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Controller In Accounting Jobs in Bozeman, MT (NOW HIRING)

This role ensures accurate financial reporting and supports the Controller, General Manager, and Corporate Director of Finance in all accounting operations. Essential Functions and Duties:

Staff Accountant

Big Sky, MT · On-site

$61K - $80K/yr

This role assists the Controller in directing the financial activities of the hotel, safeguarding the assets, and preparing all financial reports in accordance with generally accepted accounting ...

Staff Accountant

Big Sky, MT

$61K - $80K/yr

This role assists the Controller in directing the financial activities of the hotel, safeguarding the assets, and preparing all financial reports in accordance with generally accepted accounting ...

Description Kendall Auto Group is one of the largest family owned and operated dealers in the ... by Controller and Office Manager The required schedule for the position is Monday - Friday 8am ...

Staff Accountant

Livingston, MT · On-site

$55K - $73K/yr

Controller Position Status: Full-Time, Exempt Position Summary: The Staff Accountant supports the ... Key Responsibilities: * Assist with general and cost accounting functions in accordance with ...

Staff Accountant

Livingston, MT · On-site

$55K - $73K/yr

Controller Position Status: Full-Time, Exempt Position Summary: The Staff Accountant supports the ... Key Responsibilities: * Assist with general and cost accounting functions in accordance with ...

Staff Accountant

Livingston, MT · On-site

$55K - $73K/yr

Controller Position Status: Full-Time, Exempt Position Summary: The Staff Accountant supports the ... Key Responsibilities: * Assist with general and cost accounting functions in accordance with ...

Apply Early

Staff Accountant

Belgrade, MT · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

This role will work closely with the Accounting Manager, Controller, and other team members ... Participate in month-end close tasks, including preparation of journal entries and reconciliation ...

Staff Accountant

Belgrade, MT · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

This role will work closely with the Accounting Manager, Controller, and other team members ... · Participate in month-end close tasks, including preparation of journal entries and ...

Apply Early

Staff Accountant

Belgrade, MT · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

This role will work closely with the Accounting Manager, Controller, and other team members ... • Participate in month-end close tasks, including preparation of journal entries and ...

Assistant Comptroller

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$82K - $91K/yr

POSITION OVERVIEW This position is located in the Finance Department/Accounting Office and is responsible for professional-level accounting duties in support of the Comptroller. This work involves ...

S. Citizen without dual citizenship - Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Management, Accounting or a related field OR equivalent combination of education and relevant work ...

S. Citizen without dual citizenship - Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Management, Accounting or a related field OR equivalent combination of education and relevant work ...

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Controller In Accounting information

See Bozeman, MT salary details

$49K

$107.4K

$164.3K

How much do controller in accounting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for controller in accounting in Bozeman, MT is $107,430.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,700.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?

A Controller in accounting can potentially earn $500,000 annually, especially in large corporations or senior executive roles, often including bonuses and profit sharing. However, such high compensation levels are uncommon and typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications like CPA or CMA, and leadership responsibilities. Most accountants and controllers earn significantly less, with salaries varying based on industry, location, and company size.

What does a controller do in accounting?

A controller in accounting is responsible for overseeing the company's financial reporting, maintaining accounting records, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. They manage financial statements, budgets, and internal controls, often using accounting software, and typically hold certifications like CPA. The role involves supervising accounting staff and providing financial analysis to support management decisions.

Who is higher, CFO or controller?

In accounting, the Controller is responsible for overseeing internal accounting operations, while the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) holds a higher executive position overseeing the company's overall financial strategy, including accounting, finance, and risk management. The CFO typically reports to the CEO and has broader responsibilities than the Controller.

Is controller a high level position?

A controller in accounting is a senior management position responsible for overseeing financial reporting, internal controls, and accounting policies. It typically requires extensive experience, advanced knowledge of accounting standards, and often a CPA certification, making it a high-level role within an organization.

What are Controllers in Accounting?

Controllers in accounting are senior professionals responsible for overseeing the financial operations of an organization. They manage accounting records, ensure compliance with financial regulations, and prepare financial reports such as balance sheets and income statements. Controllers often supervise accounting staff, develop internal controls, and collaborate with executive management to support budgeting and strategic planning. Their role is essential in maintaining the financial integrity and accuracy of a company’s finances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Controller in Accounting, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controller in Accounting, you need in-depth knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance, typically backed by a CPA or similar credential and a relevant degree. Familiarity with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, advanced Excel skills, and experience using financial analysis software are crucial. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication set outstanding controllers apart. These skills and qualities ensure accurate financial management, regulatory adherence, and effective guidance of finance teams within an organization.

What are some of the biggest challenges a Controller in Accounting may face during the monthly close process?

Controllers often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, coordinating with multiple departments to gather accurate financial data, and resolving discrepancies before financial statements are finalized. Managing last-minute adjustments, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and maintaining internal controls can also add complexity. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and proactive issue resolution are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a smooth monthly close.

What is the difference between Controller In Accounting vs Accounting Manager?

AspectController In AccountingAccounting Manager
CredentialsCPA or equivalent, accounting degreeCPA or accounting degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees entire accounting department, strategic focusManages accounting team, focuses on daily operations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in corporations, large organizationsCommon in various industries, including corporate and non-profit
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap in responsibilities and credentialsSimilar roles, but with different scope

The Controller In Accounting typically holds a senior role overseeing all accounting functions, focusing on financial reporting and compliance. The Accounting Manager manages daily accounting operations and team supervision. While both roles require similar credentials and are found in similar environments, the Controller has a broader strategic responsibility, whereas the Manager focuses on operational tasks.

