Accountant

Iowa; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Health Insurance

IPERS Retirement plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programs

Employee Discount Programs

Job summary

The Iowa Department of Public Defense is seeking an Accountant to perform professional accounting work supporting the fiscal operations of the Iowa Air National Guard’s 132nd Wing in Des Moines. The role ensures accurate records, budget compliance, and timely reporting across state and federal channels.

The position emphasizes GAAP adherence, government financial management, and coordination with federal offices, state finance, and audit readiness.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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, you'll 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.

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting, business administration, or finance.
2. Four years of full-time work experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting, or closely-related fiscal work.
3. 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.
4. Possession of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate.
5. 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.