complex programmatic/accounting and reporting. The position exercises independent judgment regarding allocations, distributions, and feasibility of applications and is responsible for evaluation of budget and finance functions and activities as well as accounting for funds in accordance with established statutes, court rules, policies, procedures, and regulations. Supervision is generally not exercised but may be done on a project basis.

 

The Division Director reviews work based on final reports and audits. 

Essential Functions: (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed)

 

·      Prepares financial reports using knowledge of State of Montana SABHRS, federal grant regulations, contract requirements, internal policies, and financial accounting standards.

·      Provides accurate and reliable financial data, including long-range financial forecasts, to manage budgets, funds, and grants.

·      Prepares monthly financial analyses of selected accounting entities by analyzing spreadsheets and other data; prepares financial analyses of SABHRS information associated with the preparation of financial reports in accordance with grant or contract requirements.

·      Reviews and analyzes Supreme Court and District Court accounting systems, practices and procedures and makes recommendations for improvements and corrective actions.

·      Develops and reviews budget and finance reports, administrative orders, court rules, policies, and procedures.

·      Compiles and analyzes budget and finance reports and court audit information to monitor expenditures, make recommendations, and plan for future court expenditures.

·      Reviews court financial transactions for compliance with regulations and budgetary limitations.

·      Designs spreadsheets and systems to comply with reporting requirements by researching requirements and applying knowl­edge of accounting programs and their applications. Prepares documentation to establish or modify accounting spreadsheet applications to implement changes.

·      Updates and maintains accounting applications (data bases, systems, procedures, etc.).

·      Recommends District Court financial recordkeeping practices to the Supreme Court; conducts audits upon request to improve financial structures, processes, and procedures.

·      Assists in developing and adopting budget and financial policies and procedures for administration of state funding of the District Courts.

·      Assists in establishing procedures for the distribution and accountability of monies in legal assistance for indigent victims of domestic violence accounts.

·      Provides staff assistance and support to committees and workgroups involving court budget and finance issues; researches and responds to inquiries from the Legislative Auditor and Fiscal Analysts and acts as liaison during audits.

 

         Considerable knowledge of governmental accounting.

         Considerable knowledge of the concepts and theories of financial reporting requirements.

         Considerable knowledge of the accounting requirements of extensive and complex programs related to the state funding, grants, and other fund sources.

 

         Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public and business administration, budgeting and financial management, governmental and cost accounting, fiscal policy including sources of revenue, auditing, and court funding.

Considerable knowledge of the legal requirements and regulations affecting fiscal management, planning, and implementation.

 

Considerable knowledge of automated financial management systems.

 

Considerable knowledge of the State of Montana SABHRS system or similar system.

 

Ability to apply accounting principles and techniques.

 

Ability to prepare financial statements and technical reports in accordance with regulations and requirements.

 

Ability to manage funds and monitor expenditures.

 

Ability to analyze, audit and interpret accounting records, financial statements, and budget and accounting reports for completion, accuracy, and recommend effective courses of action.

 

Ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date records and documentation.

 

Skill in the operation of personal computer equipment.

 

Skill in utilizing spreadsheet, word processing, and graphic software applications.

 

Experience working with the SABHRS system is preferred.

 

Work is performed primarily in an office setting.

 

 

Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, and carrying items under 25 pounds.

 

Qualifications: (Any combination of training and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, abilities and skills listed above.)

 

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, finance, accounting, or closely related field and considerable progressively responsible government budgeting and accounting experience in an automated environment.

 

 

Montana driver’s license; proof of insurance if using a personal vehicle on State business.