Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26281
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Brandi Bess
(406) 994-5052
bbess@montana.edu
Classification Title Accounting Assoc IV
Working Title Payroll Accountant
Brief Position Overview
As a critical member of the University Human Resources compliance team, this position ensures accurate accounting and compliance in the areas of payroll liability fund management, payroll taxes, worker's compensation, and unemployment insurance. Position assists in Banner payroll processing for direct deposits, warrant files and financial feeds.
Position Number 4M0279
Department HR Benefits & Payroll Services
Division Administration
Appointment Type Classified
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Non-Exempt
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary $24.04 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. The rate for current MSU employees will be determined by the State Compensation Plan.
Contract Type Classified Salary
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
The Payroll Accountant demonstrates accounting and analytical skills ensuring that business transactions are conducted and reported efficiently, effectively, and in accordance with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures. This position is directly responsible for making federal and state tax payments for which the importance of compliance cannot be overstated.
This position oversees 48 payroll liability funds totaling about $6 million per pay period, including the collection, reconciliation and distribution to appropriate vendors. It is responsible for analyzing data and making appropriate corrections and adjustments for a biweekly payroll of approximately $7 million.
Duties and Responsibilities
Payroll Liability Reporting
Reconcile liability payments to deduction totals with high dollar amounts.
Approve and track all liability fund payments on 48 funds including several retirement funds, workers comp, and long-term care.
Monitor and analyze fund balances on General Ledger.
Tax Liability Accounting
Settle Federal and State tax liabilities with General Ledger; schedule and track payments.
Prepare employers quarterly federal tax return (941), reconcile and submit.
Prepare and submit annual W-2 statements for all MSU campuses /
Other Reporting Responsible for:
Quarterly out-of-state unemployment insurance and worker's compensation; report individual earnings; approve, submit, and track payments.
Quarterly Montana unemployment insurance reporting; reconcile with General Ledger, submit and track payments.
Monitoring out-of-state employees; report to the Office of Commissioner of Higher Education.
Bi-weekly reports of new employees to Montana Child Support Services.
Monthly report to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Invoice for special checks, I9s, and background checks
Create and implement reporting and process improvements.
Payroll Processing
Reconcile totals and initiate direct deposits; notify State; monitor final approval and completion status.
Reconcile totals for payroll warrants; track printing, mailing, and posting.
Process required deductions
Deposit checks into correct funds
Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Two years of post-secondary education in accounting, finance, business or related field or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience in lieu of a degree.
Demonstrated experience in practicing a high level of discretion and confidentiality, working with sensitive employee information and high-dollar volumes.
Demonstrated experience in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet time-sensitive deadlines.
Demonstrated experience in interpreting, communicating, and maintaining compliance with policies and procedures, and exercising consistent decision-making while working independently and effectively under supervision in a team environment.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Working knowledge of Ellucian Banner.
Knowledge of the State of Montana and Montana University System policies and procedures.
Demonstrated experience with fund or government accounting and/or tax liability accounting.
Demonstrated experience with complex accounting, payroll, or benefit systems
Experience in paying or tracking out-of-state employees
The Successful Candidate Will
Maintain a positive, effective, and professional approach.
Exercise excellent judgment and attention to detail
Commit to maintain confidentiality of records and sensitive information.
Practice a high level of analytical skills, taking initiative to find and address issues thoroughly to resolution.
Adhere to any number of deadlines and due dates and easily shift priorities as needed
Demonstrate service excellence to both internal and external customers, representing University Human Resources with integrity.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships in a busy team-oriented environment.
Commit to being a helpful and approachable member of a high-volume processing team, contributing to payroll production as necessary.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but as 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? No
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 onFebruary 27, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
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.
