DescriptionAt YSS we believe financial stewardship is a form of service. Every dollar entrusted to us fuels programs that change lives strengthen communities and advance our mission. Were looking for a Controller who not only understands nonprofit finance but also loves developing people building strong teams and creating systems that help others thrive.
As our Controller youll be the backbone of our financial operations and the coach who helps our accounting team grow. Your leadership will ensure accuracy transparency and trust across the organization. Responsibilities include:
Financial Management & Oversight
- Oversee daytoday accounting operations including AP AR payroll and general ledger
- Reviewing daily banking activity including positive pays and ACH notifications
- Ensure accurate and timely monthly closes reconciliations and financial reporting
- Maintain and improve internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance
- Manage fund accounting including restricted unrestricted and grantspecific funds
- Prepare financial statements and support leadership with clear actionable insights
- Utilize administer and support the NetSuiteERP System
- Monitoring expenses to ensure they are in line and are expensed properly
Compliance & Reporting
- Lead preparation of annual audits and reports
- Ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
- Support grant reporting budget tracking and donorrestricted fund management
Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Train mentor and supervise accounting staff with a focus on growth confidence and skillbuilding
- Create clear workflows expectations and development plans for team members
- Foster a collaborative supportive environment where staff feel empowered to ask questions and take ownership
- Provide ongoing coaching to strengthen technical skills problemsolving and nonprofit accounting knowledge
- Lead with patience clarity and a commitment to continuous improvement
This description is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
What We Provide...
We believe in your potential we meet you where you are and we invest in your future. Beyond the meaningful work YSS provides the following benefits:
- Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture.
- Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment.
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive benefits.
- Health insurance
- Voluntary dental insurance
- Voluntary vision insurance
- Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
- Supplemental accident critical illness and hospital indemnity insurance
- Professional liability insurance coverage
- Flexible spending account/health savings account
- Supplemental compensation award
- Generous Paid Time off and Leave
- Four weeks of paid time off (PTO)
- Volunteer time off
- Paid holiday leave
- Birthday holiday
- Wellness Program Opportunities
- Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames
- Employee Assistance Program for all employees
- Flu shots
- Mental health support
- YSS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.
- 403(b) retirement offerings
QualificationsWe want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment Collaboration Compassion Innovation Integrity and a Can Do Spirit.
MUST HAVES - to qualify you need:
- A Bachelors degree in accounting or business related field. CPA or Masters preferred.
- Five (5) years of full-time experience in a related field.
- Experience supervising full-time staff.
- Expert understanding of accounting principles and solid financial acumen
- Advanced proficiency with accounting software programs Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
SHOULD HAVES - we would also like you to be a:
- Collaborator understands how their work impacts others builds strong partnerships and works toward shared goals across teams.
- Communicator clear confident speaker and writer who can explain information and ideas to diverse audiences with ease.
- Driver self-motivated takes initiative and works independently while keeping projects moving forward.
- Fund Accountantdetail-oriented and compliant with experience tracking reconciling and managing restricted and unrestricted funds monitoring balances and ensuring accurate financial reporting in accordance with accounting standards.
- Grant Steward provides careful financial oversight of public grants including compliance budgeting and required reporting ensuring responsible use of funds and audit readiness.
- NetSuite User hands-on experience with system administration; comfortable navigating maintaining and using the platform effectively.
- Planner skilled at managing time resources and competing priorities often simultaneously and under tight deadlines.
- Thinker strong researcher and analytical problem-solver who evaluates information identifies patterns and recommends practical solutions.
The IDEAL candidate:
- Has familiarity with non-profits.
- Be rooted in purpose and driven by equity inclusion and positive social impact.
- Bring humility respect and cultural awareness to every interaction.
Who You Are...
Youre a thoughtful steady financial leader who believes great accounting is built on great people. You enjoy coaching others creating clarity and helping a team grow into its full potential. You bring a strong command of nonprofit accounting but youre just as passionate about building confidence in those around you. You communicate clearly lead with patience and know how to turn complex financial concepts into something accessible. Most of all youre motivated by mission-driven work and take pride in creating systems that help an organization serve its community with integrity and transparency.
We celebrate the strength in your story.
Have you navigated recovery from addiction mental health challenges trauma or housing instabilityYour lived experience offers a unique compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families.
Your journey matters. If youre ready to use it to uplift and empower others we warmly encourage you to apply.
Who We Are...
Were YSS - one of Iowas oldest & largest nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission To spark hope create opportunities and help young people thrive. With life-changing programs an enthusiastic leadership team and our brand-new 50-acre recovery campus were growing fast and thinking big. Check us out at !
At YSS we celebrate the unique backgrounds identities and experiences that each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer were dedicated to creating a respectful inclusive and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And were always working to do better together.
YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.
Heads Up! Dont Miss Our Messages! - We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system. So be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam/junk folder too). Got questions Email
- were happy to help! The YSS Hiring Process
- Apply - Fill out the online app at - Well check out your skills and experience.
- Interview - Phone video or in-person - well chat and get to know you.
- References - Send us three people who can sing your praises.
- Screening - Background and driving checks (plus license verification if needed).
- Offer - If its a match youll get a formal offer through Paycom.