Grants Accountant

Where precision powers possibility.

YSS is looking for a detail-driven, mission-minded Grants Accountant to join our team!

At YSS, every dollar tells a story—and in this role, you help make sure that story is accurate, compliant, and aligned with the life-changing work happening across our programs. You’ll partner closely with program and finance teams to manage grant funding from start to finish, ensuring resources are used effectively to support youth and families across Iowa.

This is a role for someone who loves precision, thrives on organization, and understands that behind every spreadsheet is real impact.

What You'll Do...Manage full-cycle financial tracking, reporting, and compliance for assigned grants and contracts

Monitor budgets, expenditures, reimbursements, and fund drawdowns for accuracy and proper allocation

Prepare financial reports, reconciliations, and tracking tools for internal teams and external funders

Maintain accurate ledger coding, expense allocation, and audit-ready grant files

Reconcile grant activity, identify variances, and complete journal entries as needed

Support budget development, revisions, adjustments, and grant closeout processes

Partner with program and finance teams to ensure compliant spending and documentation

Provide insight into spending trends, issues, and compliance concerns

Ensure timely and accurate reporting and submission of grant revisions

Support audits and maintain organized, complete documentation

Please know this is not a complete list of the position’s responsibilities. Duties can change.

This isn’t just about balancing books—it’s about backing the work that changes lives. Your accuracy helps ensure programs stay funded, compliant, and strong.

Who You Are...You’re the person who likes things to add up—and helps make sure they do. You’re detail-focused without getting stuck in the details, calm under pressure, and confident navigating complexity. You know that strong financial systems don’t just support programs—they make meaningful work possible. And you take pride in making sure the behind-the-scenes work is just as strong as the impact it helps create..What

We Provide...We invest in people—because when you thrive, so do the communities we serve. At YSS, you’ll find meaningful work, strong support, and benefits designed for real life.

Supportive Culture & Work Environment Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture

Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Health & Wellness Benefits Comprehensive health insurance

Voluntary dental and vision insurance

Life insurance and long-term disability coverage

Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) options

Flu shots and mental health support resources

Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames Time Off & Work-Life Balance Generous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)
Paid holidays, including a birthday holiday

Volunteer time off Financial & Retirement Benefits Competitive salary

Supplemental compensation award
403(b) retirement savings plan Professional & Career Support Professional liability insurance coverage

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer

To create a world where youth are valued and empowered, we ask staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a ’Can Do’ Spirit. We also ask for the following:

MUST HAVES (Required Qualifications)
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field2+ years of accounting experience, preferably including grants financial management

Advanced proficiency with accounting systems

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word Strong understanding of budgeting, financial reporting, and reconciliation processesSHOULD HAVES (Preferred Qualifications)
High attention to detail with a strong sense of accuracy and accountability

Grant or fund accounting experience

Familiarity with federal, state, or private grant compliance requirements

Experience in nonprofit or mission-driven organizationsSKILLS & ABILITIES That Make You…