Salary: $86,313.00 - $116,522.00 Annually
Location : Des Moines, IA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 26-1013
Department: Auditor's Office
Opening Date: 07/31/2025
Closing Date: 8/14/2025 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: MS
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Sat/Sun Off)
Bargaining Unit: Management/Supervisory
Salary Grade: 13

Under limited supervision of the Central Accounting Manager, performs professional, administrative, and supervisory work, overseeing multiple teams within the Central Accounting Division in the Auditor's Office. Develops and implements county financial systems in compliance with GAAP, providing technical financial assistance across various departments and addressing complex issues related to budgeting, cash management, purchasing, grants, and contracts. The position leads and/or supports the analysis, design, and implementation of financial systems and projects in collaboration with county departments. Ensures compliance with federal and state laws, contracts, and internal policies and best practices.
Illustrative Examples of Work

1. Manages and supervises the processing, accounting, auditing, and reporting of financial transactions in Central Accounting (Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Grants, Capital Assets) and ensures compliance with GAAP, federal and state statues, County policies, and contracts.
2. Leads the analysis, design, implementation, and troubleshooting of financial systems (JD Edwards, Sheriff Civil Pro system, CSN mental health system, GL Hubbell) and processes both at departmental and countywide levels.
3. Troubleshoots and solves non-routine problems encountered by Central Accounting staff and other County departments on financial issues.
4. Manages and reviews the preparation of information for the annual financial audit report. Serves as liaison for the County external auditors, indirect cost consultant, arbitrage consultant, IRS consultants, and JDE consultants.
5. Develops and implements accounting procedures to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the County's accounting system and other departments' accounting processes and systems.
6. Serves as the main point of contact to requesting parties including County officials, department heads, state and federal agencies, consultants (indirect cost allocation plans), external auditors, other governmental entities, bond counsel and the general public.
7. Provides financial oversight responsible for each department's financial information and reporting requirements and those for the County as a whole. Assists departments in financial audits, implementing new financial software, new accounting procedures, troubleshooting financial problems, and reporting and/or compliance issues.
8. Performs related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of governmental accounting systems, budgetary processes, project planning, and research.
• Thorough knowledge of County government, integrated county and state functions, and fiscal operations.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of management and strategic leadership.
• Thorough knowledge of government accounting and financial reporting standards.
• Thorough knowledge of the federal laws, the Iowa Code, county policies and procedures, and related regulations.
• Proficiency in designing, implementing, and maintaining complex spreadsheets.
• Ability to perform highly complex technical financial calculations and maintain accurate financial reports.
• Ability to respond and implement policies and procedures to address or protect against system issues or disruptions.
• Ability to learn and articulate the functions of the county's ERP systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to plan, direct, coordinate, and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of comprehensive and detailed financial records and reports.
• Ability to research, analyze, and resolve extremely complex problems.
• Ability to conduct personnel investigations and adhere to administrative policies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, representatives of other agencies, other County employees, and the general public, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.

Training and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related, and
• Five years of professional experience in government finance, accounting, or public administration, including two years of progressive leadership or supervisory responsibilities, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Certified Public Accountant is required.

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 diverse 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.

Polk County believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our success in serving and empowering our community and to our continued commitment to be one of the nation's most innovative public institutions.
Click below for a detailed overview of our benefits package.