Accountant 2

Accountant 2

Salary

$53,851.20 - $81,806.40 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00366

Agency

582 Iowa Department of Public Defense

Opening Date

08/05/2026

Closing Date

8/16/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

dpdhumanresources@dpd.iowa.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

What We Are Seeking:

The Iowa Department of Public Defense is seeking an Accountant 2 position capable of performing professional accounting work in direct support of the fiscal and financial operations of the Iowa Air National Guard's 132nd Wing, located at the Des Moines installation. This position operates within the State of Iowa Department of Public Defense and is responsible for ensuring accurate financial record-keeping, budget compliance, and timely reporting in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations. The Accountant 2 plays a key role in coordinating financial activities across state and federal fiscal channels to maintain the financial readiness and accountability of the unit. This position serves as an integral member of the Wing's administrative and support staff, contributing directly to the operational effectiveness of Iowa's Air National Guard mission.

Who We Are:

Our Agency directly supports the Iowa National Guard sustainment, readiness and modernization, providing support so they can fulfill their missions in Iowa's communities or their work for the State during emergencies or times of need. We are made strong by a highly qualified, diverse and talented staff. Working at the Iowa Department of Public Defense will provide you with the opportunity for a robust career!

What You'll Do:

• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts to ensure the accuracy and integrity of all financial records.
• Prepare financial statements, reports, and budget analyses for internal leadership and external oversight agencies.
• Process and audit expenditures, invoices, and payroll transactions in compliance with applicable regulations and policies.
• Ensure adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Iowa state statutes, and applicable federal regulations.
• Coordinate financial activities with federal offices including the National Guard Bureau (NGB) and United States Property and Fiscal Office (USPFO), as well as state finance offices.
• Prepare and submit required financial reports to state and federal oversight agencies on a timely basis.
• Assist with annual budget preparation and fiscal year-end close processes, including accruals and carryforward reconciliations.
• Monitor appropriations balances and identify budget variances, providing recommendations for corrective action as needed.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation, responding to inquiries, and ensuring audit readiness.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation and audit trails for all financial transactions in accordance with records retention requirements.

Desired Qualifications, but not required:

• Current Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure or active CPA exam candidate status.
• Experience with government or military financial management systems such as GFEBS, STANFINS, or comparable platforms.
• Prior work experience with the Iowa National Guard, a military branch, or a government agency at the state or federal level.
• Familiarity with Iowa state financial regulations, appropriations processes, and statutory requirements.
• Experience with federal grant accounting, cost allocation methodologies, or fund accounting principles.

Location and hours:

132nd Airwing, 3100 McKinley Ave. Des Moines, IA 50321. Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm, Flexible, Occasional travel for training and/or conferences.

Benefits:

At the State of Iowa, we are committed to your well-being. As a valued team member, youll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that roll over on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.
• Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage.

Why Choose Us?

Choose us for our strong team culture, positive work environment and opportunities for professional growth and development. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. An individual shall not be denied equal access to state employment opportunities because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or physical or mental disability. The State of Iowa is an E-Verify employer. A complete package combining benefits, career and personal development is available here for you. Dive into our recruitment page to explore what sets us apart and become a part of our team!

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a minimum of twelve semester hours (or its equivalent) in accounting, business administration or finance; course work and eighteen months of responsible experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal experience with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry;

OR

substitution of work experience in the public or private sector which entailed accounting, auditing, budgeting, assessment or computation of taxes, or closely related financial functions (e.g., treasurer, comptroller, accountant, auditor, budget analyst, etc.) on a year-for-year basis for the required education (thirty semester or equivalent hours equal one year);

OR

substitution of successful completion of a post-high school vocational/technical, business college, or area community college curriculum in accounting which included concentrated course work equivalent to twenty semester hours (or more) in accounting for the required education;

OR

any combination of qualifying post high school level education and experience which totals five and one-half years;

OR

employees with current continuous experience in the state service that includes the equivalent of six months of full-time experience as an Accounting Technician 2 shall be considered as qualifying;

