Controller, Finance & Banking, Financial Reporting

Job Details

Job Location
:
Ames, IA 50010

Position Type
:
Full Time

Education Level
: 4 Year Degree

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
• Review 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
• Monitor 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.

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

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…