Controller (54191) at YSS

Ames, Iowa, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

25 Mar, 26

Salary

25.15

Posted On

25 Dec, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Financial Management, Accounting Operations, Compliance, Reporting, Team Leadership, Staff Development, GAAP, Nonprofit Accounting, Great Plains System, Mentoring, Coaching, Problem-Solving, Communication, Collaboration, Planning, Analysis

Industry

Individual and Family Services

Description

Job Details Job Location: Ames, IA 50010 Position Type: Full Time Education Level: 4 Year Degree Salary Range: $25.15 Hourly Travel Percentage: Up to 25% Job Shift: Day Job Category: Administrative At 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. We’re 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, you’ll 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 day‑to‑day 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 grant‑specific funds Prepare financial statements and support leadership with clear, actionable insights Utilize, administer, and support the Great Plains 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 donor‑restricted fund management Team Leadership & Staff Development Train, mentor, and supervise accounting staff with a focus on growth, confidence, and skill‑building 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, problem‑solving, 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 What We Ask... We 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 Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business related field. CPA or Master's 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 – recognizes how their work impacts others and works toward common goals. Communicator – skilled speaker/writer able to share information and concepts with various audiences. Driver – self-motivated, takes initiative, and can work independently. Planner – adept at managing resources, time, and priorities, often simultaneously and under tight deadlines. Thinker – exceptional researcher, analyzer, and problem-solver 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... You’re 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 you’re 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, you’re 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 instability? Your 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 you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply. Who We Are... We’re YSS - one of Iowa’s 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, we’re growing fast and thinking big. Check us out at yss.org! At YSS, we celebrate the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences that each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re dedicated to creating a respectful, inclusive, and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And we’re always working to do better together. YSS is a nicotine-free workplace. Heads Up! Don’t 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 yss@yss.org - we’re happy to help! The YSS Hiring Process Apply - Fill out the online app at yss.org/ysscareers. Assessment - We’ll check out your skills and experience. Interview - Phone, video, or in-person - we’ll 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 it’s a match, you’ll get a formal offer through Paycom.

Responsibilities

The Controller will oversee day-to-day accounting operations and ensure accurate financial reporting. They will also manage fund accounting and lead the preparation of annual audits and reports.