What's Awesome About This Opportunity?
• Lead accounting at one of Montana’s most respected nonprofits — real impact, real visibility
• Report directly to the VP of Finance and present to the Board
• Work on interesting stuff — complex gifts, endowments, planned giving, and scholarship funding that actually matters
Why This Role
Our client is a well-established, mission-driven nonprofit in Bozeman with a long track record of community impact. They manage significant assets, oversee complex giving programs, and are in a period of intentional growth, which means this Controller role carries real weight. This is a highly visible role reporting to the VP/CFO, helping to transform the organization's processes and procedures.
This isn’t a “maintain the status quo” job. You’ll have ownership over the things that matter most: leading audits, driving the 990 process, and navigating complex gift accounting that most Controllers never touch. You’ll have a direct line to the VP, a seat at the table with the Board, and a team that needs a strong leader to learn from.
If you want meaningful work, real autonomy, and a title you’ve earned, with a path to grow beyond I, this is it.
What You’ll Do
• Team Leadership: Supervise and develop a team of 3–4, drive the monthly/annual close, and build a strong accounting culture
• Audit & Compliance: Lead external audits and 990 filings, manage tax preparers, ensure IRS/DOL/state compliance
• Complex Gifts: Handle accounting and tax compliance for planned gifts, trusts, and estates — including discounting
• Financial Reporting: Prepare board-level financial reports, oversee budgeting, quarterly forecasts, and cash flow projections
• Internal Controls: Build and maintain controls that protect organizational assets and keep operations efficient
What You Bring
• CPA required — active license preferred
• 6+ years of progressive accounting experience, with 2+ years in a leadership role
• Nonprofit experience is a must, especially direct 990 and audit ownership
• Solid GAAP knowledge and familiarity with nonprofit IRC rules
• Experience with complex/planned gifts accounting is a big plus
• Blackbaud Financial Edge / Raiser’s Edge experience preferred
• Clear communicator, confident presenter, and people-first manager
The Details
• Location: Bozeman, MT — hybrid; remote considered for the right person
• Salary: $120,000 – $140,000 depending on experience
• Benefits: 100% employer-paid health, dental & vision (employee); partial dependent coverage
• Retirement: 7% employer 403(b) contribution
• PTO: 5 weeks, accrues day one