CFO: The Job DescriptionCFO: The Job Description

Oversee systems design and staff operations for payment of bills, collection of accounts receivable, records storage and banking responsibilities.

Prepare and distribute monthly and annual financial reports appropriate for board, management and responsibility center managers.

Oversee preparation of cash flow budget projections for key enterprises using input from responsibility center managers, and report periodically to officers and division managers on cash flow performance.

Analyze feasibility of capital investments (i.e. large equipment, facilities, land) with focus on optimizing procurement strategy.

Oversee the design and maintenance of the farm’s Management Information System including historical operating and financial data, trend comparisons and ratio analysis in key performance areas.

Serve as primary liaison with business accountant on preparation of state and federal income tax returns.

Provide oversight to staff operations related to filing periodic payroll and fuel tax reports and refund requests

Arrange loans for operating and capital purposes

Set up procedures and oversee administration of annual distributions of landlord crop shares and cost reimbursements; and maintain records on lease advances and crop shares

Provide financial expertise and support to owners in estate plan implementation (wills, stock buyouts and payments, etc.) and assist in implementation of business ownership transfers, capital investments, and withdrawals of equity

Maintain familiarity with corporate minutes, by-laws, partnership agreements, revenue sharing agreements and capital maintenance requirements

Serve as Technology Coordinator for farm; keep computer hardware and software updated; oversee regular backups and maintain information security systems

Administer records retention and disposition program; dispose of records when holding periods are met

Monitor grain and livestock markets, keep updated records of current inventory positions and future production to be marketed; market commodities

Manage insurance program coverage for crop, casualty, medical and company funded life purposes; maintain history of claims experience, loss to premium ratios

Monitor USDA federal farm program provisions and insure compliance in annual cropping plans; file necessary crop plans, production reports and landlord distribution information

Supervise investments for pension plan and prepare periodic reports required by law

Oversee office maintenance, supplies, and equipment servicing & replacement

Shop for capital purchase items based on specifications approved by authorizing managers

Provide primary staff in construction of information essential for Business Strategic Planning efforts

Team Work - ability to work with diverse mix of owners and employees

Leadership/Delegation - ability to delegate and hold staff accountable for financial management and office functions

Problem Solving - exhibit ingenuity in researching problem-solving models and computer simulation techniques

Qualifications - Knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform this job with excellence

Education - Minimum requirement is Masters in Business Administration, Agricultural Finance or comparable degree

Interpersonal skills - Work effectively in a staff support position with owners, managers, and enterprise directors.

Supervisory Responsibilities - Capable of overseeing variety of staff including but not limited to bookkeepers, data entry personnel and office managers.

Computer skills - must be proficient in Word Processing, Data Base Management, Spreadsheet and telecommunications

Management Information Systems - demonstrate proven experience and understanding of how an effective business Management Information System should be set up and administered.

Audit/Internal Controls - should possess understanding of how audits fit into business Management Control system and know how to set up proper systems of internal controls to ensure sound security and audit compliance.

Licenses/Certificates - CPA would be desirable but not required

Appraisal Experience - familiar with methodology for conducting and/or reviewing appraisals of agricultural assets.

Familiarity with agriculture - Must have knowledge and experience with agricultural enterprises

Experience - 2-3 years of actual experience working in agribusiness finance occupations

Managerial Accounting - familiar with standards and guidelines published by the Farm Financial Standards Council

Language Skills - excellent speaking and writing skills; second language in Spanish would be preferred but not required.

Process Improvemen - Knowledge and experience in SOP development, certification systems, efficiency audits, and techniques for improving business efficiency and compliance.

Work Environment - job will involve working largely in an office atmosphere, but applicant must be able to travel throughout business operating environment interacting with owners, staff, field personnel, advisors, and professional staff. Employees will be exposed to dust, odors, noise, moving equipment typical for a diverse livestock, commodity and specialty crop operation.

Physical Demands - Employee must be able to lift up to 50 pounds (predominantly office type resources). Vision requirements: close vision; distance vision; peripheral vision; and depth vision.

Employee Certification - I acknowledge, understand and agree to the job duties and requirements for this position.