Accountant

Accountant

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

10/29/2026 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 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 degree in accounting, business administration, or finance.

• Four years of full-time work experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting, or closely-related fiscal work.

• A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number two), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in accounting, business administration, or finance field equals one year of full-time experience.

• Possession of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate.

• Employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes thirty months of full-time experience as an Accounting Support Technician 1 or six months of full-time experience as an Accounting Support Technician 2.

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 degree in accounting, business administration, or finance?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have four years of full-time work experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting, or closely-related fiscal work?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have a total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (full-time work experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting, or closely-related fiscal work)? Thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in accounting, business administration, or finance field equals one year of full-time experience.

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have possession of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you a current permanent State of Iowa employee - executive branch? IF YES - Do you have current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes thirty months of full-time experience as an Accounting Support Technician 1 or six months of full-time experience as an Accounting Support Technician 2?

• I am a current permanent State of Iowa employee - executive branch and have current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes thirty months of full-time experience as an Accounting Support Technician 1 or six months of full-time experience as an Accounting Support Technician 2
• I am a current permanent State of Iowa employee - executive branch but do not have current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes thirty months of full-time experience as an Accounting Support Technician 1 or six months of full-time experience as an Accounting Support Technician 2
• I am not a current permanent State of Iowa employee - executive branch

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/