Controller (54191)

YSS•Ames, IA

1d•$25

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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
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.

Responsibilities

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
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
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