Senior Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Financial Accountant

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

• Full-time, salaried position
• 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, ora 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.