About the Department

Iowa DOT’s Mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation. To accomplish our Mission, the person selected for this position will demonstrate actions and behaviors guided by the Iowa DOT’s five CORE values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

Shift: Monday – Friday 8:00 am -4:30 pm

Location: Ames, IA 50010

We are excited to announce an immediate opening for a Federal Aid Team Lead (Accountant 3)

Are you a customer service-oriented leader? We would be thrilled to have you on our Assets Team! We offer a collaborative workspace to encourage teamwork and good communication. If you are looking to make lives better, be a part of a supportive, engaging team, and provide excellent customer service, this may be the position for you!

Our best candidate will possess a strong background in team leadership, demonstrating the ability to guide a productive group effectively. Experience with Federal Aid is essential, as is a commitment to providing outstanding service to both internal and external stakeholders. Attention to detail is crucial, along with the capability to manage tight deadlines and navigate the complexities of statutory requirements. A self-motivated individual who excels both independently and as part of a team will find this role particularly rewarding.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Working closely with the accounting manager, overseeing the daily functions of the Assets Team involves reviewing tasks, assisting team members, and providing necessary guidance to ensure smooth operations.
Analyzing and interpreting financial transactions such as capital transactions to ensure they comply with State and Federal Rules and Regulations.
Instructing and advising employees in the operation of our accounting systems.
Preparing supporting schedules in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.
Testing system updates to ensure internal controls are met and ensure we are in compliance with State and Federal rules and regulations.

What we offer YOU:

Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
Insurance benefits start first of the month following 30 days of employment. 2025 health and dental insurance premiums can be found here
Opportunities for professional growth and development
Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year
Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match
Optional 401A plan with employer contributions
Employee Discount Programs from variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial)

We encourage you to view more about the State of Iowa Employee benefits and costs at the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website!

You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa – Apply today!

The Iowa Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing any screening, interviewing, pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please direct your request to the Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) Officer at: [email protected]

Reasonable accommodation such as: interpreter, translator, written materials, modified equipment / devices, ADA access, etc. This does not include scheduling needs.

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 Qualifications

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;

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;

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;

Certified Public Accountants will qualify with eighteen months of the required experience;

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 link to view the job description.

Benefits

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!

Supplemental Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To best answer the following questions, focus on one specific situation/task in as much detail as possible and avoid generic responses.
Tell us about a time when you coached a teammate to help them expand their skills. What did you do?

Give us an example of a time when you encountered a customer who was complaining of poor service. What did you do?

Required Question

Agency Information

Employer: State of Iowa
Agency: 645 Iowa Department of Transportation
Address: 800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010
Website: https://iowadot.gov/careers/