Plant Accountant

COMPANY:Missoula Electric Cooperative LOCATION: Missoula, MT

DEPARTMENT:Accounting & Financial Services

SUPERVISOR: Manager of Accounting & Member Services

DATE:August 2025

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SUMMARY:

Coordinates the work order process and maintains the records necessary to keep accurate continuing property and construction loan fund records. Performs monthly work order processes and assists with records for the work plan. Provides leadership and supervision of the Accounting Specialist. Performs all work in a dependable, confidential, and professional manner.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs other duties as assigned by management, applying the same skill and enthusiasm as with regularly assigned responsibilities. All duties are to be performed as instructed in training and following written procedures or policies if applicable, unless unusual circumstances dictate otherwise.

- Performs all duties related to maintaining plant accounts, closing of work orders, construction, retirement, and special equipment.

- Verifies tabulation of construction record units, transfers totals to, and prepares unitization and distribution to plant accounts for construction work orders. Compiles and maintains work order schedules for permanent records.

- Reviews and updates labor and overhead amounts used to estimate the cost of construction.

- Processes RUS Form 219, inventory of work orders, for loan funds per RUS regulations.

- Assists in work plan development and related loan documents. Monitors & reports accumulated work plan costs on a monthly basis.

- Assists the Standards Committee in the development and maintenance of construction units.

- Maintains appropriate records for purposes of audit and as required by RUS regulatory standards.

- Oversees the coding and verification of invoice amounts from contractors and special services.

- Maintains contractor files.

- Assists with inventory management, including annual physical inventory and monitoring inventory throughout the year to assure the highest level of accuracy.

- Oversees the purchase order processes and approves invoices for payment.

- Monitors, on a weekly basis, time sheet entries relevant to work orders. Provide training and assistance to employees as needed.

- Monitors accounting functions necessary for miscellaneous sales.

- Maintains the standard cost table for billing structure moves pursuant to the MCA 69-4-601 to 604. Update and submit the annual report of construction unit costs to the Montana Department of Transportation.

- Prepares reports related to the calculation of Montana & Idaho property tax calculations.

- Responsible for retention and verification of work orders and fixed asset records using Document Vault.

- Prepares annual tax form 2290 and assists with the preparation of tax forms 990 and various other tax reporting required by the Cooperative.

- Provides backup support for the Accounting Specialist and the Member Services staff.

- Completes monthly back reconciliation for all bank accounts.

SUPERVISION: Directly supervises the Accounting Specialist and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Review the daily operations of the Accounting Specialist to ensure the quality and quantity of production. Responsibilities include interviewing, training employees, planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

The employee uses initiative and judgment to determine how to proceed with assignments. Various methods and procedures are available, and the employee determines those best suited to each task. The employee is expected to plan the sequence of steps and use judgment to solve problems, occasionally adapting methods and techniques to fit unusual circumstances. The supervisor may review the work for soundness of approach or may occasionally spot-check for accuracy, but the details of the work are normally assumed to be accurate. The supervisor provides direction on policy issues.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

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 essential functions.

EDUCATION &/OR EXPERIENCE:

High School graduate or equivalent and post-secondary courses in accounting, or job job-related field. A minimum of two years of related job experience or the equivalent professional setting is required. A bachelor’s degree in accounting is preferred but not required. Supervisory experience required.

- May need to be a notary.

Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Have the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, members, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Proficient with Microsoft Office software, including Excel, Word, and Outlook. Uses a multi-application Accounting & Business Solutions software to manage financial data, including general ledger, accounts payable, inventory, and work order accounting. Intermediate accounting background and RUS Accounting knowledge preferred. Considerable knowledge of general office procedures and use of office equipment.

Ability to supervise others effectively.

Excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to deal with people in a professional and courteous manner, even in conflict situations.

Ability to organize work to meet deadlines.

Ability to work independently under pressure.

Ability to maintain a cooperative and helpful attitude toward fellow employees.

Ability to promote a safe, positive, and caring work environment.

Ability to accept suggestions from your supervisor and co-workers to improve performance.

Ability to accept and adapt to change, and to perform as a productive team member.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Lifting and carrying up to 10 to 25 pounds frequently is required.

Reaching and lifting overhead is occasionally required.

The job requires occasional pushing, pulling, and reaching frequently.

May spend long periods sitting and working at a desk and in front of a computer monitor.

Some exposure to odors, gases, dust, and dirt may occur.

The noise level in the work environment is consistent with that of an office setting.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

RATE OF PAY:

Rate of pay to be established by the General Manager.

This position is an exempt, salaried position under the Wage and Hour Law, and overtime compensation will not be paid.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $62,978.02 - $75,844.50 per year

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Disability insurance

- Flexible spending account

- Health insurance

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Retirement plan

- Vision insurance

Schedule:

- 10 hour shift

Ability to Commute:

- Missoula, MT 59808 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

- Missoula, MT 59808: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person