Staff Accountant

At YSS, every dollar has a purpose—and every financial decision impacts the youth and families we serve. We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Staff Accountant who thrives on organization, accuracy, and problem-solving. This is an opportunity to play a key role in strengthening financial processes, improving reporting, and helping build a solid foundation for future growth.

Supporting our Finance Department and under the supervision of the CFO, the Staff Accountant will ensure accurate data entry into the general ledger through monthly account reconciliations and assist with adjusting entries, monthly financials, and the annual budget process. This position will work closely with the Finance team and other departments to provide precise and timely financial reporting that aligns with our agency's mission.

What You'll Do...

Financial Reporting & Reconciliation

• Analyze monthly revenues and expenses to support financial statement preparation.
• Prepare assigned account reconciliations to ensure accuracy in financial reporting.
• Support month-end close, including general ledger review, journal entries, accruals, and WellsOne coding review.

Budgeting & Financial Analysis

• Assist with monthly financial reporting and distribution to agency departments.
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting activities in partnership with the CFO and Finance team.

Grant & Project Support

• Support grant billing, funding tracking updates, and program-specific billing needs (including ASSET and Aftercare).
• Assist with finance projects, research requests, and maintenance of financial policies and procedures.

Team Collaboration & Support

• Provide backup support to the Accounting Manager and Finance team as needed.
• Enter charitable contributions into the donor database and assist with monthly fundraising reports.
• Participate in internal meetings and support Finance team priorities.
• Collaborate across programs to support campus operations and mission delivery.

This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.

Who You Are...

You’re detail-oriented and steady, with a knack for bringing structure to complex financial information. You enjoy digging into the details, resolving discrepancies, and creating accurate, reliable numbers others can trust. You understand that strong accounting supports strong mission work.

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

This role is ideal for an accountant who enjoys more than routine bookkeeping. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping strengthen financial systems that support life-changing services for youth and families. If you enjoy untangling complex accounts, identifying opportunities for improvement, and creating systems that make life easier for everyone, we'd love to meet you.

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.

Required Qualifications - MUST HAVES:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
• At least three years accounting, auditing, or finance experience
• Proficiency with Excel (sorting, formulas, data review, basic analysis)
• Experience with systems such as NetSuite, Sage Intacct, QuickBooks, or similar ERP tools

Preferred Qualifications - SHOULD HAVES:

• Understanding of GAAP and basic financial reporting principles
• Experience with account reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end close processes
• Experience supporting audits and preparing audit schedules
• Nonprofit accounting experience, especially fund or grant accounting
• Experience with restricted funds, grants, or donor-restricted revenue
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, especially during month-end close
• Clear communicator who can work across departments

The IDEAL Candidate

• Naturally curious and persistent when numbers don’t align
• Reliable, steady, and able to follow through independently
• Understands that strong financial systems support mission impact
• Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
• Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.

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 via email - straight from our Paycom system address: systemmessage@paycomonline.com. Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case). If the message does end up in spam/junk, make sure to add systemmessage@paycomonline.com to your list of safe senders. We may also send you texts if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions? Reach us anytime at yss@yss.org

Our 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