Auditor

The Forestry & Trust Lands Division is responsible for planning and implementing state‑wide forestry programs and managing state trust land resources. These programs are implemented through an extensive network of staff in offices throughout Montana that work together to promote the sustainability of Montana’s trust lands, forests, rural lands, and communities.

The Minerals Management Bureau, with assistance from Area Offices, manages and leases state‑owned mineral resources in over 445,000 acres of surface and subsurface lands, including navigable waterway beds. Resources include oil, natural gas, metalliferous and non‑metalliferous minerals, coal, sand, and gravel. In fiscal year 2024, $42.1 million of revenue was generated through leases and permits that authorize individuals and companies to explore, develop, and produce these resources.

Staff monitors compliance with lease and permit requirements by verifying revenues paid to the state and ensuring that operational and reclamation activities are appropriately conducted on‑site. The Bureau operates with an annual budget of $1.2 million and 9.5 full‑time employees.

The Royalty Auditor is responsible for auditing production volumes and royalties reported and paid by individuals and entities leasing state trust lands for oil, natural gas, coal, and other mineral extraction. Key duties include researching, examining, and verifying data for assigned audits; documenting findings in written reports; and contributing to program services as needed. This full‑time role reports to the Audit Program Supervisor and does not involve auditing financial statements or taxes.

Audit Examination: Conducts state trust lands royalty audits of varying complexity as assigned, using the Audit Program manual as a general guideline. Audits are usually conducted through the authorized royalty reporter, who has knowledge of the least well operations and sales and generally has copies of the required records. Audits are generally conducted remotely (desk audits). Records are received electronically or by postal mail and informal interactions generally occur via email or teleconference.

Field audits are occasionally conducted at the authorized royalty reporter's business office, where the necessary and relevant records are directly examined and obtained. Audit steps may include:

• Preparation and Setup
• Document Review and Analysis
• Summary of Audit Findings
• Concluding and Follow‑up

Royalty Reporting and Program Support Services: Provides support to leasing and royalty staff by addressing production and royalty reporting inquiries and offering guidance based on relevant state laws, rules, and lease provisions. Also contributes to the development of reports, manuals, forms, and audit program features to strengthen production reporting and royalty compliance.

Live and work in Helena, Montana, which offers a unique blend of opportunities and natural beauty, situated between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Montana offers abundant recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and hiking.

Work/life balance with flexible schedules and telework eligibility.

Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, holidays), with vacation leave increasing with service.

Longevity pay with continued state service.

Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

Access to free employee medical clinics and telehealth.

Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.

Only online submissions are accepted. Applicants must initiate an application and attach a cover letter and a resume at the time of application to be considered for this position. Failure to attach the required documents will result in the application being considered incomplete and not reviewed further. Materials submitted but not requested will not be considered in the selection process. When attaching documents, mark each as Relevant to ensure they are viewable.

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, public administration or related field. Other combinations of…