What cities near Bozeman, MT are hiring for Controller In Accounting jobs? Cities near Bozeman, MT with the most Controller In Accounting job openings:
Associate Director of Accounting/Controller

Associate Director of Accounting/Controller

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT • On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Montana State University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

358th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number
STAFF - VA - 26460
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Scott Williams
scott.williams10@montana.edu
406-994-3983
Classification Title
Managing Director
Working Title
Associate Director of Accounting/Controller
Brief Position Overview
Museum of the Rockies seeks an Associate Director of Finance / Controller. The Associate Director of Finance/Controller reports to the Director of Finance and is responsible for accurate accounting records, maintaining GAAP and other regulatory compliance, maintaining MSU policy compliance, timely financial statement reporting, and managing MOR annual financial audits. The Associate Director of Finance/Controller will be a professional, experienced accountant that manages daily operations of the accounting office and implements effective financial controls and processes. This role will enforce accounting policy organization wide, educate departmental leaders for financial compliance, train accounting personnel, and produce monthly financial statements. The Associate Director of Finance/Controller must work both independently and collaboratively to ensure excellent customer service and highly effective financial reporting is available.
Position Number
4C1055
Department
Museum of the Rockies
Division
Museum of the Rockies
Appointment Type
Professional
Contract Term
Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA
Exempt
Union Affiliation
Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE
1.0
Benefits Eligible
Eligible
Salary
$68,000 - $78,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type
LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type
Open
Position Details
General Statement
Museum of the Rockies (MOR) is Montana's most visited museum. In 2025, the museum served over 250,000 general visitors, children on school tours, and other program participants. MOR is a college-level division of Montana State University, an independent 501c (3) organization, a Smithsonian Affiliate, an accredited AAM museum, and a repository for state and federal fossils. The interdisciplinary museum has one of the finest collections of paleontology in the world (over 400,000 specimens) and a significant cultural collection (over 300,000 objects and artifacts) from the Northern Rocky region. Located on a 22-acre museum site, it includes a 120,000-square-foot-facility, the state-of-the-art Taylor Planetarium, the 240 seat Hager Auditorium, Martin Children's Discovery Center, and Living History Farm, along with an off-site 553-acre paleontology preserve.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Supports the Director of Finance to implement and execute effective and compliant accounting controls and processes organization wide to produce accurate and timely financial statements.
  • Maintains quality control over the following areas: Accounts payable, general ledger, purchasing cards, debt service accounting, construction and fixed assets accounting and accounts receivable.
  • Oversee day-to-day fiscal management activities by working closely with department managers and finance team staff.
  • Establish and maintain effective chart of accounts that support accurate and compliant fund accounting for effectively reporting for grant requirements and departmental or project decision makers.
  • Review monthly expenses to ensure proper coding for expense categories as well as fund and project accounting treatment.
  • Manage all cash accounts and MSU index reconciliations. Work closely with OSP to manage grant transactions, requirement compliance, and reporting. Also work closely with fiscal shared services to ensure accounts reconcile and budgets are followed.
  • Manage payroll reconciliations including time and effort reporting, purchasing policy controls, and approving all accounting journal entries.
  • Assist in the management of human resource functions for the organization by working with university HR to onboard, reappoint, and systematically maintain a diverse staff of professional, classified, and student employees. Maintain appropriate confidentiality safeguard MOR's financial and personnel records while providing excellent external and internal customer service for inquiries and requests.
  • Work closely with the auditors to ensure that timely completion of the audit and 990. Complete and provide the audit work papers to the auditors. Answer all questions the auditors may have in regard to the audit and 990
  • Be the subject matter expert for Blackbaud Financial Edge, Blackbaud Altru, and Xtrulink.
  • Provide excellent external and internal customer service for inquiries and requests.
  • Work with the Director of Finance and auditors to ensure timely completion of the audit.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or closely related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
  2. Demonstrated experience, in a non-profit environment, maintaining GAAP, GASB, and other accounting standards while managing transactional accounting and complex financial data with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
  3. Demonstrated experience managing an accounting team, implementing accounting controls in a large organization, and managing the entire financial audit process including adjusted trial balance preparation.
  4. Ability to incorporate other tools like MS Excel, to compile or analyze complex data for presentation and simple interpretations.
  5. Ability to perform detailed, complex, and confidential financial work and effectively communicate results and policies to internal and external customers as requested or directed.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. Experience with Blackbaud, or other accounting and relational database programs.
  2. Familiarity with Montana State University or State of Montana fiscal, Banner, and purchasing regulations and reporting.
  3. Experience working with grants from state, federal, and other external funding sources. Familiarity with 2CFR200 for federal grant requirements.
  4. Experience working in a museum, other non-profit, or university.

The Successful Candidate Will
  • Be a collaborative leader with all departments and executive managers using exceptional organization and time management skills.
  • Represent the Museum of the Rockies in a professional positive manner to all internal and external customers and maintain confidentiality where appropriate.
  • Perform detailed and complex work maintaining accuracy with good judgement, effective communication, and positive interactions.
  • Possess the ability to organize and prioritize workloads to exercise adaptability as needed and meet deadlines.
  • Support and promote the mission of the museum.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on July 10, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

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