Accountant 2

State of Iowa

Des Moines, IA

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$52,790.40–$80,204.80 Per Year
SKILLS
Accounting, Accounting Certifications, Accounting Policies, Accounting Software, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Administrative Skills, Analysis Skills, Budgeting, Business Administration, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Code of Federal Regulations, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Contract Creation, Corrective Action, Course Administration, Dental Insurance, Disability Accommodations, Disability Insurance, Disbursement Accounting, Diversity, Employee Assistance Plan, Establish Priorities, External Audit, Federal Laws and Regulations, Finance, Financial Audit, Financial Reporting, Financial Transactions, General Ledger Accounting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), Health Plan, Information Technology & Information Systems, Insurance, Maintain Compliance, Multitasking, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Public Accounting, Reconciliation, Regulations, Retirement Planning, Risk Analysis, Secondary School, State Laws and Regulations, Time Management, Training/Teaching Curriculum, United States Treasury, User Interface/Experience (UI/UX), Vision Plan
LOCATION
Des Moines, IA
POSTED
Today
Salary : $52,790.40 - $80,204.80 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-03272
Agency: 309 Iowa Workforce Development
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Closing Date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: Garry Waldon (garry.waldon@iwd.iowa.gov)

Job Description
Iowa Workforce Development is seeking applicants forthe position of Accountant 2 at our 1000 E Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA office.

The Accountant 2 responsibility consists of journal entry, reconciliation, and preparation of internal and external reporting related to Unemployment Insurance (UI) activity and for sub-recipient monitoring of Local Workforce Development Areas (LWDA's) for the WIOA Title I programs.
The ideal candidate will be able to think critically, develop an understanding of various federal programs, have a basic understanding of generally accepted auditing standards, manage multiple priorities, adhere to deadlines,and have excellent communication skills.
Your primary responsibilities in this role include:

Unemployment Insurance Accounting and Reporting:

  • Perform journey level professional accounting work for unemployment insurance programs administered by Iowa Workforce Development.
  • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual state and federal reports detailing the activities in the accounts and funds.
  • Analyze the activities and performance for compliance with federal and state standards.
  • Submit recommendations for problem resolution.
  • Make corrections and adjustments to accounts as needed as a result of federal and state audits. Reconcile all accounts used in the fund with the State Department of Revenue, State Treasurer's Office, U.S. Treasury, and the employer's balance account.
  • Reconcile unemployment insurance and trade funds 0054, 0497, and 0691.
Unemployment Insurance Daily Activity:
  • Prepare and reconcile daily reports detailing the activity of the Trust Fund, Clearing Account, UI Benefit account, and e-payment system.
Sub-Recipient Monitoring
  • Responsible for fiscal monitoring of local workforce development areas (LWDA's) under the WIOA programs as required by 2 CFR 200, and WIOA regulations. Each LWDA's fiscal agent is monitored semi-annually.
  • Fiscal monitoring includes:
    • Meeting with fiscal agent staff.
    • Reviewing financial records.
    • Accounting policies.
    • Accounting procedures.
    • Reconciling accounting records to disbursement requests.
    • Analyzing compliance with federal and state regulations and local policies.
    • Completing a semiannual risk assessment for each LWDA's fiscal agent and Local Workforce Development Board.
  • Maintain a log of external audits, audit responses, audits are submitted within deadlines specified in the Local Workforce Development Area Contract, and preparation of final determination letter.
  • Collaborate with WIOA program staff on risk assessment results and areas of concern.
  • Assist WIOA program staff on drafting findings and areas of concerns to be addressed by Local Workforce Development Boards.
GAAP Package
  • Responsible for assisting with the preparation of the UI Trust Fund, Account Receivable (unemployment activity) and Accounts Payable (unemployment activity) pages for the division's GAAP Package.
  • Prepare, and generate supporting backup used to substantiate various account balances.
  • Provide assistance to the Finance Bureau Chief on recording general ledger entries required for various ledger accounts that aren't captured in the State of Iowa accounting system.
Pre-Audit Level 4
  • Make daily decisions by auditing financial transactions of accounting personnel. Including all aspects of the pre-audit function for the agency's expense claims.
  • Knowledge of rules and regulations, with which those daily decisions are made, relevant to each type of document being pre-audited, is required.
  • Ensure claims are checked for compliance according to Pre-Audit rules, State Accounting Policy requirements, and federal rules and regulations.
  • Provide appropriate guidance and positive feedback to original submitter of claim, including clear description of why the claim was rejected and corrective actions needed to process.
Other duties as assigned.
Agency Overview

IWD continually strives to improve processes and align the organization to provide effective, demand-driven products and services. IWD staff in Des Moines consists of administrative services, disability determination services, information technology, labor market information, unemployment insurance services, vocational rehabilitation services, and workforce services.
Benefits

Joining the IWD team and becoming a State of Iowa employee comes with a range of valuable benefits, including:
  • Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Generous paid time off, including nine paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with no cap on the sick leave accrual.
  • Prepare for the future with the IPERS retirement package, as well as an additional optional deferred compensation retirement plan.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
  • Free Life and Long-term Disability Insurance with the option to purchase additional coverage.
  • Employee Assistance Programs and Discount Programs for support.

Click to learn more about all of the amazing benefits the State of Iowa offers.
If you're looking for a career with a well-respected organization that values its employees and customers, you've come to the right place!
Hours of Work: Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm. Hybrid telework and alternate work schedule opportunities for eligible classifications after 6-months of employment has been completed.

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 visit .

No applicant seeking employment with the Iowa Department of Workforce Development can have a current, ongoing overpayment balance with Iowa Workforce Development without a payment plan in place.?Selected positions will be subject to a criminal background check.

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
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-friendlyGain 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.

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?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 relatedfiscal 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 areacommunity college curriculum in accounting which included concentrated course work equivalent totwenty 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 bachelor's 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 relatedfiscal 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

About the Company

S

State of Iowa