Entry Level Accountant (A1 - A2)

Job Description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 32807
Agency: Bureau of Finance & Management
Location:Pierre, SDSalary: $26.18-$33.70 Hourly, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: A1 or A2
Closing Date: 9/30/25

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

Seeking December 2025 and May 2026 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 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 systems, managing the state budget process, and implementing and managing the state's internal control framework.

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

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

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

• tuition assistance programs for obtaining Undergraduate and Master's degree available;
• moving allowance;
• 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;
• generous health insurance plans with $0 premium option.

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:

• for the A1 classification a 4-year Accounting Degree, coursework in accounting, or seasoned vocational accounting practitioner who has familiarity with accounting principles is required;
• for the A2 classification a 4 year accounting degree and 1-2 years of progressive experience equivalent to Level 1 accountant is required;
• interest in governmental accounting and a desire in obtaining CPA certification is not required, but beneficial;
• thrive both independently and in small groups, bringing strong analytical and critical thinking skills to solve complex financial reporting challenges. They adapt easily to new experiences, excel at multitasking, and consistently meet deadlines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

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

Ability to:

• communicate information clearly and concisely;
• work within a team environment;
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

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

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 $0 premium employee health insurance option 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 here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=2B4
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

#LI-Onsite