Finance: Building a Future with Numbers

Does pursuing a career in finance add up for me?

  • Are you an experienced problem-solver who loves to work with numbers?

  • Do you consider yourself a confident communicator who thrives in leadership positions?

  • Do you take pride in your analytical and organizational skills?

If so, a career in finance might be your perfect fit. Finance focuses on the management of money and how individuals, companies, or government agencies obtain and strategically spend their funds. Specialties include accounting, financial planning, venture capital, and more.

Your Pathway to Success

Read on for our comprehensive guide to Finance education and training in Montana. Whether you're looking for rapid training programs, certificates, or advanced degrees, you'll find various educational pathways to help you align your studies with your career goals.

Check out our Business and Finance Career Pathways page to explore in-demand business and finance jobs in Montana and take the first step toward a successful career in finance.

Rapid Training, Certificates, and One- and Two-Year Programs

  • Accounting Technology Certificate

    • Program Length: 1 year

  • Certificate of Applied Science (C.A.S.) in Bookkeeping

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: Students in the Bookkeeping program at Gallatin College MSU prepare for entry level accounting-related positions used by a variety of businesses. Using the language of business, Bookkeeping students assemble, analyze, process, and communicate essential information about financial operations and have opportunities to do so in public or private sectors. Upon completion of the Bookkeeping certificate, students will be prepared to work in public, private, or governmental agencies in accounting and bookkeeping related roles.

  • Accounting Assistant Certificate (pdf pg. 98)

    • Program Length: 1 year

  • Banking Certificate

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: Montana State University Billings’ Banking Certificate prepares students to enter into the banking industry, especially in the role of credit analyst. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to identify characteristics that define the banking industry and challenges the banking industry must address, analyze cashflow data and calculate the ability of a particular business to repay existing and new debt, explain a bank’s loan approval process and multiple types of credit decisions.

  • Accounting Certificate

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: Stone Child College’s Accounting certificate is designed to meet the demands of the modern business office. This certificate enables the student to be an integral part of the accounting process. Upon graduation, students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of basic business principles/terminology, apply basic generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), apply basic computerized accounting skills, demonstrate application of fundamental business math skills, and demonstrate technological skills used in the business accounting environment.

  • Accounting Associate of Science (A.S.)

    • Program Length: 2 year

    • Description: The Accounting Associate of Science Degree from Blackfeet Community College prepares students with the fundamental knowledge and skills to begin building a career in accounting or to prepare for the completion of a bachelor degree. This degree includes computerized accounting software, payroll accounting, tax preparation and all the fundamentals of accounting to prepare and analyze financial reports.

  • Accounting Technology Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) (ONLINE Option)

    • Program Length: 2 years

    • Description: City College’s Accounting Technology A.A.S. degree provides a foundation of practical applied knowledge of accounting practices in computerized accounting, payroll accounting, business mathematics, financial planning, income tax fundamentals, and various Microsoft applications. This program is offered in a fully online format with some on-campus options.

  • Accounting Technology Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

    • Program Length: 2 years

    • Description: Flathead Valley Community College’s Accounting Technology A.A.S. program gives students a high level of proficiency as a technical accountant and leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree in Accounting Technology. A technical accountant will possess the skills necessary to perform all accounting functions within the business organization except those of an advanced nature. The student receives a well-rounded business education and should be able to perform organizational and supervisory duties within the office.

  • Accounting Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

    • Program Length: 2 years

    • Description: The GFC MSU Accounting program covers a wide range of topics related to the accounting field including a study of general business, individual income tax, payroll, and technology. Upon completion of this program students are prepared to work at public, private, or governmental organizations in a variety of positions including accounting clerk, bookkeeper, payroll technician, and tax preparer.

  • Accounting Technology Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

    • Program Length: 2 years

    • Description: Helena College’s business track emphasizes general business courses to provide students with a broad background for the business environment. The Accounting Technology A.A.S. program features courses in Microsoft Excel and Word, payroll accounting, economics, and more.

  • Certificate in Accounting (ONLINE Option)

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: Miles Community College’s one-year (27 credit) certificate in accounting is designed to develop the necessary skills for persons seeking employment in entry-level accounting positions. Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to interpret and explain financial statements to make management decisions, utilize accounting software to make business decisions, complete payroll taxes and prepare records and reports, utilize Microsoft Office at an intermediate level, identify elementary business psychology, behavior characteristics, and personality traits, and develop key business communication skills.

