Accounting Technician 3

Accounting Technician 3

Salary

$47,715.20 - $70,720.00 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00731

Agency

595 Iowa Department of Public Safety

Opening Date

09/10/2026

Closing Date

9/21/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Kristy Anderson (kanderson@dps.state.ia.us)

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

This is not a remote position.

Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at DPS headquarters in Des Moines.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking to fill an Accounting Technician 3 position within its Finance Bureau.

Organization Background

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a statewide law enforcement agency committed to serving the people of Iowa with leadership, integrity, and professionalism. We uphold the core values of courtesy, service, and protection, and collaborate with federal, state, and local jurisdictions within the criminal justice community to provide for the safety of people living in or traveling through the State of Iowa.

DPS is comprised of the following divisions:

• Iowa State Patrol
• Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)
• Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement
• Iowa State Fire Marshal
• Division of Professional Development and Support Services
• Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center
• Administrative Services Division

Job Description

• Independently audit out-of-state spend authorization requests, supporting documents and travel reimbursement requests to ensure compliance with the Code of Iowa, administrative rules, the Department of Administrative Services accounting policy and procedures manual, and internal departmental policies.
• Approve spend authorizations and travel payment requests in compliance with rules, regulations and policies and reject spend authorizations and travel payment requests with insufficient support documentation or in conflict with rules/ regulations, policies or general government accounting practices.
• Prepare regular reports to track Spend Authorizations and expense claims to ensure they are completed and closed in a timely manner.
• Assist supervisor in assuring expense claims are completed by analyzing open spend authorizations, reaching out to employees, and answering questions about policies and procedures.
• Accurately interpret federal and state rules/regulations, department policies and contractual terms and conditions, and generally accepted accounting practices for allowance of account payable requests.
• Approve account payable request in compliance with the Code of Iowa, administrative rules, the Department of Administrative Services accounting policy and procedures manual and internal departmental policies and initiate the appropriate accounting transactions.
• Ensure claims are legitimate, authorized, accurate and documented, that all goods have been received and services rendered and that charges are correctly coded.
• Reject account payable documents with insufficient support documentation or in conflict with rules/regulations, policies or general government accounting practices.
• Research and resolve discrepancies and provide guidance to division(s) with respect to policies and procedures and proper documentation.
• Compile cost accounting data to prepare periodic financial reports pertaining to accounts payable and create reports as requested by departmental staff.
• Independently develop and maintain an accurate accounting database for monitoring contract budgets to ensure service providers do not exceed contractual limits.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve all claims and discrepancies claims that have been identified as containing errors, omissions or deficiencies.
• Perform other duties required to complete the payment processing cycle, including distribution of warrants.
• Maintain accurate and well-organized records to handle inquiries from employees and vendors regarding the status of payments or associated payment procedures.
• Research and compile information to respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
• Communicate with vendors to process vendor set up and address changes as needed.
• Prepare and provide monthly reports to the employee responsible for preparing and maintaining the departments budget.
• Provide comprehensive and accurate technical assistance to vendors and department staff regarding the interpretation and application of federal, state or department rules/policies and generally accepted accounting practices involved in the maintenance of financial accounts and preparation of account payable documents.

Additional Requirements

• The State of Iowa is an E-Verify Employer.
• Candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Safety investigators before a final letter of employment offer is delivered.
• Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume within the NEOGOV application.
• This is not a remote position.

Benefits

At the State of Iowa, we value our employees' talents and backgrounds, and we are committed to your well-being beyond the paycheck. As a valued team member, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Paid Time Off:

• Vacation accruals that begin on day one and rollover on a yearly basis
• Unlimited sick leave accrual
• Nine (9) paid holidays per year

Insurance Options:

• Health - Affordable plans with the state paying more than 90% of premiums
• Dental - Free for single coverage and affordable family coverage with access to a vision discount program
• Life - $20,000 in life insurance free, with an option to purchase additional coverage (depending upon Collective Bargaining Agreements)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance - Available at no cost

Retirement:

• IPERS Retirement package offering a lifetime monthly financial benefit for vested employees. For every $1 an employee contributes, the state matches with $1.50
• Retirement Investors' Club (RIC) offering a voluntary savings program including a State match of up to $75/month

Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care

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: Benefits at a Glance | Iowa Department of Administrative Services

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 www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from high school or G.E.D equivalency and experience equal to five years of accounting work involving compilation, tabulation, examination, verification or recording of financial, statistical or related fiscal program data using elementary bookkeeping principles and practices;

OR

completion of a post-high school accounting curriculum from an accredited vocational, technical, business or community college, with at least twenty semester hours of accounting coursework;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of clerical office work for each year of the required education;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting thirty semester hours of accredited post high school education in Business, Accounting or a closely related curriculum for each year of the required experience;

OR

employees with current continuous service in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to one year of full-time work as an Accounting Technician 2.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

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 information provided on your application and resume must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your knowledge?

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 high school or G.E.D equivalency? IF YES - How many years do you have of accounting work involving compilation, tabulation, examination, verification or recording of financial, statistical or related fiscal program data using elementary bookkeeping principles and practices?

• I have not graduated from high school or G.E.D equivalency
• Less than five years of accounting work involving compilation, tabulation, examination, verification or recording of financial, statistical or related fiscal program data using elementary bookkeeping principles and practices
• Five years or more of accounting work involving compilation, tabulation, examination, verification or recording of financial, statistical or related fiscal program data using elementary bookkeeping principles and practices

04

Have you completed a post-high school accounting curriculum from an accredited vocational, technical, business or community college, with at least twenty semester hours of accounting coursework?

• Yes
• No

05

How many years do you have of a combination of high school/G.E.D. equivalency AND/OR experience in accounting work involving compilation, tabulation, examination, verification or recording of financial, statistical or related fiscal program data using elementary bookkeeping principles and practices?

• I do not have any of the required education and/or experience
• Less than five years of the combined education and/or experience
• Five years to less than nine years of the combined education and/or experience
• Nine years or more of combined education and/or experience

06

How many years do you have of a combination of post high school education in Business, Accounting or a closely related curriculum AND/OR experience in accounting work involving compilation, tabulation, examination, verification or recording of financial, statistical or related fiscal program data using elementary bookkeeping principles and practices? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience.

• I do not have any of the required education and/or experience
• Less than five years of the combined education and/or experience
• Five years or more of the combined education and/or 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 Accounting Technician 2 for the State of Iowa?

• I am not a State of Iowa employee
• I do not have any experience in the classification of Accounting Technician 2 for the State of Iowa
• Less than 12 months of experience in the classification of Accounting Technician 2 for the State of Iowa
• 12 months or more of experience in the classification of Accounting Technician 2 for the State of Iowa

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 595 Iowa Department of Public Safety Address 215 E 7th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website https://dps.iowa.gov/