Accountant III

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The Controller’s Department at Iowa State University is seeking qualified candidates for two Accountant III positions.  One position will be within the department of Sponsored Programs Accounting. This position will manage the fiscal requirements of assigned contract and grants. The second position will be split between the department of Sponsored Programs Accounting and Financial Accounting and Compliance. This position will work half time managing the fiscal requirements of assigned contracts and grants within Sponsored Programs Accounting and the other half working in Financial Accounting and Compliance assisting with fee for service management and rate reviews. 

Responsibilities for the dedicated Sponsored Programs accountant include invoicing sponsors, follow-up, and collection of delinquent A/R, filing fiscal reports and other reports by specified deadlines, monitoring accounts, documenting cost share, and reviewing new contracts and grants for applicable fiscal requirements. This position will also provide support to researchers and departmental administrative staff, including advising staff on applicable federal and state regulations and university policies; research various questions/issues and negotiate mutually acceptable solutions; and may also lead special projects.

Responsibilities for the Financial Accounting and Compliance accountant include reviewing yearly rates for cost centers that have active fee for service accounts; working closely with departments on questions that arise with their fee for service rates at the time of review or throughout the year; analyzing financial data, evaluating cost recovery methodologies, and ensuring compliance with ISU policy in the review and administration of fee for service operations. This position will also assist with the review and approval of new fee for service accounts and the closeout of existing accounts, advise departments on financial and compliance matters, review financial risk, and exercise professional judgment in applying university policies to unique situations.

The successful candidate for either position will have exceptional oral and written communication skills, organizational and time management skills, and the ability to comprehend and explain legal documents and regulations. The successful candidate will also work well with others as a team member and a provider of customer service; and will have excellent presentation skills for training seminars given to ISU staff.

Both Accountant III positions will be expected to provide excellent customer service by answering complex questions related to fee for service accounts and sponsored programs based upon an overall understanding of federal regulations, ISU costing policy, and other relevant ISU policies. The successful candidate at this level will also have a good understanding of the cost allowability guidelines and administrative regulations included in the OMB Circulars 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) as well as the ability to interpret those guidelines as they relate to the federal sponsored awards; and the ability to read and understand terms and conditions incorporated into sponsored program agreements and identify those which may affect the financial administration of the award such as reporting requirements, unique cost allowability terms, equipment purchases and ownership. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Research Administration, or related field
• Sponsored program experience
• Fee for service experience
• Experience working at an Institute of Higher Education or a State or Federal entity
• Workday experience
• Experience with Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word
• Experience in an accounting or finance related environment

For more information about the Iowa State Controller’s Department, please visit: https://www.controller.iastate.edu/

This position offers the opportunity for hybrid work and requires the employee to reside in the state of Iowa by the start of employment.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please Note: To receive full consideration, applications should be received by July 26, 2026.

Why Choose Iowa State University?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

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Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.