Senior Financial Accountant

Animal-Rescue-League-of-Iow; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Des Moines, is seeking a Senior Financial Accountant to support daily accounting operations, lead closings, and provide reliable financial information to leadership. You will manage grants, budgets, and audits while upholding strong internal controls in a mission-driven nonprofit.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s in Accounting or Finance, 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, and nonprofit or grant accounting exposure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience with financial statements and month-end closing.
• CPA license or active CPA candidate preferred.
• Nonprofit accounting experience preferred.
• Grant accounting experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily accounting activities including GL, AP, AR, payroll accounting, and cash management.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes.
• Prepare financial statements, schedules, journal entries, and reconciliations.
• Analyze financial activity, investigate variances, provide reports to leaders.
• Maintain fixed asset records, depreciation schedules, and supporting docs.
• Track restricted funds and grant activity; prepare grant reports.
• Monitor compliance with grant and donor restrictions.
• Assist with annual audits, Form 990 prep, and regulatory reporting.
• Maintain internal controls and document procedures.
• Suggest process improvements for accuracy and efficiency.
• Assist with budgets, forecasts, and department reporting.
• Cross-train accounting functions for continuity.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Management Des Moines, IA, US

5 days ago Requisition ID: 1385

Bring financial clarity and strong stewardship to a mission that matters.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Financial Accountant to support the financial operations of the organization and related entities. This role manages day-to-day accounting functions, supports accurate financial reporting, maintains internal controls, coordinates audit preparation, assists with grant reporting, and provides reliable financial information to organizational leadership.

This is a great opportunity for someone with progressive accounting experience who is organized, analytical, and interested in using their financial expertise to support a mission-driven nonprofit organization with opportunities for growth.

Schedule

• Schedule is typically Monday through Friday
• Additionalavailability may be needed during audits, budget preparation, year-end close, or other key finance deadlines.

About the Animal Rescue League of Iowa

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal welfare organization, helping animals and the people who love them through sheltering, adoption, veterinary care, animal services, community programs, and pet support resources.

Across multiple locations and programs in the Des Moines metro, the ARL works every day to provide compassionate care, practical support, and trusted resources for animals and families in our community.

What You’ll Do

• Manage daily accounting activities, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, and cash management.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes.
• Prepare financial statements, supporting schedules, journal entries, and account reconciliations.
• Analyze financial activity, investigate variances, and provide reporting to organizational leaders.
• Maintain fixed asset records, depreciation schedules, accounting records, and supporting documentation.
• Track restricted funds and grant activity while preparing grant-related reports and reconciliations.
• Monitor compliance with grant and donor restrictions.
• Assistwith annual financial audits, audit schedules, Form 990 preparation, and regulatory reporting.
• Maintain strong internal controls and help document accounting procedures and workflows.
• Recommend and implement process improvements to support accuracy, efficiency, and continuity.
• Assistwith annual budgets, forecasts, financial analysis, and department reporting.
• Cross-train accounting functions to support continuity of finance operations.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting , Finance, or a related field required.
• Minimum of five years of progressive accounting experience required.
• Experience with financial statements and month-end closing required.
• CPA license or active CPA candidate preferred.
• Nonprofit accounting experience preferred.
• Grant accounting experience preferred.
• Strong accuracy, attention to detail, confidentiality, and follow-through.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and time management skills.
• Ability to manage deadlines, prioritize work, and support multiple financial processes.
• Proficiencywith Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly and professionally to leadership and department partners.

Benefits for Full-Time Employees

The ARL is proud to offer competitive, market-driven compensation and a mission-focused culture. In addition, a variety of benefits are available to full-time employees including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid long-term disability and basic life insurance
• Supplemental insurances, including short-term disability, supplemental life insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution
• Veterinary benefits
• Work-life balance through our expansive holiday and paid time off policies

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

This position works primarily in an office environment and requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

The role may involve working in an environment where animals and allergens, such as pet dander, dust, and other airborne particles, are present.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Why Join the ARL?

As the Senior Financial Accountant, your work helps support the financial integrity, accountability, and stewardship behind the ARL’s mission. Through accurate reporting, strong internal controls, grant tracking, budgeting support, and financial leadership, you will help ensure the organization has reliable information to make informed decisions and continue serving animals and the community.

If you are an experienced accounting professional who values accuracy, collaboration, and meaningful nonprofit work, we would love to have you join our team.

Employment in this position is at-will, meaning either the employee or the ARL may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, as permitted by law.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law. Applicants and employees are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations as needed.