POSITION TITLE: Bookkeeper
REPORTS TO: Associate Director
SUPERVISES: No existing positions
COMMITTEE PARTICIPATION: Finance
STATUS: Salaried exempt employee, part-time or full-time negotiable. A contract position is also an
option.
SALARY: Competitive and commensurate with experience
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
ABOUT PRICKLY PEAR LAND TRUST
Prickly Pear Land Trust (PPLT) is a nationally accredited, robust regional land trust in Montana whose
mission is to connect people to the land. Headquartered in Helena, Montana, and serving a four-county
region, PPLT operates three main programs: Trails, Lands, and Community Conservation.
For 25 years, PPLT has had a deep history of partnerships with public and private landowners – projects
over the years have built out a nationally-renowned public land estate in Helena’s South Hills, with one of
the best trail systems in the region. Encompassing over 70 miles of trails, on a run, hike, or ride in the
South Hills, you cross lands owned by the Forest Service, City of Helena, Bureau of Land Management,
and private citizens, but never leave a PPLT-managed trail.
Through private land conservation easements and the occasional fee-title purchase, PPLT’s lands
program works with local working ranch families to guarantee vital open space and habitats are protected
against subdivision and development. We make conservation a viable financial option for local ranchers
and landowners.
In our Community Conservation program, PPLT engages people in our service area, breaking down
barriers to get more people involved and outside – regardless of age or ability. Delivering services like
those at our Tenmile Creek Park – creek access, trails, and educational programming – to underserved
community segments is key to expanding the “conservation tent”.
The following 25 years will be a time of immense growth as the organization expands these three focus
areas exponentially. With our organization’s innovation, adaptability, equity, inclusivity, and
community-first approach, PPLT will continue to transform its service area to meet the needs of an
evolving region.
The PPLT team comprises dedicated, passionate, ethical, and solutions-focused individuals. Human
connections and relationships are at the core of their work and success. PPLT staff and leadership have
built a Happy Trails culture that embodies: health, inclusivity, sustainability, connection, and fun!
Prickly Pear Land Trust offers competitive compensation, retirement and healthcare benefits, generous
paid time off, a collaborative work environment, and a flexible in-office and remote work policy.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Prickly Pear Land Trust is looking for an individual who not only embodies the Happy Trails culture but
someone who can take the existing finance process and maximize its potential to match the pace of the
organization. Someone who can execute PPLT’s bookkeeping needs with confidence, passion, and
intelligence. The Bookkeeper is responsible for the management and reporting of financial data to the
Executive and Associate Directors. The Bookkeeper oversees the proper accounting of the financial
assets of PPLT and ensures accurate financial information contained within the accounting, grants, and
donor software systems. In addition, the Bookkeeper may assist in fundraising events, audits,
accreditation, Montana Association of Land Trusts financial support, and payroll oversight.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
● Complete all aspects of accounts payable/receivable and prepare monthly liability payments
● Prepare and complete deposits of all checks/cash received. Enter all credit card and EFT
payments in the accounting system.
● Make required journal entries into the general ledger to maintain accurate reporting on all PPLT
checking and investment accounts in preparation for monthly account reconciliation
● Work in conjunction with staff and board to prepare the annual PPLT budget
● Track and record financial information on land and easement transactions
● Prepare financial reports as needed for staff
● Assist with the financial management aspect of special events: Don’t Fence Me In Run/Harvest
Moon Auction, Banquet/Summer Block Party, etc.
BOARD/COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES
● Create financial statements and reports for the Finance Committee
ANNUAL FINANCIAL AUDIT
● Assist in the preparation and completion of the annual audit and Form 990, including preparation
of requested audit and tax schedules and responding to substantiation requests from the
independent accounting firm
● Other duties as assigned
GRANT TRACKING/PROCESSING
● Maintain grant tracking and timelines for invoicing and distribution of grant payments in
conjunction with PPLT Program/Development staff
● Work with appropriate staff to ensure all expenses and distributions are consistent with grant
agreements, terms, and conditions
MEMBER/CONTRIBUTOR COMMUNICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT
● Prepare and distribute all donor thank you letters/receipts
● Process all contributions and maintain accurate information on all members, contributors, and
event sponsors in the donor management software program
● Prepare/produce reports as needed and/or directed on members/contributors and contributions
PAYROLL PROCESSING
● Assist in bi-weekly payroll processing
● Reconciliation of payroll and related benefits as applicable
● Administer benefits package in cooperation with Associate Director
ACCREDITATION (every 5-6 years)
● Assist Staff and Board in any application follow-up and re-application as necessary
● Attend webinars and read all guidance documents to be appropriately prepared
● Once the application is complete and approved, work with staff to ensure all Policies and
Procedures are followed, updated, and filed promptly
MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF LAND TRUSTS (MALT) SUPPORT
● Prepare MALT budget worksheets and finance tracking information for ED as needed
● Track and reimburse PPLT for admin fees, payroll, and benefits
● Prepare reimbursements to MALT employees as needed and record all debit card transactions
● Invoice and track all dues payments from member land trusts to MALT
● Perform other financial/administrative duties as necessary
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
● Bachelor’s degree in a related field
● At least 5 years of experience
● Non-profit books management preferred
● Experience managing diverse activities to meet deadlines
● Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people and backgrounds
● Experience working with databases, including managing and tracking data
● Adhere to PPLT’s Code of Ethical Conduct
● Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
● Creative and forward-thinking
● Embody the Happy Trails culture
● Genuine interest and ability to keep diversity, equity, and inclusion within your frame of vision at
all times
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
● Experience with QuickBooks and donor management software, Donor Perfect is preferred
● Ability to analyze information to prepare reports, coordinate efforts, and solve problems
● Prior experience working on a major fundraising event
● Genuine interest in financial investment policies
ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION
● This position requires some evening and weekend work time
BENEFITS INCLUDE (salaried positions only)
● Paid Time Off (PTO) 20 days per year + 10 paid holidays
● Health Insurance and Health Savings Account contributions
● Simple IRA retirement contributions after 6 months of employment
● Eligible for a 3-month sabbatical after 5 years of continuous employment
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
● Please submit a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, a resume, three professional
references, and any salary requirements you may have to Rachel Rountree, Associate Director,
[email protected].
● The position will remain open until filled
● No phone calls, please