Accountant I

This position is located at our Billings, MT Downtown Tower.

What’s Important to You
We know your career is just one aspect of a meaningful, complex, and demanding life. That’s why we designed our compensation and benefits package to provide employees and their families with as much choice as possible.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) in addition to paid federal holidays.

• Child Care Assistance Program for eligible dependent(s).

• Exercise reimbursement program for employees.

• The health and happiness of the places we call home matter to us. Learn a little more about what we do for the communities we serve and why we want YOU to be a part of it.

We encourage you to apply. Reach for what you want and tell us why your work ethic and willingness to learn make you a natural fit for #TeamFirstInterstate.
SUMMARY
The Accountant I – Corporate Accounting is responsible for the financial functions and activities of First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. and its subsidiaries including general accounting, reporting, and merger and acquisitions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborates with managers in the field to ensure proper understanding of accounting treatment and ensures items are accounted for properly.

• Assists branch management as needed with financial information requests.

• Compiles and analyzes financial information to prepare journal entries for assigned accounts and areas.

• Maintains organized, accurate and complete accounting records, electronically and hardcopies, as necessary.

• Documents desktop procedures and workflow for assigned areas of responsibility.

• Masters desk procedures in performing tasks as well as understands the purpose and connectivity of the task.

• Participates in cross training efforts for developmental purposes and departmental coverage.

• Maintains, analyzes, and reconciles assigned GL accounts.

• Prepares multiple monthly balance sheet reconciliations.

• Identifies and resolves accounting discrepancies and irregularities.

• Conducts on-going reviews of accounting procedures, systems, and processes to ensure efficiency and implementation of best practices.

• Performs ad-hoc requests as needed.

• Answers and resolves internal and external audit inquiries.

• Assists with preparing external reporting and external audit PBC requests for quarterly reviews and year-end audits.

• Ensures that all processing and reporting deadlines are consistently achieved.

• Develops trustworthy relationships with colleagues and maintains relationships with lines of business to provide appropriate information to assist in achievement of company goals.

• Assists FP&A team with variance and trend analysis.

• Acts as a back-up on month-end duties assigned to other Accountants.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrate skill in use of microcomputer, financial software and spreadsheets.

• Proficiency of utilizing Word and Excel.

• Possess required technical skills in area of accounting.

• Strive to improve efficiencies and quality.

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.

• Ability to organize and prioritize workload with high level of attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently with minimal direction in routine job functions.

• Knowledge of accounting theory, principles and practices sufficient to apply the Company’s accounting policies and procedures.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, financial reports, legal documents, technical procedures and government regulations.

• Applies oral and written communication in a clear and concise manner. Uses effective communication skills in working with co-workers and internal customers.

• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions to develop solutions.

• Exhibit sound and accurate judgment.

• Demonstrate common sense and logic in day-to-day activities.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting required

• 1-3 years accounting or finance experience required

• Public accounting experience or a blend of public and industry accounting experience preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or CPA track preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment are representative of those that must be met or encountered to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the company provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

• Dexterity of hands/fingers to operate computer keyboard and mouse - Frequently

• Sitting - Frequently

• Standing - Occasionally

• Noise Level - Moderate

• Typical Work hours - M-F (8-5)

• Regular and Predictable Attendance - Required