OR

substituting graduate level course work in accounting, business administration, or finance for each year of the required experience on the basis that satisfactory completion of 30 semester or equivalent hours of graduate level course work is equivalent to one year of experience;

OR

employees with current continuous experience in the state service that includes the equivalent of eighteen months of full-time experience as an Accounting Technician 1 shall be considered as qualifying;

OR

Certified Public Accountants may qualify with six months of the required experience;

OR

employees with current continuous experience in the state classified service that includes the equivalent of twelve months of full-time experience as an Accountant/Auditor 1, six months of full-time experience as an Accounting Technician 3, or twenty-four months of full-time experience as an Accounting Technician 2 shall be considered as qualifying.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited four year college or university with a minimum of twelve semester hours (or its equivalent) in accounting, business administration or finance course work? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal experience with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry?

• I have not graduated from an accredited four year college or university with a minimum of twelve semester hours (or its equivalent) in accounting, business administration or finance course work
• Less than 18 months of experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal experience with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry
• 18 months or more of experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal experience with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry

04

Do you have four years of a combination of post high school education AND/OR experience in the public or private sector which entailed accounting, auditing, budgeting, assessment or computation of taxes, or closely related financial functions (e.g., treasurer, comptroller, accountant, auditor, budget analyst, etc.)? 30 semester hours equals one year of the required experience. IF YES - How many years of ADDITIONAL experience do you have in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal experience with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry? Applicants must use ADDITIONAL experience than was used on the first part of this question.

• I do not have any of the required post high school education and/or experience
• Less than one and a half years of the combined education and/or experience
• One and a half years or more of the combined education and/or experience

05

Have you successfully completed a post-high school vocational/technical, business college, or area community college curriculum in accounting which included concentrated course work equivalent to twenty semester hours (or more) in accounting? IF YES - How many years of experience do you have in n accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal experience with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry?

• I have not successfully completed a post-high school vocational/technical, business college, or area community college curriculum in accounting which included concentrated course work equivalent to twenty semester hours (or more) in accounting
• Less than one and a half years of experience in the identified areas
• One and a half years or more of experience in the identified areas

06

How many years do you have of a combination of GRADUATE level (post bachelors degree) course work in accounting, business administration, or finance AND/OR experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal experience with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry?

• I do not have any of the combined education and/or experience
• Less than one year and a half of the combined education and/or experience
• One year and a half or more of the combined education and/or experience

07

How many years do you have of a combination of post high school education and/or experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal experience with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

• I do not have any of the combined education and/or experience
• Less than five and a half years of the combined education and/or experience
• Five and a half years or more of the combined education and/or experience

08

Are you a Certified Public Accountant? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal experience with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry?

• I am not a Certified Public Accountant
• Less than six months of experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal experience with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry
• Six months or more of experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal experience with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry

09

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Accountant/Auditor 1 for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• I do not have any experience in the classification of Accountant/Auditor 1 for the State of Iowa
• Less than 12 months of experience in the classification of Accountant/Auditor 1 for the State of Iowa
• 12 months or more of experience in the classification of Accountant/Auditor 1 for the State of Iowa

10

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many years of experience do you have in the classification of Accounting Technician 1 for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• I do not any experience in the classification of Accounting Technician 1 for the State of Iowa
• Less than one and a half years of experience in the classification of Accounting Technician 1 for the State of Iowa
• One and a half years or more of experience in the classification of Accounting Technician 1 for the State of Iowa

11

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Accounting Technician 3?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• I do not have any experience in the classification of Accounting Technician 3
• Less than six months of experience in the classification of Accounting Technician 3
• Six months or more of experience in the classification of Accounting Technician 3

12

Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES - How many months of experience do you have in the classification of Accounting Technician 2?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• I do not have experience in the classification of Accounting Technician 2
• Less than six months of experience in the classification of Accounting Technician 2
• Six months or more of experience in the classification of Accounting Technician 2

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 582 Iowa Department of Public Defense Address 7105 NW 70th Ave

Johnston, Iowa, 50131

Website https://dpd.iowa.gov/