Staff Accountant 2

Salary : $53,851.20 - $81,806.40 Annually
Location : Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 27-00722
Agency: 270 - Iowa Finance Authority
Opening Date: 09/09/2026
Closing Date: 9/20/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-DNP
Point of Contact: Bethany Sawatzky
To Apply: Submit an application, resume, and cover letter at jobs.iowa.gov by the position closing date.


Job Description
Join the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) as our Staff Accountant and be part of a team dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Iowans through affordable housing, community development, and financial stability.

About Us

The Iowa Finance Authority is dedicated to enhancing the economic well-being of Iowans. We provide a wide range of programs to support affordable housing, community development, and water quality initiatives. From helping first-time homebuyers to supporting disaster recovery efforts, IFA plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for residents across the state.
About this Opportunity:

IFA is seeking a Staff Accountant to manage our accounts payable, safeguard our financial assets, and perform various accounting functions in line with GAAP. Responsibilities include processing vendor invoices, reconciling accounts, and supporting the State of Iowa's accounting system.

Key Responsibilities

• Accounts Payable: Follows processes to ensure all vendor invoices and requests for payment are timely and accurately disbursed.
• Accounting System: Primary department resource for the Iowa Advantage system (State of Iowa's accounting system). Processes claims, revenues, and expenditures within system.
• Accounting Team Support: Serve as a backup for accounts receivable, cash management, and investment functions.

Ideal candidates will have a strong understanding of GAAP and accounting principles, excellent analytical and communication skills, and exemplify our Core Values:

Accountability in Action - We take pride in our work and results.

Innovate Together - We thrive on solving challenges through dynamic collaboration with our teams and partners.
Mission Driven - We place Iowans at the heart of everything we do.

New to the area or looking to relocate to Iowa? Visit to see how Iowa offers something for everyone- competitively low cost of living, bustling cities and neighborhoods, access to , opportunities for career growth and unrivaled access to
As an employee of the Iowa Finance Authority, you are a State of Iowa employee, and you are eligible to enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover 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 benefits available to State of Iowa employees visit the
The Staff Accountant position is a non-merit, contract-covered position that is classified by the State of Iowa as Accountant 2. This position is exempt per FLSA regulations.

Applicant must pass a comprehensive background check before an offer for employment will be extended.

The Iowa Finance Authority is an EEO/AA Employer
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 visit
This is a non-merit position with the Health & Human Services - State Operated Specialty Care. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.
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


This position will be located at our Des Moines office location with the opportunity of occasionally work remotely. Relocation assistance will not be provided. Are you able to fulfill this requirement with or without a reasonable accommodation?

• Yes
• No

Required Question