    Accounting Technology Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) (ONLINE Option)

    • Program Length: 2 years

    • Description: Miles Community College’s two-year (60 credit) Accounting Technology A.A.S. program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to perform fundamental accounting functions within a business. Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to identify and explain the elements of the accounting cycle, prepare and interpret financial statements according to generally accepted accounting principles, demonstrate use of accounting software, compute payrolls and prepare basic payroll tax forms, prepare basic income tax returns, and communicate professionally, both orally and in writing.

  • Accounting Fundamentals Certificate

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: The understanding of accounting concepts allows businesses to run efficiently and profitably. The skill set and experience gained through Missoula College’s one-year Accounting Fundamentals certificate program ensures that our students are prepAccounting Technology Associate of Science (A.A.)ared to enter and be competitive in the workforce.

    Accounting Technology Associate of Science (A.S.)

  • Accounting Information Systems Certificate

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: The University of Montana’s Accounting Information Systems certificate prepares you for careers that bridge accounting and management information systems, such as consulting, internal audit, external auditor and other positions in which more than a basic knowledge of either accounting or MIS is necessary. While most appropriate for students majoring in accounting or MIS, this certificate is available to any undergraduate business major.

Minors and Four-Year Programs

  • Accounting Minor

    • Program Length: 3 years

    • Description: The accounting minor at Montana State University-Northern will help you build a solid understanding of theory by taking the accounting emphasis courses that start with the principles of financial and managerial and accounting. You’ll also learn how to integrate computers and software, which is an integral part of many jobs, and the accounting program at MSU-Northern ensures you are familiar with the technology in the field. The MSU-Northern accounting minor also covers business law and finance principles.

  • Accounting & Strategic Finance Minor or Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

    • Program Length:

      • Minor = 3 years

      • B.S. = 4 years

    • Description: With an Accounting and Strategic Finance major from Carroll College, graduates bring value to any organization with their broad business background and accounting and finance skills. Students studying accounting and strategic finance at Carroll College gain an in-depth understanding of financial reporting, auditing, financial analysis and planning, and taxation along with the communication skills, ethical reasoning, and analytical abilities that employers value. Classes introduce leading-edge ESG reporting (environmental, social, and governance issues). Students have opportunities to work closely with business professionals, and nearly 90% complete internships or work for regional accounting firms, local non-profits, area businesses, and governmental agencies while enrolled at Carroll.

    Financial Planning B.S.

    • Program Length: 4 years

    • Description: Students who complete Carroll College’s Financial Planning major meet the diverse education requirements to become experts in this exciting field and become eligible to sit for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Certification Examination administered by the CFP Board. Students are also exposed to other business areas in their coursework, which further broadens their understanding of the business environment. Graduates acquire the necessary skills to perform complex financial analyses and engage in quantitative decision-making while considering qualitative and ethical implications in financial planning.

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business – Accounting Emphasis

    • Program Length: 4 years

    • Description: At Montana State, the Business – Accounting option is designed to help students develop the necessary technical expertise and broad-based business knowledge required for long-term success in careers such as auditing, assurance, tax consulting, corporate or non-profit accounting and finance, financial analysis, venture capital and financial planning. Montana State’s undergraduate Accounting program is specifically designed to help students experience a smooth transition toward entering the Master of Professional Accountancy program, ideal for if the student wishes to pursue their CPA certification or other advanced financial positions.

    Finance Minor or B.S. in Business

    • Program Length:

      • Minor = 3 years

      • B.S. = 4 years

    • Description: In the Business – Finance program at Montana State, students gain the skills necessary to pursue a variety of careers in business, insurance, investment, corporate finance or real estate. In addition to the Business – Finance major, students are also encouraged to enroll in the Finance minor, which is available to both business and non-business students alike.

  • Business Administration Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Accounting Option (ONLINE Option)

    • Program Length: 4 years

    • Description: The MSUB Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting Option provides students with in-depth experience necessary for an understanding of the global economic and social systems and their relationships to the individual and the organization. The program is designed to provide the undergraduate student with the background to effectively participate in business, industry, government, education, and other organizations and institutions which require a high degree of management and administrative competence. The program also prepares students to sit for and pass the Certified Public Accountant Examination (CPA Exam) and is offered in a fully online format with some on-campus options.

    Business Administration B.S. – Finance Option or Minor (ONLINE Option)

    • Program Length:

      • Minor = 3 years

      • B.S. = 4 years

    • Description: MSU Billings offers a B.S. in Business Administration with finance major and minor. Students learn important topics of finance in these classes such as financial statement analysis, investments, corporate finance, risk management, retail and corporate banking, and portfolio management. Students also gain hands-on experience in financial analysis, investment management, and financial modeling. They use publicly available real data and information in their assignments. Finance majors can get internships and employment opportunities to work as bankers, financial analysts, dealers and traders, financial advisers, portfolio managers, corporate financial executives, and investment bankers in the region and beyond.

