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Exempt Accountant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Finance Intern

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$20.74/hr

Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: NREP Position Summary **Applicants should expect to be available to ... The finance intern will perform accounting work involving the design, maintenance, preparation, and ...

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Exempt Accountant information

See Iowa salary details

$31.9K

$64.2K

$101.9K

How much do exempt accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for exempt accountant in Iowa is $64,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,200.00 and $73,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by exempt accountants when managing compliance with changing tax laws?

Exempt Accountants often encounter challenges staying updated with frequently changing tax regulations and ensuring that their organization's financial practices remain compliant. This can involve continuous professional learning, adapting internal processes quickly, and effectively communicating updates to both clients and colleagues. Collaboration with legal and tax advisory teams is crucial, as is maintaining meticulous documentation to avoid compliance issues during audits. Staying proactive and leveraging accounting software can help manage these challenges efficiently.

What is an exempt accountant?

An Exempt Accountant is a professional responsible for managing, analyzing, and reporting financial records for an organization, and the term 'exempt' typically refers to their status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This means they are salaried employees who are exempt from overtime pay requirements due to the nature of their job duties and level of responsibility. Exempt Accountants generally handle complex accounting tasks, ensure compliance with financial regulations, and may oversee other staff. Their work is crucial for accurate financial reporting and strategic planning within a business.

What is the difference between Exempt Accountant vs Staff Accountant?

AspectExempt AccountantStaff Accountant
CredentialsBachelor's degree in accounting or related field; CPA often preferredBachelor's degree in accounting or related field; CPA optional
Work EnvironmentCorporate finance, accounting departments, or consulting firmsPublic accounting firms, corporate finance teams, or small businesses
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for higher-level accounting roles with managerial responsibilitiesCommon entry-level or mid-level role in accounting firms and companies

The main difference is that an Exempt Accountant typically holds a higher-level, often specialized role with managerial or senior responsibilities, and may require CPA certification. A Staff Accountant is usually an entry- to mid-level position focused on routine accounting tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exempt accountant?

To thrive as an Exempt Accountant, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance, generally supported by a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with accounting software such as SAP, Oracle, or QuickBooks and certifications like CPA are commonly required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills and qualities ensure accurate financial management, regulatory adherence, and the ability to provide valuable insights for business decision-making.
What are the most commonly searched types of Accountant jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Accountant jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Exempt Accountant jobs in Iowa? For Exempt Accountant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Exempt Accountant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Exempt Accountant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Exempt Accountant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Exempt Accountant job openings:
Infographic showing various Exempt Accountant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,176 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Internal Revenue Agent (Excise Tax Specialist)

US Department of the Treasury

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$74K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


U.S. Department Of The Treasury rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

311th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

WHAT IS SMALL BUSINESS / SELF-EMPLOYED (SB/SE) DIVISION?
A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions

  • Position(s) are to be filled in the following area(s):
    • SBSE EXAM - Examination Deputy Operations - Specialty Examination, Estate & Gift /Excise Tax Exam

REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILS

Qualifications:

Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To qualify for this position, you must meet the qualification requirements outlined below:
BASIC REQUIREMENTS All GRADES: A Certificate as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a bachelor's or higher degree in accounting that included at least 30 semester hours in accounting or 24 semester hours in accounting and an additional 6 semester hours in related subjects such as business law, economics, statistical/quantitative methods, computerized accounting or financial systems, financial management, or finance.
OR
a combination of education and experience equivalent to 4 years that that included courses equivalent to a major in accounting, i.e., at least 30 semester hours in accounting or 24 semester hours in accounting and 6 semester hours in related subjects as described above, in combination with appropriate experience or additional education.
AND
Specialized Experience GS-11:
In addition to the basic requirements, you must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:

  • Experience in or related to accounting or auditing that provided the specific knowledge, skills and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. Qualifying experience may have been in accounting, auditing, tax, financial, legal, or other work that required the knowledge and skill described above to sufficiently demonstrate: 1) Knowledge of and skill in applying professional accounting principles, concepts, and methodology to the examination of accounting books, records, and systems; 2) skill in interpreting and applying tax law for individuals and business and/or exempt organizations; 3) knowledge of business and trade practices to analyze business operations and financial conditions; and 4) skill in interacting effectively in a wide range of situations with a broad range of individuals.
Examples of qualifying experience may include: (This list is not all inclusive)
  • Experience in interpreting and applying professional accounting and auditing techniques, and practices to examine various tax returns of individuals and/or business organizations.
  • Experience examining accounting systems and records including computerized accounting and financial information systems which reflect a variety of complex financial operations (e.g., budgeting and planning, cash flow monitoring and forecasting, financial reporting, cost tracking, asset valuation and utilization).
  • Experience with the interpretation and application of Federal tax law in the examination of tax returns for individuals, business and/or exempt organizations, partnerships, and corporations.
  • Experience assisting with the recommendation and implementation of Federal tax strategies (i.e., excise tax, income tax, etc.). Drafting, consolidating, and reviewing financial statements.
  • Knowledge of federal tax and auditing guidelines related to common deductions, asset/liability reporting.
  • Knowledge of internal controls and conducting audits as part of a team.
OR
EDUCATION: A course of study that includes three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in accounting or related field of business law, economics, statistical/quantitative methods, computerized accounting or financial systems, financial management, or finance.
OR
an equivalent amount of combined education and experience as described in paragraphs above
Specialized Experience GS-12: In addition to the basic requirements, you must have 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes:
  • Qualifying experience in progressively responsible and diversified professional accounting or auditing work that required 1) knowledge of and skill in applying professional accounting principles, theory, and practices to analyze and interpret accounting books, records, or systems specifically to determine their effect on Federal tax liabilities and their adequacy for recording transactions affecting tax liabilities; 2) skill in interpreting and applying Federal tax law for individuals, business, and/or exempt organizations, partnerships, and corporations; 3) knowledge of business and trade practices to develop tax issues based on analysis and evaluation of overall business operations and financial condition; 4) knowledge of corporate financial transactions and financial management principles and practices; and 5) skill in interacting effectively with a broad range of individuals and in negotiating with specialists in accounting, legal, tax, and other similar business-related professions.
Examples of qualifying experience may include (this list is not all inclusive):
  • Experience preparing written reports and analyses and articulating and communicating results orally and in writing.
  • Experience leading risk assessments, evaluations, and reviews to strengthen accounting controls; lead and conduct internal/external audits; overseeing tax management;
  • Experience with the interpretation and application of more complex Federal tax law (e.g., conservation easement, Micro-captive insurance, Employee retention credit, Research and Development credits, Taxation of cryptocurrency and other digital assets, Pass-through entities (BBA), Transfer pricing operations) in the examination of tax returns for individuals, business and/or exempt organizations, partnerships, and corporations. Leading the implementation and oversight of company tax return, revenue, and expense reporting.
  • Experience conducting examinations of special audit features complex individual and business taxpayers involved in or activities or transactions designated or structured to hide or conceal income such as offshore activities, multiple related entities and other means using a wide range of financial and other investigative skills.
  • Knowledge of internal controls and leading team audits.
  • Leads the implementation and oversight of company tax return, revenue, and expense reporting.


AND
You must also meet the following requirements:

  • MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT: Minimum age for federal employment is 18 years old, or at least 16 years old and have:
    • Graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or
    • Completed a formal vocational training program; or
    • Received a statement from school authorities agreeing with your preference for employment rather than continuing your education.

For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

Education:A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).Employment Type: OTHER

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