Job Description
Accountant – Payroll Trust Funds
The
Department of Administrative Services is seeking an
Accountant to manage and support the State of Iowa’s payroll trust fund operations. In this role, you will ensure accurate accounting, reconciliations, and disbursements across a wide range of employee-related funds, from taxes and benefits to retirement contributions and garnishments. This position requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex accounting systems such as Workday and Iowa Advantage.
What You’ll Do
Payroll Trust Fund Management & Internal Controls
- Oversee accounting and disbursements for all payroll trust funds, including taxes, insurance premiums, retirement contributions, wage assignments, charitable contributions, and other deductions.
- Ensure trust fund balances and supporting detail reconcile each pay period; investigate discrepancies and prepare necessary corrections.
- Review accounting documents from previous pay periods to determine adjustments needed for accurate fund balances.
- Prepare and process transactions within the Iowa Advantage Financial System.
- Track participants in the Department of Natural Resources’ Retiree Sick Leave Trust Fund, notify retirees when funds are exhausted, and issue annual reconciliation reports.
- Conduct regular communication with retirees regarding fund status and inquiries.
Document Preparation & Fund Transfers
- Process required transfers between or within payroll funds each pay period, ensuring balances are accurate and transactions comply with audit requirements.
- Prepare documentation for Federal and State withholding, FICA, IPERS, retirement systems, insurance programs, flexible spending accounts, garnishments, and other deductions.
- Utilize knowledge of Iowa Advantage and Workday Payroll to ensure accurate interfacing and processing of transactions.
Agency & Stakeholder Communication
- Collaborate with staff across state agencies to exchange information related to employee deductions.
- Communicate with employees, banks, insurance providers, and federal partners to resolve questions, investigate discrepancies, process refunds, and respond to deduction-related issues.
- Research and analyze information to support retirement claims, deduction corrections, and employee inquiries.
Additional Responsibilities
- Process returned direct deposits caused by incorrect banking information.
- Prepare CR documents for cash or check deposits to the State Treasurer.
- Support other accounting functions or special projects as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
Technical Knowledge & Skills
- Understanding of accounting principles, debit and credit concepts, auditing practices, and governmental accounting standards.
- Ability to classify, reconcile, and close accounts; prepare accurate financial statements and reports; and interpret complex accounting transactions.
- Familiarity with Iowa Advantage, Workday, and other financial systems is preferred.
Core Competencies
- Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing and verbally.
- Initiative, reliability, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong ethical standards, integrity, and responsible behavior.
- Ability to plan, assign, or oversee work as needed.
- Commitment to customer service, collaboration, and meeting organizational goals.
- Ability to listen, respond appropriately, and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external partners.
What We Offer You
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: Vacation with yearly rollover, sick leave with no accrual limit, and 9 paid holidays.
- Great Insurance Options: Medical, dental, and vision plans.
- Retirement: IPERS pension plan plus optional deferred compensation.
- Flexibility: Medical and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Life Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance at no cost.
- Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.
To learn more, visit the State of Iowa
Benefits webpage.
Applicants must reside in the State of Iowa upon hire.
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.
