What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grant Compliance & Billing Specialist position at YSS?
Keep the mission moving—one spreadsheet, reimbursement, and perfectly coded expense at a time.
YSS is looking for a detail-loving, deadline-crushing, spreadsheet-savvy professional to join our team as a Grant Compliance & Billing Specialist. In this role, you’ll help ensure the financial health and compliance of programs that make a real difference in the lives of children, youth, and families.
Working in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, you’ll manage a wide range of grant-related financial responsibilities — from reimbursement claims and budget tracking to compliance monitoring and audit support. Your work behind the scenes helps programs thrive out front.
If you enjoy balancing details, solving problems, and keeping complex funding streams organized and accurate, this role might be your perfect match.
Grant Compliance & Coordination
- Maintain a strong understanding of assigned grants and contracts to ensure compliance with funding requirements
- Monitor fund drawdowns and reimbursement activity for accuracy and timeliness
- Partner closely with Program Leaders and the Grant Writer to support compliance efforts and reporting needs
- Respond to grant-related questions from internal teams and external partners
- Help ensure processes align with federal and agency grant requirements
Financial Management & Reporting
- Prepare and submit reimbursement claims accurately and on time
- Track grant spending and reconcile activity within the accounting system
- Allocate expenses appropriately and make adjustments when needed
- Review general ledger activity and communicate coding corrections
- Assist with budget revisions and collaborate with leadership on grant financial planning
- Prepare and submit required financial reports to grant agencies
- Support year-end audit preparation and grant-related financial documentation
Team & Operational Support
- Participate in team meetings and collaborate across departments
- Update administrative directives and internal process documentation
- Support internal and external audits as needed
- Serve as backup support for grant pipeline and opportunity tracking
You’re equal parts organized, analytical, and collaborative. You can juggle multiple deadlines without losing sight of the details, and you actually enjoy making spreadsheets behave themselves. You communicate clearly, think proactively, and understand that accurate financial work directly supports meaningful community impact.
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)
- At least two years of accounting, finance, billing, or grants-related experience
- Proficiency in advanced Excel, databases, and accounting software
SHOULD HAVES (Preferred Qualifications)
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field
- Experience with grant financial management, reimbursement claims, or billing processes
- Strong understanding of grant compliance requirements (federal, state, and local)
- Experience with budgeting, financial tracking, and reporting
- Ability to interpret and apply complex financial and grant requirements
- Experience supporting or reviewing financial work for accuracy and compliance
- Strong attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines
- Clear communicator who can translate financial data for non-financial audiences
- Comfortable working independently while contributing to a team environment
- Proactive problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
- Driven by purpose, equity, inclusion, and meaningful community impact
- Brings humility, cultural awareness, and respect to every interaction
- Collaborative, dependable, and energized by mission-driven work
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.
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.
- 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