State Financial Services Division Administrator

Position Title

State Financial Services Division Administrator

Helena, Montana (population ~75,000) is surrounded by rolling hills and lofty mountains just below the Continental Divide, offering a quiet place where small‑town living meets year‑round outdoor adventure.

The State Financial Services Division supports Montana’s financial operations by partnering with state agencies to deliver core services including financial accounting, reporting, policy guidance, timely payment processing, treasury operations, and oversight of statewide accounting and budgeting systems. It also provides specialized accounting and budgeting support, audit review, and technical guidance to local governments.

As State Financial Services Division Administrator, you will lead a team of 45 financial and IT professionals to provide strategic leadership and direction, setting vision, priorities, and performance expectations under the direction of the State’s Chief Operating Officer/Director of the Department of Administration.

• Oversight of statewide accounting and financial management operations, including the enterprise accounting system, ensuring compliance with state law, federal requirements, GAAP, and other applicable standards.
• Lead the preparation and coordination of statewide financial reports including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (AFCR), Statewide Cost Allocation Plan (SWCAP), Cash Management Improvement Act (CMIA) report, and other legislatively required reports.
• Manage administration, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the statewide enterprise financial and budgeting systems, including system governance, upgrades, and integration with other statewide systems.
• Ensure enterprise accounting policies incorporate robust internal controls, segregation of duties, and risk management principles to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in statewide financial operations.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including local governments, financial institutions, and professional organizations, to share best practices and ensure alignment with evolving standards and regulations.
• Represent the division in legislative hearings, stakeholder meetings, and interagency work groups, presenting complex financial or compliance information in a clear and understandable manner.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or related field with an emphasis in accounting.
• Ten or more years of increasingly responsible professional experience in fund accounting as it applies to state or local government, including higher education accounting.
• Five or more years’ experience in a leadership position, including managing a unit with multiple responsibilities and functions.
• Experience in the legislative and budgetary processes.

• Experience working with external auditors.
• Experience with managing or extensively using financial ERP systems.
• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a permit or license to practice or activating an inactive license within 6 months of hire.
• Alternate combinations of education, experience, and credentials will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

• Communicate program requirements to diverse levels of management and stakeholders.
• Provide leadership, vision, and direction for the state financial services division programs.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of financial and system policies and procedures.
• Establish financial and procedural controls to safeguard state resources.
• Develop and manage the operating budget for the state financial services division.
• Build consensus among a group of varying stakeholders.
• Understand the rules, policies and laws that govern the work and exercise judgment in making necessary interpretations.
• Recommend and develop legislation that pertains to the division and/or State financial operations.

• Work/life Balance
• Health Coverage
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.