  • Business and Information Technology - Accounting Track Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

    • Program Length: 4 years

    • Description: The Accounting Option under Montana Tech’s Bachelor of Science program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation towards the many career opportunities available in accounting. Information technology is at the core of the Montana Tech accounting degree. A minimum of 15 percent of our required coursework is based on understanding information technology and directly applying it to solving issues found in the business environment. The accounting option opens many doors for graduates. Students often go on to accept positions in public accounting as well as positions in industry with for-profit and not-for-profit entities or with governmental organizations.

  • Accounting Bachelors of Science (B.S.)

    • Program Length: 4 years

    • Description: Earn your accounting degree and prepare for diverse business careers in the only AACSB accredited accounting program in Montana. As an accounting major at UM, you’ll have numerous opportunities to gain real-world experience, through internships, service learning in the community, and other hands-on work. You’ll also benefit from outstanding career services that help you build your resume, polish your interviewing skills, and hit the ground running in your job. Graduates of UM’s accounting degree go on to successful careers working with public and private accounting firms, government organizations, and financial and HR departments of companies large and small. Many also pursue master’s degrees and advanced study in their area of specialization.

    Finance (B.S.)

    • Program Length: 4 years

    • Description: Earn your degree in finance at the University of Montana and prepare for exciting and lucrative careers in banking, financial planning, economics, and more. As a finance major, you’ll develop a solid foundation in financial management, financial markets, and investments. You’ll also gain experience in effective decision-making, performing complex analyses, providing expert financial advice, and using the latest technology tools and data sources. As a finance major, you’ll develop analytical skills you can apply to many different business occupations. Graduates of our finance program go on to successful careers in banking, investment banking, financial services, financial planning, corporate finance, economics, and international finance. Employers of our program alumni include US Bank, IBM, Wells Fargo, KPMG, Merrill Lynch, PNC, and Boeing.

Post-Graduate Programs

  • Financial Planning Certificate

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: Carroll College’s Financial Planning Post-Graduate Certificate program serves the mission of instilling and fulfilling the enduring search for knowledge that prepares participants for expertise in their vocation. This program specifically serves adult learners in the financial planning field with existing undergraduate degrees by providing the education element of the requirements for those wishing to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Financial Planning professionals are unable to take the CFP Board exam to become a CFP Certificant until first completing the required curriculum from a CFP Board Registered Program. This program is for postgraduate clients currently in the profession, as well as those who wish to pursue a career change.

    Master of Accountancy (MACC) Online Program

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: Carroll College’s fully online Master of Accountancy (MACC) program allows for maximum flexibility while also delivering rigorous, faculty-designed coursework. You’ll gain both technical accounting knowledge as well as the soft skills needed to thrive in any professional setting. The program coincides with each section of the CPA exam, so you’ll sit for each portion of the test as you master the coinciding course material. Whether you’re looking to start or advance your career, you will gain the expertise required to serve as a trusted, strategic advisor, and decision-maker.

  • Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAc)

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: Building on an existing foundation of knowledge, students within the Master of Professional Accountancy Program (MPAc) at Montana State will obtain further skills in the practice and theory of financial accounting, auditing, taxation, law, and other business and professional areas. By introducing students to the research methods and professional resources used by accountants in the field, graduates will be prepared for long-term career success in the public and private sector.

  • Master of Accountancy (MACCT)

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: The Master of Accountancy program at Rocky Mountain College is designed to prepare students for careers in public, governmental, not-for-profit, or industrial accounting. The program is designed to allow students to build on skills and knowledge developed through undergraduate coursework to become skilled, entry-level professional accountants upon graduation. The curriculum is based on the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) core competencies and prepares students to sit for the certified public accountant (CPA) exam.

  • Master of Accountancy (MACCT) – (ONLINE Optional)

    • Program Length: 1 year

    • Description: The Master of Accountancy at the University of Montana offers more than just another year of coursework. The curriculum is designed to help you develop a high level of technical knowledge, acquire in-demand data analytics skills, and to facilitate growth of peer and professional networks leadership capability for advancement in the accounting profession. Whether your interests are auditing, tax planning and strategy, technology and risk assurance, or wealth management, you'll be prepared for the CPA exam and to launch a fantastic career.

  • The Missoula Lifelong Learning Center offers a variety of in-person and online classes, certificates, and career training opportunities year-round. Courses to help you master QuickBooks, learn financial literacy, and more are often available under the “Business” tab. Courses are subject to change, so be sure to check back frequently.

