Accounting Specialist

This posting is scheduled to close on December 21 at 11:59pm MST. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received, this posting may close early. Apply today About the job: We are seeking a detail-oriented and reliable Temp Accounting Specialist to support our financial operations. Under moderate supervision, this role is essential for maintaining the accuracy and compliance of diverse accounting activities. The Accounting Specialist will be responsible for preparing and balancing accounts, with key duties focused on performing and validating crucial functions, including: accounts payable and receivable, banking functions, and reconciling discrepancies. The ideal candidate ensures strict compliance with processing deadlines and internal/external policies, maintains comprehensive accounting records, and provides helpful guidance to both internal and external customers. If you have a solid foundation in accounting practices and a commitment to accuracy, this is a great opportunity to contribute to a vital public mission.   **Note: This role is a 1-year assignment.**Required SkillsWhat you will do: Financial Transaction Processing & Validation: Process and enter accounts payable vouchers, travel expense reimbursements, and procurement card charges; ensure proper approvals and coding. Monitor expense submissions for compliance with company and State policies. Prepare and track invoicing for external parties, including medical providers and attorneys. Process incoming payments (ACH, credit card, electronic) to ensure proper application to policies. Record premium, medical provider, and other payments in corresponding systems. Review medical payments and confirm accuracy of external vendor adjustments. Process, track, and reconcile all company deposit activity. Compliance, Record Keeping, & Auditing Support: Maintain comprehensive accounting records for audit purposes and assist auditors and management with data requests. Ensure compliance with all processing deadlines and policies. Coordinate payroll record completion, confirm data accuracy, and provide guidance on system changes. Review documents (e.g., contracts, charge slips, travel records) to calculate fees and charges due. Maintain confidential personnel, tax, banking, and medical billing information. Update W-9 and address data for various payees. Ensure company Finance policies align with federal and state updates.  Reconciliation, Discrepancy Resolution, & Debt Management: Reconcile and resolve discrepancies in accounting records across multiple systems (claim, policy, vendor, State). Resolve processing, payment, and deposit issues with external vendors, banks, and State Treasury. Manage accounts receivable aging, issue notification letters, and handle collections for outstanding balances and overpayments. Review and reconcile collection placements and fees with agencies. Propose debt settlement arrangements and prepare promissory notes. Monitor and coordinate actions on Letters of Credit and Surety Bonds. Complete policyholder premium refunds and necessary transactions to maintain accurate balances. Financial Analysis, Reporting, and Customer Guidance: Access computerized financial information to create reports and respond to internal and external customer inquiries. Provide guidance to customers on correcting system transactions and business requirements. Manage agent commission payments, distribute reports, and assist agents with questions. Analyze data to determine and recommend accruals and prepaid expenses for financial reporting. Reallocate claim settlement payments and record corresponding accounting entries. Assist with maintaining procedures and recommend system enhancements. Serve as the initial contact for Finance Team requests. Attend and provide training to other departments.  Required ExperienceWhat you will need (minimum qualifications):  Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field and A minimum of two (2) years of directly related experience. Or equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred: Experience with insurance industry processes and SABHRS accounting and human resource systems Relevant designations and certifications. Job location: This position requires on-site presence in the Helena, MT office.  Compensation and Benefits: Starting salary for this non-exempt position begins at $45,200-$56,500 per year. Montana State Fund offers excellent benefits, paid time off, and a competitive compensation program, including: Excellent health insurance with dental, vision, life, long-term disability and more, with optional dependent coverage. Flexible spending accounts for dependent care and medical expenses. Public employees’ retirement plan tax-deferred contributions with a generous employer match. Optional 457(b) deferred compensation to further increase retirement savings. Higher education reimbursement and other training and development programs. Robust personal leave, paid holidays, and extended leave.  What you will do: Financial Transaction Processing & Validation: Process and enter accounts payable vouchers, travel expense reimbursements, and procurement card charges; ensure proper approvals and coding. Monitor expense submissions for compliance with company and State policies. Prepare and track invoicing for external parties, including medical providers and attorneys. Process incoming payments (ACH, credit card, electronic) to ensure proper application to policies. Record premium, medical provider, and other payments in corresponding systems. Review medical payments and confirm accuracy of external vendor adjustments. Process, track, and reconcile all company deposit activity. Compliance, Record Keeping, & Auditing Support: Maintain comprehensive accounting records for audit purposes and assist auditors and management with data requests. Ensure compliance with all processing deadlines and policies. Coordinate payroll record completion, confirm data accuracy, and provide guidance on system changes. Review documents (e.g., contracts, charge slips, travel records) to calculate fees and charges due. Maintain confidential personnel, tax, banking, and medical billing information. Update W-9 and address data for various payees. Ensure company Finance policies align with federal and state updates.  Reconciliation, Discrepancy Resolution, & Debt Management: Reconcile and resolve discrepancies in accounting records across multiple systems (claim, policy, vendor, State). Resolve processing, payment, and deposit issues with external vendors, banks, and State Treasury. Manage accounts receivable aging, issue notification letters, and handle collections for outstanding balances and overpayments. Review and reconcile collection placements and fees with agencies. Propose debt settlement arrangements and prepare promissory notes. Monitor and coordinate actions on Letters of Credit and Surety Bonds. Complete policyholder premium refunds and necessary transactions to maintain accurate balances. Financial Analysis, Reporting, and Customer Guidance: Access computerized financial information to create reports and respond to internal and external customer inquiries. Provide guidance to customers on correcting system transactions and business requirements. Manage agent commission payments, distribute reports, and assist agents with questions. Analyze data to determine and recommend accruals and prepaid expenses for financial reporting. Reallocate claim settlement payments and record corresponding accounting entries. Assist with maintaining procedures and recommend system enhancements. Serve as the initial contact for Finance Team requests. Attend and provide training to other departments.