Job Description

Education Program Consultant (School Finance - Accounting)

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Education Program Consultant (School Finance - Accounting)

Salary

$66,726.40 - $103,147.20 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-01852

Agency

282 Iowa Department of Education

Opening Date

01/14/2026

Closing Date

2/14/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

idoe.hr@iowa.gov

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Job Description

Iowa Department of Education's mission is creating excellence in education through leadership and service. To accomplish our mission, we need talented, passionate people working together to make this a reality.

The Education Program Consultant (School Finance - Accounting) will be an integral member of the School Business Operations (SBO) bureau, providing technical assistance and guidance to school districts regarding multiple aspects of school finance.

Your Responsibilities:

• As the Education Program Consultant (School Finance - Accounting), you will guide, support, and work with your co-workers to:

• Provide technical assistance and guidance to school districts on State and Federal law/regulations as related to school finance.

• Update and test bureau data collections to ensure continued alignment with Iowa Code and Administrative rule.

• Collaborate with bureau staff to design and maintain fiscal reports as a resource for internal staff, school districts, AEAs, and other stakeholders.

• Maintain professional competency through review of publications, professional development, and staying current with statutory and industry changes.

• Participate in professional activities of Bureau, Division, Department, and national and state organizations. This work includes regular participation in bureau and division meetings, school business operations activities, assigned work teams, and other duties as assigned.

A successful candidate will bring, or have the ability and desire to learn:

• Passion for pursuing common goals in pursuit of public service

• Accounting, preference for governmental

• Creation and manipulation of spreadsheets including experience with formulas and functions

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Strategic and analytical mindset

• Ability to collect, analyze, and review fiscal data

• Ability to work in complex situations and meet deadlines

• Ability to interpret and break down highly technical and regulatory language, and present information in an understandable manner

• Ability to manage self in relation to prioritization and time management

• Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills

• Desire to work with diverse teams and stakeholders

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the lives of children, their families, and Iowa communities

Collaborative, positive work environment

Talented and passionate work colleagues that will help you learn and grow

Opportunities to collaborate with experts from around the country

Employee discounts from a variety of vendors

Competitive salary and benefits package:

Beyond\ the_Paycheck.pdf (Download PDF reader)

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday, with some in and out of state travel, nights and weekends. This position may be eligible for flexible hours (earlier or later start/end times) and a partial remote work schedule after the probationary review period.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Specific experience in the business office of a public school district or area education agency, authorization as a school business official (SBO), as an auditor, CGFM, or accountant with the ability to learn governmental accounting. Experience with fiscal reporting of Iowa school districts and area education agencies; experience with SQL or SAS; strong communication, mathematical, and analytical skills. Preference will also be given to candidates with proficiency in spreadsheets, governmental accounting experience, and experience interpreting code and regulations.

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 .

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and five years of full-time post-graduate work experience in any one or a combination of the following areas:

a. Professional training, teaching, or counseling experience in an educational setting;

b. Professional administrative experience in an educational setting;

c. Professional finance, accounting, or auditing experience, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements;

d. Professional experience in a major technical program area housed within the Iowa Department of Education;

e. Professional data integration, data analysis, and statistical analysis experience;

f. Professional communications experience, including public relations, marketing, or journalism;

g. Professional school safety and emergency preparedness experience.

2) A combination of a total of five years of post-graduate education and full-time experience (as described in number one), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited post-graduate college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience. 3) Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree, possession of a valid Iowa Teaching Certificate, and three academic years of teaching and/or administrative experience in PK-12 and/or a post-secondary educational institution. 4) Possession of a School Business Official Authorization from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and seven years of full-time professional experience in finance, accounting, or auditing, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. ( and\ pay/JobClassDescriptions/EducationProgramConsultant-01071.pdf)

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-friendlyTotal 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 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

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree, or Higher? IF YES, how many years do you have of full-time postgraduate work experience in any one or a combination of the following areas: a. Professional training, teaching, or counseling experience in an educational setting; b. Professional administrative experience in an educational setting; c. Professional finance, accounting, or auditing experience, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements; d. Professional experience in a major technical program area housed within the Iowa Department of Education. e. Professional data integration, data analysis, and statistical analysis experience; f. Professional communications experience, including public relations, marketing, or journalism. g. Professional school safety and emergency preparedness experience

• Not applicable - I do not have a Bachelor's Degree or higher with the identified areas

• No experience in the identified areas

• Less than two years of experience in the identified areas

• Two years to less than four years of experience in the identified areas.

• Four to less than five years of experience in the identified areas.

• Five or more years of experience in the identified areas

  04

How many years do you have of a combination of post-graduate education and full-time experience in a. Professional training, teaching, or counseling experience in an educational setting; b. Professional administrative experience in an educational setting; c. Professional finance, accounting, or auditing experience, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements; d. Professional experience in a major technical program area housed within the Iowa Department of Education. e. Professional data integration, data analysis, and statistical analysis experience; f. Professional communications experience, including public relations, marketing, or journalism. g. Professional school safety and emergency preparedness experience. ** Twenty-four semester hours of accredited post-graduate college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience.

• Not applicable - I do not have a post-graduate education with the experience in the identified areas.

• No post-graduate education or experience in the identified area

• Less than two years of post-graduate education and/or experience in the identified areas

• Two years to less than four years of post-graduate education and/or experience in the identified areas.

• Four years to less than five years of post-graduate education and/or experience in the identified areas.

• Five or more years of post-graduate education and/or experience in the identified areas

  05

Have you graduated from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree, or higher and have a valid possession of a valid Iowa Teaching Certificate? IF YES, how many years do you have of full-time teaching and/or administrative experience in PK-12 and/or a post-secondary educational institution?

• No experience in the identified areas

• Less than one year of experience in the identified areas

• One years to less than Three years of experience in the identified areas.

• Three or more years of experience in the identified areas

  06

Do you have possession of a School Business Official Authorization from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and seven years of full-time professional experience in finance, accounting, or auditing, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements?

• Yes - I have the possession of a School Business Official Authorization from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and have the seven years of professional work identified

• No - I do not have the possession of a School Business Official Authorization from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and the seven years of professional work identified

  07

Do you have, or have had, a BoEE License?

• Yes

• No

  08

Has there been probable cause, suspension, revocation or disciplinary action taken against you?

• Yes

• No

  09

If any of the above apply to you, please describe:

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

282 Iowa Department of Education

Address

Grimes State Office Building

400 E 14th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website

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Job Tags

Full time, Work experience placement, Work at office, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours, Night shift, Weekend work,

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