Accounting Specialist

Accounting Specialist

Location: Bozeman, Montana

Department: Accounting

Reports To: Accounting Manager / Business Unit Controller

FLSA: Exempt

The Opportunity

Meriton is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and organized Accounting Specialist to join our growing accounting team in Bozeman, Montana.

This role combines day-to-day accounting operations with broader general ledger, reconciliation, month-end closing, reporting, and financial analysis responsibilities. The Accounting Specialist will work closely with the Accounting Manager, Business Unit Controller, and other members of the accounting and operations teams.

The ideal candidate is an experienced accounting professional who has progressed beyond a traditional accounting coordinator role and is ready to take greater ownership of accounting processes and financial information. This individual should be comfortable working independently, identifying and resolving discrepancies, meeting deadlines, and communicating effectively with both accounting and non-accounting personnel.

Experience in the HVAC, construction, service, distribution, or job-costing industries is a plus.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

General Accounting & Month-End Close

• Support the monthly and year-end close process, ensuring accounting activities are completed accurately and timely.
• Prepare and maintain journal entries, accruals, and supporting documentation.
• Prepare, analyze, and reconcile assigned balance sheet and general ledger accounts.
• Research and resolve reconciling items, discrepancies, and unusual account activity.
• Assist with the preparation of internal financial statements and management reports.
• Analyze financial data and assist with identifying trends, variances, and areas requiring additional review.
• Maintain accurate and organized accounting records and support schedules.
• Assist with ensuring compliance with GAAP, company accounting policies, and internal controls.

Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable

• Code, enter, review, and process vendor invoices.
• Verify appropriate approvals and supporting documentation for expenses and invoices.
• Process and review employee expense reports.
• Support accounts receivable and customer billing activities.
• Process and reconcile payments to invoices.
• Document and support bank deposits and related accounting activity.
• Communicate with vendors, manufacturers, customers, and company associates regarding invoices, payments, billing, and discrepancies.
• Research and resolve vendor and customer account discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Maintain organized electronic and physical accounting records.

Reporting, Compliance & Analysis

• Prepare and maintain recurring accounting reports, schedules, and reconciliations.
• Prepare monthly sales commission calculations and reports for payroll.
• Assist with sales tax compliance and related reporting.
• Support external financial, tax, insurance, and banking audits by providing requested schedules and documentation.
• Assist with ad hoc financial reporting and analysis.
• Research accounting issues and provide findings to accounting leadership.
• Assist with identifying unusual transactions, trends, and potential control issues.

Process Improvement & Special Projects

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, workflows, and internal controls.
• Assist with accounting system enhancements and process improvement initiatives.
• Participate in projects designed to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of accounting operations.
• Assist accounting leadership and other team members with research and special projects.
• Support the implementation and improvement of standardized accounting processes across the organization.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of fundamental accounting principles and GAAP.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to research issues, identify discrepancies, and follow problems through to resolution.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, responsibilities, and deadlines in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Ability to work independently with appropriate judgment while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization, as well as customers, vendors, and other external parties.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Demonstrated ownership, accountability, and follow-through.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential financial information appropriately.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, processes, and business needs.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to learn and effectively use ERP and accounting systems.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of progressive accounting experience preferred.
• Experience with general ledger accounting, journal entries, account reconciliations, and month-end close.
• Experience with accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
• Experience preparing or supporting financial reports, accounting schedules, and reconciliations.
• Experience working with an ERP or accounting system.
• Experience with MS Dynamics D365 F&O is a strong plus.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• CPA, CPA candidate, or additional accounting education is a plus but not required.
• HVAC, construction, distribution, service, or job-costing experience is a plus.
• Experience working in a multi-company or high-growth environment is a plus.

Work Environment

This position is based in Bozeman, Montana, and primarily works in a professional office environment. The position may involve regular interaction with employees, customers, vendors, and other stakeholders.

The employee will regularly use computers, telephones, and standard office equipment. The position may include periods of extended computer work and sitting.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described below are representative of those necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Regularly use hands to operate a computer keyboard, telephone, and other office equipment.
• Frequently sit, stand, walk, reach, and communicate with others.
• Occasionally lift or move office materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $72,000–$82,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications
• Variable Compensation: Annual discretionary bonus opportunity of 10% tied to company and individual performance
• Health & Insurance Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA or FSA Accounts, and Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance
• Employer Paid Coverage: These benefits are provided to all eligible full-time employees.
          • Basic Life and AD&D
          • Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match and 5-year vesting schedule
• Paid Time Off: PTO, company-paid holidays, and volunteer time
• Professional Development: Paid training and advancement opportunities
• Benefits Eligibility: Benefits begin the first of the month following 30 days of employment