Entry Level Accountant Jobs

This is a Full-Time 40 Hour Weekly position with the Bureau of Finance and Management. For more information on the Bureau of Finance and Management, please visit https://bfm.sd.gov/.

Seeking December 2023 and May 2024 accounting graduates.

The Bureau of Finance and Management (BFM) is looking for motivated and skilled entry level accountants to help prepare the financial statements for the State of South Dakota. This position is a full-time accounting position within BFM’s Accounting and Financial Reporting Office located in Pierre, SD. Opportunity for career growth exists with several different career paths available. Moving allowance up to $15,000 and tuition assistance programs available.

BFM is a vital component of the state’s financial operations. Our small but industrious staff works in five divisions: Accounting and Financial Reporting, Executive Management Finance Office, Financial Systems, Budget Analysis, and Internal Control.

These teams are responsible for preparing the state’s annual financial statements, serving as the finance office for all state bureaus, managing the operations of the state’s financial and HR systems, managing the state budget process, and implementing and managing the state’s internal control framework.

BFM has a history of producing leaders in state government. Many department secretaries, commissioners, division directors, agency finance officers, and high-level accountants started at, or spent parts of their careers with BFM.

The candidate selected for this position will have the opportunity to:

• Carry out specialized accounting processes performed within BFM.
• Be part of an expanding and innovative team designed to carry out statewide accounting and financial reporting;
• Prepare financial statements for the State of South Dakota;
• Provide statewide leadership, advocacy, and service to other state agencies; and
• Learn governmental accounting;

Beyond the chance to discuss, influence, and create state fiscal and accounting policy, employment with state government comes with many great benefits:

• Moving allowance up to $15,000 available.
• A generous health insurance plan with no premium options.
• 15 days paid vacation leave, 14 days paid sick leave, paid family leave, and 11 paid holidays per year to help ensure work-life balance.
• A fully funded state pension plan that is rated as one of the best in the nation.
• Tuition assistance programs for obtaining Undergraduate and Master’s degree available.

Payrate and accounting level classification will depend on experience and qualifications. Duties in the higher classification will be similar; however, project complexity and oversight may change.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting upon graduation is required. No experience is required, but interest in governmental accounting and a desire in obtaining CPA certification is beneficial.

Knowledge of:

• Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) statements;
• Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) and Governmental Auditing Standards; and
• Microsoft Excel, Word, Query, and other desktop tools;
• Governmental (fund) accounting;
• Governmental fiscal administrative processes.
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP);

Ability to:

• Communicate information clearly and concisely;
• Work within a team environment;
• Pay close attention to details.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;

Additional Requirements: To be considered, attach your cover letter and resume with application.

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.
This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers employer paid health insurance plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.