North Dakota Parks and Recreation Accounting and Budget Specialist

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and driven by a passion for using their financial expertise to support meaningful public service. You enjoy solving complex problems, improving processes, and collaborating with colleagues while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, accountability, and integrity.

At the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, your work directly supports the parks, programs, and outdoor spaces that connect people with North Dakota's natural resources and recreational opportunities. As part of our team, you’ll use your financial knowledge and analytical skills to help ensure responsible stewardship of public resources while making a lasting impact on communities across the state.

This position is based in Bismarck, North Dakota, and requires in‑office, on‑site work during regular business hours. After a successful transition into the agency and role, there may be opportunities for remote or hybrid work arrangements.

• Salary: $4,593 - $6,124/month
• Comprehensive health‑care coverage fully funded by the state for you and your family.
• New hire leave: up to 40 hours within the first year.

• Manage the accounts payable process, including vendor invoices, employee reimbursements, purchasing card transactions, and payment requests.
• Review financial documentation to ensure accuracy, proper approvals, compliance with policies, and alignment with procurement requirements.
• Apply appropriate accounting codes and ensure expenses are accurately recorded to the correct funds, programs, and budget areas.
• Partner with staff and vendors to resolve payment questions, discrepancies, and processing issues.
• Maintain accurate financial records and documentation while supporting month‑end, year‑end, and audit activities.

• Assist with the development, monitoring, and reporting of the agency's operating budget.
• Analyze expenditures, revenue, and budget activity to identify trends, opportunities, and potential concerns.
• Support budget adjustments, transfers, fiscal planning activities, and legislative budget initiatives.
• Help ensure agency spending aligns with approved funding sources and financial requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial reporting, processes, and internal controls.

• Provide backup support for payroll and benefits administration, including payroll processing and employee benefit activities.
• Assist with accounts receivable functions such as deposits, invoicing, receipting, collections, and customer support.
• Participate in special projects, reporting efforts, and process improvement initiatives.
• Provide responsive and professional service to agency employees, vendors, partners, and members of the public.

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field with two years of professional accounting experience;
• Associate degree with an emphasis in Accounting, Business, or a related field with four years of professional accounting experience;
• In lieu of a degree, six years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience.
• One to two years of hands‑on experience using accounting systems, with familiarity across multiple platforms (e.g., financial systems, reporting tools, Excel).
• Two or more years of accounting or finance experience with responsibility for complex data analysis, financial reporting, and account reconciliations.
• Demonstrated experience working in a professional environment requiring collaboration, reporting, and independent coordination or management of projects.
• Demonstrated experience performing accounting functions such as accounts payable, financial reporting, or governmental accounting.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.

• Experience with People Soft Financials, particularly Accounts Payable and General Ledger modules.
• Experience working in state government or another public‑sector financial environment.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

A background check and criminal investigation are required for this position.