ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN

Salary: $59,405.00 - $80,197.00 Annually
Location : Polk County Admin. Bldg., 111 Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 27-1003
Department: Auditor's Office
Division: Central Accounting
Opening Date: 07/09/2026
Closing Date: 7/17/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: PAA
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Sat/Sun Off)
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME/Paraprofessional
Salary Grade: 8
Location: Administration Building

Under general supervision, performs moderate to complex accounting work using established principles and practices. Reconciles, maintains, monitors, and controls major groupings of funds, budget units, or revenue and expenditure accounts. Maintains financial records, and provides accounting support of County departments and offices.

The Accounting Technician is distinguished from other clerical accounting classifications due to the assignment of complex, specialized tasks requiring analysis and evaluation.

Illustrative Examples of Work

1. Maintains ledgers, journals, logs, files, and other accounting or fiscal records; performs data extraction, posting, adjustments, and reconciliations to centralized accounting records; classifies accounting transactions accurately.
2. Audits and verifies the accuracy, completeness, and adherence to policy of invoices, requisitions, purchase orders, bills, and other documents, ensuring funds are available before processing.
3. Analyzes and evaluates the more complex financial and statistical data to provide information on department, division, or fund expenditures and revenues in order to assist with budget or financial statement preparation and ensure compliance with governmental reporting regulations.
4. Allocates funds appropriately, maintains records of appropriation and revenues, prepares journal vouchers and budget transfers, and reconciles expense, revenue, and various account statements.
5. Records and examines financial transactions, compiles periodic reports, and maintains detailed records of County transactions and other fiscal data.
6. Prepares receipts for payments, posts charges and fees, balances cash journals, and generates financial reports.
7. Audits and processes disbursements from selected funds, writes refund checks, and ensures proper distribution of fines and costs.
8. Supports the preparation of complex financial statements and statistical reports; assists with budget development and grant accounting as needed.
9. Performs related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting principles and accounts payable, accounts receivable, and billing procedures.
• Knowledge of accounting methods and terminology.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of governmental fund accounting.
• Knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations relating to the collection and disbursement of County funds.
• Knowledge of government budgeting and financial management procedures.
• Knowledge of general office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of business English, spelling, and grammar.
• Knowledge of and the ability to maintain departmental policies, practices, and standards.
• Intermediate keyboard and typing skills.
• Proficiency skill in operating a computer, proofreading, and performing complex accounting calculations.
• Ability to create and maintain complex ledgers and spreadsheets including mathematical and accounting formulas utilizing various hardware and software programs.
• Ability to make routine decisions, in accordance with laws, rules, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to research, analyze, and resolve moderately complex problems or discrepancies.
• Ability to continuously prioritize tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete office records.
• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with other County employees and the general public, fostering a collaborate and professional work environment.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Training and Experience

• Associate's Degree with major course work in accounting or finance, and
• Three years of experience in a related accounting area, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements:

• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.

Polk County is committed to providing a work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
Click below for a detailed overview of our benefits package.