Accountant 3

Salary : $63,585.60 - $98,633.60 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-03367
Agency: 553 Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS)
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 6/28/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact: View email address on click.appcast.io


Job Description
Join the IPERS Team as an Accountant 3 - Make an Impact on the Financial Future of Over 400,000 Iowans!

The Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) is seeking a detail-driven and collaborative Accountant 3 to take on advanced-level accounting and investment reporting responsibilities. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of IPERS' investment records - a foundation that supports the retirement security of public employees across Iowa.

What You'll Do: You'll dive deep into complex investment structures, perform high-impact financial analysis, and partner with teams across IPERS to ensure smooth and accurate reporting. Your work will help drive informed decision-making for one of the largest public pension funds in the state.

Key Responsibilities Include: Investment Accounting & Reporting

• Prepare the cash forecast that supports investment strategy and cash-balancing decisions for the Investment Division.
• Reconcile activity between internal records, custodial bank reporting, and investment manager statements.
• Investigate, document, and resolve discrepancies with precision.
• Ensure general ledger balances align with custodial bank financial packages.
• Serve as a primary contact for the Auditor of State and IPERS' Internal Auditor on investment-related inquiries.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities.
• Analyze private investment fund financials and capital account statements to confirm proper allocation to the general ledger.
• Prepare investment-related sections of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).

Research & Process Improvement

• Research complex investment accounting issues and provide guidance on GASB and GAAP compliance.
• Review and refine IPERS accounting processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and workflow.
• Act as a key liaison between the Finance Division, Investment Division, external managers, the custodial bank, and external auditors.

What We're Looking For: A finance-minded problem solver with the drive to understand IPERS' full range of investments - and the ability to translate that knowledge into accurate reporting and sound accounting. Experience with GASB , GAAP , and investment accounting is highly valued.

What We Offer:

• Health, Dental, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance - Insurance begins on the first of the month following 30 days of employment. 2026 health and dental premiums can be found
• Paid time off - separate vacation and sick leave - accruals begin on day one.
• Paid holidays (nine per year)
• Flex Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care)
• Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (IPERS)
• Voluntary Retirement Plan (Retirement Investors Club)

Find out more:


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Finalists are subject to a background check.
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
Minimum Qualification Requirements


Graduation from an accredited college or university with twelve semester hours in accounting course work and experience equal to thirty months of responsible full-time work in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal work with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of the required experience for each year of the required education to a maximum of four years;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting thirty semester hours of graduate level course work in accounting, business administration or finance for each year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of sixty hours;
OR
Certified Public Accountants will qualify with eighteen months of the required experience;
OR
employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to nine months of full-time work. as an Accountant 2.

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 college or university with twelve semester hours in accounting coursework?
IF YES - How many months do you have of responsible full-time work experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal work with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry?

• Not applicable - I do not have a degree with twelve semester hours in accounting coursework
• No experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal work with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry
• Less than 15 months of responsible full-time experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal work
• 15 months to less than 30 months of responsible full-time experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal work
• 30 months or more of responsible full-time experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal work

04


How many years do you have of a combination of accredited college/university coursework and/or responsible full-time work experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal work with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

• No experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal work with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry
• Less than two years of combined education and experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal work with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry
• Two years to less than four years of combined education and experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal work with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry
• Four years to less than six and a half years of combined education and experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal work with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry
• Six and a half years or more of combined education and experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal work with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry

05


Have you graduated from an accredited college/university AND do you have six months of full-time experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal work with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry? IF YES - How many years do you have of a combination of GRADUATE level (post bachelor's degree) coursework in accounting, business administration or finance AND/OR ADDITIONAL (not used to count for the first portion of the question) full-time experience in accounting, accounts examination or verification, budgeting or closely related fiscal work with a governmental agency, public accounting firm, or private industry?
30 semester hours of GRADUATE level coursework equals one year of experience.

• I have not graduated from an accredited college or university AND/OR I do not have the six months of identified experience.
• Less than 12 months of the combined GRADUATE level education and experience listed above
• 12 months to less than 24 months of the combined GRADUATE level education and experience listed above
• 24 months or more of the combined GRADUATE level education and experience listed above

06


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

• I am not a Certified Public Accountant
• Less than eighteen months of experience
• Eighteen months or more of the required experience

07


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 2 for the State of Iowa?

• Not applicable - I am not a State of Iowa employee
• No experience in the classification of Accountant 2 for the State of Iowa
• Less than nine months of experience in the classification of Accountant 2 for the State of Iowa
• Nine months or more of experience in the classification of Accountant 2 for the State of Iowa

Required Question