{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"6e8570f520db5b0710f49dff","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/6e8570f520db5b0710f49dff","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/6e8570f520db5b0710f49dff","title":"Controller","description":"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.\nAs 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:\nFinancial Management & Oversight\nOversee day‑to‑day accounting operations, including AP, AR, payroll, and general ledger\nReviewing daily banking activity, including positive pays and ACH notifications\nEnsure accurate and timely monthly closes, reconciliations, and financial reporting\nMaintain and improve internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance\nManage fund accounting, including restricted, unrestricted, and grant‑specific funds\nPrepare financial statements and support leadership with clear, actionable insights\nUtilize, administer, and support the Great Plains System\nMonitoring expenses to ensure they are in line and are expensed properly\nCompliance & Reporting\nLead preparation of annual audits and reports\nEnsure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards\nSupport grant reporting, budget tracking, and donor‑restricted fund management\nTeam Leadership & Staff Development\nTrain, mentor, and supervise accounting staff with a focus on growth, confidence, and skill‑building\nCreate clear workflows, expectations, and development plans for team members\nFoster a collaborative, supportive environment where staff feel empowered to ask questions and take ownership\nProvide ongoing coaching to strengthen technical skills, problem‑solving, and nonprofit accounting knowledge\nLead with patience, clarity, and a commitment to continuous improvement\nThis description is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.\nWhat We Provide...\nWe 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:\nSupportive leadership team and mission-driven culture.\nFlexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment.\nCompetitive salary\nComprehensive benefits.\nHealth insurance\nVoluntary dental insurance\nVoluntary vision insurance\nLife insurance and long-term disability coverage\nSupplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance\nProfessional liability insurance coverage\nFlexible spending account/health savings account\nSupplemental compensation award\nGenerous Paid Time off and Leave\nFour weeks of paid time off (PTO)\nVolunteer time off\nPaid holiday leave\nBirthday holiday\nWellness Program Opportunities\nPaid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames\nEmployee Assistance Program for all employees\nFlu shots\nMental health support\nYSS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.\n403(b) retirement offerings\nWe 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.\nMUST HAVES - to qualify, you need:\nA Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business related field. CPA or Master's preferred.\nFive (5) years of full-time experience in a related field.\nExperience supervising full-time staff.\nExpert understanding of accounting principles and solid financial acumen\nAdvanced proficiency with accounting software programs, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word.\nSHOULD HAVES - we would also like you to be a:\nCollaborator – recognizes how their work impacts others and works toward common goals.\nCommunicator – skilled speaker/writer able to share information and concepts with various audiences.\nDriver – self-motivated, takes initiative, and can work independently.\nPlanner – adept at managing resources, time, and priorities, often simultaneously and under tight deadlines.\nThinker – exceptional researcher, analyzer, and problem-solver\nThe IDEAL candidate:\nHas familiarity with non-profits.\nBe rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.\nBring humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.\nWho You Are...\nYou’re a thoughtful, steady financial leader who believes great accounting is built on great people. You enjoy coaching others, creating clarity, and helping a team grow into its full potential. You bring a strong command of nonprofit accounting, but you’re just as passionate about building confidence in those around you. You communicate clearly, lead with patience, and know how to turn complex financial concepts into something accessible. Most of all, you’re motivated by mission-driven work and take pride in creating systems that help an organization serve its community with integrity and transparency.\nWe celebrate the strength in your story.\nHave 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.\nYour journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply.\nWho We Are...\nWe’re YSS - one of Iowa’s oldest & largest nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission? To spark hope, create opportunities, and help young people thrive. With life-changing programs, an enthusiastic leadership team, and our brand-new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re growing fast and thinking big. Check us out at yss.org!\nAt YSS, we celebrate the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences that each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re dedicated to creating a respectful, inclusive, and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And we’re always working to do better together.\nYSS is a nicotine-free workplace.\nHeads Up! Don’t Miss Our Messages! - We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system. So be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam/junk folder too). Got questions? Email yss@yss.org - we’re happy to help!\nThe YSS Hiring Process\nApply - Fill out the online app at yss.org/ysscareers.\nAssessment - We’ll check out your skills and experience.\nInterview - Phone, video, or in-person - we’ll chat and get to know you.\nReferences - Send us three+ people who can sing your praises.\nScreening - Background and driving checks (plus license verification if needed).\nOffer - If it’s a match, you’ll get a formal offer through Paycom.","company":"Yss","rawCompany":"yss","city":"Ames","state":"IA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-07-15T12:34:52.180Z","occupations":[{"code":"11-3031.01","title":"Treasurers and Controllers","slug":"treasurers-and-controllers"},{"code":"13-2011.00","title":"Accountants and Auditors","slug":"accountants-and-auditors"},{"code":"43-3031.00","title":"Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks","slug":"bookkeeping-accounting-and-auditing-clerks"}],"industries":[{"code":"624110","title":"Child and Youth Services","slug":"child-and-youth-services"},{"code":"813410","title":"Civic and Social Organizations","slug":"civic-and-social-organizations"},{"code":"541219","title":"Other Accounting Services","slug":"other-accounting-services"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Controller","description":"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.\nAs 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:\nFinancial Management & Oversight\nOversee day‑to‑day accounting operations, including AP, AR, payroll, and general ledger\nReviewing daily banking activity, including positive pays and ACH notifications\nEnsure accurate and timely monthly closes, reconciliations, and financial reporting\nMaintain and improve internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance\nManage fund accounting, including restricted, unrestricted, and grant‑specific funds\nPrepare financial statements and support leadership with clear, actionable insights\nUtilize, administer, and support the Great Plains System\nMonitoring expenses to ensure they are in line and are expensed properly\nCompliance & Reporting\nLead preparation of annual audits and reports\nEnsure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards\nSupport grant reporting, budget tracking, and donor‑restricted fund management\nTeam Leadership & Staff Development\nTrain, mentor, and supervise accounting staff with a focus on growth, confidence, and skill‑building\nCreate clear workflows, expectations, and development plans for team members\nFoster a collaborative, supportive environment where staff feel empowered to ask questions and take ownership\nProvide ongoing coaching to strengthen technical skills, problem‑solving, and nonprofit accounting knowledge\nLead with patience, clarity, and a commitment to continuous improvement\nThis description is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.\nWhat We Provide...\nWe 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:\nSupportive leadership team and mission-driven culture.\nFlexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment.\nCompetitive salary\nComprehensive benefits.\nHealth insurance\nVoluntary dental insurance\nVoluntary vision insurance\nLife insurance and long-term disability coverage\nSupplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance\nProfessional liability insurance coverage\nFlexible spending account/health savings account\nSupplemental compensation award\nGenerous Paid Time off and Leave\nFour weeks of paid time off (PTO)\nVolunteer time off\nPaid holiday leave\nBirthday holiday\nWellness Program Opportunities\nPaid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames\nEmployee Assistance Program for all employees\nFlu shots\nMental health support\nYSS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.\n403(b) retirement offerings\nWe 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.\nMUST HAVES - to qualify, you need:\nA Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business related field. CPA or Master's preferred.\nFive (5) years of full-time experience in a related field.\nExperience supervising full-time staff.\nExpert understanding of accounting principles and solid financial acumen\nAdvanced proficiency with accounting software programs, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word.\nSHOULD HAVES - we would also like you to be a:\nCollaborator – recognizes how their work impacts others and works toward common goals.\nCommunicator – skilled speaker/writer able to share information and concepts with various audiences.\nDriver – self-motivated, takes initiative, and can work independently.\nPlanner – adept at managing resources, time, and priorities, often simultaneously and under tight deadlines.\nThinker – exceptional researcher, analyzer, and problem-solver\nThe IDEAL candidate:\nHas familiarity with non-profits.\nBe rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.\nBring humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.\nWho You Are...\nYou’re a thoughtful, steady financial leader who believes great accounting is built on great people. You enjoy coaching others, creating clarity, and helping a team grow into its full potential. You bring a strong command of nonprofit accounting, but you’re just as passionate about building confidence in those around you. You communicate clearly, lead with patience, and know how to turn complex financial concepts into something accessible. Most of all, you’re motivated by mission-driven work and take pride in creating systems that help an organization serve its community with integrity and transparency.\nWe celebrate the strength in your story.\nHave 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.\nYour journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply.\nWho We Are...\nWe’re YSS - one of Iowa’s oldest & largest nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission? To spark hope, create opportunities, and help young people thrive. With life-changing programs, an enthusiastic leadership team, and our brand-new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re growing fast and thinking big. Check us out at yss.org!\nAt YSS, we celebrate the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences that each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re dedicated to creating a respectful, inclusive, and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And we’re always working to do better together.\nYSS is a nicotine-free workplace.\nHeads Up! Don’t Miss Our Messages! - We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system. So be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam/junk folder too). Got questions? Email yss@yss.org - we’re happy to help!\nThe YSS Hiring Process\nApply - Fill out the online app at yss.org/ysscareers.\nAssessment - We’ll check out your skills and experience.\nInterview - Phone, video, or in-person - we’ll chat and get to know you.\nReferences - Send us three+ people who can sing your praises.\nScreening - Background and driving checks (plus license verification if needed).\nOffer - If it’s a match, you’ll get a formal offer through Paycom.","datePosted":"2026-07-15T12:34:52.180Z","dateModified":"2026-07-15T12:34:52.180Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Yss","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Ames","addressRegion":"IA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"6e8570f520db5b0710f49dff"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/6e8570f520db5b0710f49dff"}}