Accounting Associate III

Department:Development & Alumni

Position:Full-time, full benefits package

• Insurance package,
• Mandatory retirement plan,
• Dependent partial tuition waiver,
• Faculty/staff tuition waiver,
• Wellness program,
• Pro-rated annual and sick leave;

Wage:$17.337-$21.671

Union Affiliation: FOCUS-MFPE

As part of the Montana Western Foundation, Development Office and Alumni Office, the Accounting Associate III performs a broad spectrum of support to assist in achieving the mission of the foundation and alumni office.

This position is the primary contact for the foundation and alumni related to activities of donors, students and alumni. This position provides administrative, fiscal management and clerical support for all accounts housed at the foundation which includes all academic departments, scholarships, endowments, alumni, athletics, clubs and the foundation operating budget. Under the supervision of the Foundation Executive Director, the Accounting Associate III works closely with the UMW Business Office, Financial Aid Office and Admissions Office. The position functions as a first point of contact with excellent customer service skills for a diverse group of internal and external constituents, thrives in a fast-paced dynamic environment and has an exemplary eye for accuracy and detail, and can perform all duties and responsibilities while maintaining a positive and professional attitude.

This position processes payments in the form of memberships, gifts, event income and miscellaneous payments to the UMW Foundation. Create invoices and tracks receivable for the UMW Foundation. Prepare payments through UMW Foundation accounting software (Abila), journal entries and monthly reconciliation. Monitor and reconcile monthly revenue and expenses, accounts payable and receivables, analyzing data for errors, making corrections and routing for signatures as necessary. Compose effective and authentic correspondence for donors and alumni. Personal communication with donors, their representatives or alumni via phone or email. Contribute and create financial reports such budget reports, fiscal year-end reports, operational reports, endowment reports and development team reports. Compile materials in preparation of audits. Assist with updates of alumni/donor database as needed including entering gifts and donations and the activities of each alumnus/donor in the database.

• Associates Degree with accounting course work and or computer technology and four years of progressively responsible experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and work experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with accounting course work and/or computer technology and four years of progressively responsible experience. State, University, or Banner experience preferred.

• Skill and experience in accounting principles and practices;
• ability to reconcile accounts and work within established University, State guidelines in a variety of financial and operational situations;
• knowledge and experience in billing processes and procedures.
• knowledge of banking processes and procedures;
• skill in the operation of personal computers and related word processing, spreadsheet and database software and standard office equipment;
• public relations, interpersonal, and communication skills, including ability to work with diverse group of individuals;
• experience working under pressure, handling conflicts, making decisions, and problem solving;
• strong organizational, time management, and multi-tasking skills and the ability to meet deadlines in a busy environment with attention to detail;
• ability to serve as a first point of contact and communicate in person and via phone/email with donors, alumni, staff, students, parents, vendors and visitors.
• ability to assist with short-range and long-term planning;
• ability to maintain strict confidentiality and work on projects independently;
• ability to consistently exercise initiative.

Application:

To apply, submit a letter of interest, resume, and the names and phone numbers of three professional references. For best consideration, submit all application materials by Friday, May 15, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately following this date and will continue until the position is filled.

For questions relating to this position contact Amelia Gardner-Knox at 406-683-7031 or by email at amelia.gardnerknox@umwestern.edu.

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
2. Resume
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University and Dillon Area

The University of Montana Western is a dynamic, innovative, undergraduate university with over 70 full-time faculty and over 1,200 students. It is located in Dillon, Montana in the scenic Rocky Mountains and has been awarded numerous top national rankings for delivering high quality, affordable education.

Montana Western is the only public four-year college in the nation offering Experience One (X1),experiential learning delivered on the block schedule. Class sizes are small and students take a single course at a time, three hours each day for 18 days, before moving on to the next course. Each course is four credits and four blocks are offered each semester. The block schedule facilitates field and lab work, undergraduate research, study travel, and interdisciplinary teaching. Montana Western’s faculty strongly believe in mentoring and inspiring students, and assisting them in the transition from university life to professional careers.

The University of Montana Western is an integral part of the Dillon Community. With a population of 5,000 people, Dillon is known for outstanding public schools, safe environments, recreational opportunities, and an excellent quality of life.

The University of Montana Western is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from qualified women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities.Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of EmploymentIn accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's PreferenceReasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UMW may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UMW, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).