Controller

This Controller operationally leads the execution of key financial processes and procedures with the policies and guidelines set by the CFO. These include monthly close of US entities and consolidation of foreign entities, internal controls framework, and preparation of internal and external reporting for the company. The Controller also oversees the external-facing Grower Accounting programs (member payments, equity allocations/retirements, and year-end statements). The role ensures GAAP compliance, audit readiness, and high service levels to cooperative grower-members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSABILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other related duties may be required and assigned.

1. Own the monthly close calendar, reconciliation discipline, account certification, and issue remediation.
2. Coordinate internal/external audits; strengthen control environment and documentation.
3. Maintain accounting policies and procedures; draft technical accounting memos as needed.
4. Oversee grower/member payment processes, deferred payment programs, advances, notes, and equity allocations/retirements.
5. Ensure timely, accurate year-end statements to members and high-quality communications.
6. Maintain integrity of member accounts and audit trails.
7. Maintain familiarity with regulations governing cooperative member relationships.
8. Own the technical implementation of the inventory valuation policy and ensure execution and maintenance of documentation; resolve complex cost/valuation questions in coordination with auditors and other stakeholders (e.g. Decision Support)
9. Align GAAP requirements with management reporting needs.
10. Lead Senior Staff Accountants; build cross-coverage and seasonal capacity plans.
11. Coach and develop team; promote rotations and career ladders within Controllership.
12. Partner with IT and Operations to improve data quality, automation, and cycle time.
13. Recommend and steward innovation in ways-of-working across end-to-end processes leveraging existing (ERP) and other available tools as appropriate
14. Own end-to-end grower/member payment cycles and year-end member statements.
15. Own close calendar and control standards; approve remediation plans.
16. Authorize master data/program changes impacting grower accounts in partnership with IT.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge/Skills:

• ERP proficiency (SAP preferred); strong reconciliation and documentation discipline.
• Experience with cooperative or member-accounting environments and external-facing stakeholder communications.

Ability to:

• Close timeliness; control exception rate; audit findings closure.
• On-time, accurate member statements and payment processing SLAs.
• Quality and timeliness of technical accounting documentation.

Education and Experience:

• BA/BS in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA preferred.
• 8-12 years in accounting related roles, including close processes and internal controls.

Physical/Safety Requirements:

• Tolerate extended periods of sitting at desk.
• Ambient noise is louder than a traditional office setting.