  • The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Credential distinguishes licensed accounting professionals committed to protecting the public interest. These professionals offer financial statement audits and other attestation services to help inform investors about the financial health of organizations. They provide individuals and families with valuable knowledge and advice on taxes and financial planning. In business and industry, CPAs offer organizations around the world tax, financial reporting, and advisory services to drive strategic decision-making and foster growth and success. To earn the CPA license, accounting professionals must have extensive education—at least 150 hours—pass a rigorous four-part exam and meet experience requirements.

  • The chartered financial analyst (CFA) credential is a globally recognized professional designation given by the CFA Institute that measures and certifies the competence and integrity of financial analysts. Candidates are required to pass three levels of exams covering areas, such as accounting, economics, ethics, money management, and security analysis.

  • NextGen Personal Finance is a free high-school personal finance curriculum and professional development partner. Certification Courses are NGPF’s most in-depth professional development format. Each course combines 9 hours of live virtual sessions focused on a core personal finance content area with a 1-hour assessment exam. These courses are 100% free and can be used to help build your resume.

  • The University of Providence’s Argo Connect and dual credit programs are crucial in helping to increase the educational options and opportunities for currently enrolled high school juniors and seniors. Not only do these programs provide students with a unique opportunity to earn credit at the secondary and postsecondary levels simultaneously – they provide students with an early glimpse of college life; including course load, deadlines, structure, and more. Students in Dual Enrollment can take up to three 3-credit courses at no cost.

Skill Development and Certifications

Additional Career Resources

  • Check out our finance career pathways page to explore in-demand financejobs in Montana.

  • To identify in-demand roles in Montana, our team at the Montana High Tech Business Alliance pored over workforce data from the U.S. Department of Labor, research studies, and online job listings to create a list of tech jobs projected to grow fast in the next few years. See our list of 31 hot Montana jobs projected for 2023.

  • We invite you to take advantage of Microsoft's Skills for Jobs initiative, which offers free access to LinkedIn Learning courses covering a wide range of topics, including AI and soft skills. Enhance your digital skills and empower your team and community with valuable knowledge that aligns with the evolving needs of today's economy.

  • Discover summer internships and local mentorship opportunities in Billings through the Campus Billings program hosted by Big Sky Economic Development.

  • CompTIA’s Career Explorer is a comprehensive resource designed to inform, inspire, and guide individuals toward their next career step in the tech industry and beyond. Explore the entire portfolio of Career Explorer resources at no cost, watch video profiles featuring diverse professionals sharing their non-traditional paths into tech careers, and gain insights into earnings potential, job outlook, employer hiring trends, remote work opportunities, and much more across the U.S. and 250 metro areas.

  • Reach Higher Montana’s Work-Based Learning Collaborative website features resources for employers to grow their talent pipeline through work-based learning, materials to help educators connect their classroom learning to careers, and links to resources that will help Montana students explore their career interests through on-the-job training.

  • The WBLC Data Dashboard aims to make data on work-based learning in Montana accessible to help improve workforce support, work-based learning, and educational opportunities so that young people are better prepared for employment success and employers gain skilled workers. Updates are made annually.

  • Produced by the Montana Work-Based Learning Collaborative, the Work-Based Learning Toolkit for Employers provides employers with resources, tools, and guidance to successfully develop high-quality work-based learning experiences for student workers.

  • Read “5 Tips to Set Yourself Up for Success in a Tech Career” to learn tips for launching a career in tech from hiring managers at Blackfoot Communications, Submittable, GL Solutions, onX, Skyfish, Cognizant, NorthWestern Energy, Pathlabs, Snapchat, and Instacart.

  • In “5 Tips from Hiring Managers - How to Land a Montana Tech Job or Internship” local hiring managers from Boeing Helena, Hyundai Motor Group, and Zoot Enterprises share advice to help students stand out when applying for a Montana tech job or internship.

  • See what tips you can use to give you an advantage in pursuing Tech Jobs or Internships in Montana.

  • Check out MHTBA’s Great Places for Tech article series to learn more about high-tech opportunities in Montana.

  • Take a look at our Jobs board that we use to post many tech jobs that are in Montana from entry level to Senior level positions.

  • If you can’t find what you’re looking for on our Jobs Board, see this O*NET Career Database for additional information.

  • Interested in more careers outside of Montana or outside the High-Tech Industry? Find additional occupational information with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Do you have a helpful resource you’d like to suggest we add to this guide? Do you have information you are searching for, or other feedback? The Montana High Tech Business Alliance would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at communications[at]mthightech.org.

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