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...

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 field
• 2+ 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 processes

SHOULD 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 organizations

SKILLS & ABILITIES That Make You Stand Out

• You stay organized, juggle multiple priorities, and keep work moving—even when deadlines stack up
• You dig into issues, connect the dots, and communicate solutions clearly
• You translate complex financial information into clear, usable insight for others
• You collaborate naturally across teams and departments
• You manage funds and processes with resourcefulness, care, and consistency
• You stay calm, focused, and solutions-oriented in a fast-paced environment

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Is driven by purpose, equity, inclusion, and meaningful community impact
• Brings humility, cultural awareness, and respect to every interaction
• Is collaborative, dependable, and energized by mission-driven work

We Celebrate 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 largest and longest-standing nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission is simple but powerful: spark hope, create opportunity, and help young people thrive.

• From life-changing programs to a new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at yss.org.
• We value the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed.
• YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.

Stay Connected...We communicate with applicants by email through our Paycom system. Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case). We may also send you text messages if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions? Reach us anytime at yss@yss.org

Hiring Process...Here’s what to expect:

• Apply – Submit your application at yss.org/ysscareers
• Assessment – We review your skills and experience
• Interview – Phone, video, or in-person conversation
• References – We’ll connect with 3+ professional references
• Screening – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if required
• Offer – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom