We Are YSS!
Salary Range: $20.74 Hourly
Position Type: Full Time
Location: Ames
Where precision meets impact.
YSS is seeking a sharp, solution-focused Grants Billing Specialist to ensure every grant dollar works as hard as we do. In this role, you’ll oversee the financial side of our programs, shaping and maintaining the systems and processes that keep us compliant, efficient, and ready for anything.
Working in a fast-paced environment, you’ll tackle a wide array of grant-related accounting tasks—everything from general ledger reviews and financial reporting to preparing year-end audit materials and supporting budgets for new and existing grants. Your work ensures that programs have the financial clarity and support they need to thrive.
What you’ll do:
Grant Compliance and Coordination
- Maintain a deep understanding of assigned grants and contracts to guarantee compliance with fund drawdowns.
- Ensure all processes align with federal grant requirements.
- Partner with Program Staff and the Grant Writer to uphold compliance standards.
- Respond promptly to grant-related inquiries from both internal and external stakeholders.
Financial Management and Oversight
- Prepare and submit reimbursement claims to funding sources efficiently and accurately.
- Allocate expenses correctly and make adjustments as needed.
- Track monthly fund usage and reconcile grant spending with the accounting system.
- Identify and communicate corrections to ensure accuracy in general ledger coding.
- Work with supervisors to implement budget revisions, coordinating closely with Program Leaders.
- Submit required reports to grant agencies on time and with precision.
Administrative and Team Support
- Participate in staff meetings and contribute to team discussions.
- Update Administrative Directives and process documents as necessary.
- Support program and internal audits when needed.
- Serve as backup for the Senior Grants Accountant and Grant Writer in monitoring grant pipelines and opportunities.
Please know this is not a complete list of the position’s responsibilities. Duties can change.
If you’re organized, detail-oriented, and energized by the chance to keep complex grants running smoothly while supporting programs that make a real difference, this is the role for you.
What We Provide…
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
What We Ask…
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
- At least two years of accounting experience.
- Proficiency in advanced Excel, databases, and accounting software
SHOULD HAVES – Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting.
- Experience with grant financial management and claims billing experience.
- Skilled in interpreting complex grant requirements, submissions, and budget projections, as well as federal, state, and local grant regulations.
- Experienced in ensuring grant compliance, including reporting and budget oversight.
- Detail-oriented, consistently meeting tight deadlines with accuracy.
- Able to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
- Capable of reviewing and verifying the work of others to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Collaborative and proactive, contributing to team success and continuous improvement.
- Dependable under pressure, able to prioritize tasks and make timely decisions.
- Works independently and as part of a team, requiring minimal supervision.
- Takes initiative to identify needs, solve problems, and implement improvements without waiting for direction.
The IDEAL Candidate Will:
- Be rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
- Bring humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
- Speak a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).
Who You Are…
You’re a numbers-savvy problem solver who thrives on keeping grants on track and compliant. You’re organized, proactive, and can juggle deadlines without breaking a sweat. You communicate clearly, collaborate effortlessly, and understand that every dollar matters—because behind every line item is real impact..
We celebrate the strength in 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 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!
At 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.
YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.
Heads 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!
The YSS Hiring Process
- Apply – Fill out the online app at yss.org/ysscareers.
- Assessment – We’ll check out your skills and experience.
- Interview – Phone, video, or in-person – we’ll chat and get to know you.
- References – Send us three+ people who can sing your praises.
- Screening – Background and driving checks (plus license verification if needed).
- Offer – If it’s a match, you’ll get a formal offer through Paycom.