Education Program Consultant

Education Program Consultant (School Finance & Accounting)Iowa Department of Education's mission is ensuring all students experience a world-class education. To accomplish our mission, we need talented, passionate people working together to build an excellent education system that empowers all students to achieve their full potential. The Education Program Consultant (School Finance & Accounting) will be an integral member of the Bureau of School Business Operations, providing technical assistance and guidance to school districts and AEAs regarding multiple areas of school finance.

Your Responsibilities

As the Education Program Consultant (School Business Operations) you will guide, support, and work with your co-workers to:Provide technical assistance and account coding guidance to school districts in accordance with the Iowa Chart of Account Coding manualServe as a primary contact for student activity and categorical funding questions, analyzing fiscal data, and assist with school district fiscal reviews. 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. Serve as the non-primary bureau contact for questions related to tuition and fees.

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 meetings, school business operations activities, assigned work teams, and other duties as assigned. Candidates are encouraged to provide detailed information about relevant experience in the application materials and submit a cover letter describing their interest in the position.

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, 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, or experience interpreting code and regulations. A successful candidate will bring, or have the ability and desire to learn, the competencies below:Passion for pursuing common goals in pursuit of public serviceAccounting, preference for governmentalCreation and manipulation of spreadsheets including experience with formulas and functionsStrong written and verbal communication skillsStrategic and analytical mindsetSQL, SAS, or logic statement creationCollect, analyze, and review fiscal dataAbility to work in complex situations and meet deadlinesAbility to interpret and break down highly technical and regulatory language, and present information in an understandable mannerAbility to manage self in relation to prioritization and time managementConflict resolution and interpersonal skillsDesire to work with diverse teams and stakeholdersHours: 8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m., Monday Friday; some nights and weekends, occasional in-state and out-of-state travelWhat's in it for you? Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the lives of children, their families, and Iowa communitiesCollaborative, positive work environmentTalented and passionate work colleagues that will help you learn and growOpportunities to collaborate with experts from around the countryEmployee discounts from a variety of vendorsCompetitive salary and benefits package: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.govMinimum 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. 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