About Joel

With a keen focus on driving efficiency, streamlining grant management processes and enabling transparent reporting mechanisms, RSM’s Joel Anderson serves as a trusted advisor to state governments, municipalities and educational institutions. Regularly engaging with budget directors, policy experts and elected officials, Joel leverages his experience to deliver tailored strategies that address the unique needs of his clients. He leads RSM’s efforts in Iowa and the Midwest and serves as a technical advisor on federally funded programs, including the American Rescue Plan Act, Infrastructure and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.

With over 13 years of experience in public accounting and government services, Joel brings a wealth of knowledge in state and local taxation to his consultancy role. His proficiency spans a diverse spectrum, encompassing sales, use and excise taxes, as well as intricacies surrounding tax credits and incentives. This comprehensive understanding enables Joel to provide robust solutions that optimize fiscal performance and compliance for his clients.

Experience

Prior to joining RSM, Joel held positions in state government, including serving as the tax and economic policy advisor to Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa and as the director of the Iowa Department of Management. In these pivotal roles, he played a vital role in shaping the tax and revenue landscape of the state, overseeing the management of substantial federal relief funds exceeding $3.85 billion. His impact extended beyond financial management, as he spearheaded the drafting and implementation of numerous grants, including the groundbreaking Empower Rural Iowa Broadband program, and wrote significant legislative measures such as the governor’s historic tax relief bill of 2022. Additionally, he served as the secretary and principal architect of the governor’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary leader in economic policy and governance.

Professional affiliations and designations

• Certified public accountant, Iowa
• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Institute of Internal Auditors
• Central Iowa Chapter of IIA

Education

• Bachelor of Arts, accounting and philosophy, University of Northern Iowa