Controller

Are you ready to join an organization where we focus on People First, have fun at work and make a difference in what we do?

Dairyland is proud of our People First culture centered around appreciation, celebrating wins and collaboration. We've worked hard to ensure alignment between our culture and our processes and systems, learning and development and rewards and recognition programs.

As a team, we work together to leverage the team's diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences to deliver nothing less than the best. We are collaborative, transparent and committed to our People and their work experience, growth and professional development.

The Controller will serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (EVP/CFO) on all matters relating to accounting, including financial reporting and compliance. This position provides leadership and direction to ensure the accounting team is successful and supports achievement of the cooperative strategic priorities, especially Financial and Competitive Strength.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Lead and develop finance and accounting staff, fostering a high-performance culture.

2. Responsible for the accurate and timely reporting of financial and statistical data and reports, in addition to compliance for regulatory reporting. Oversee the preparation of financial statements, including income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and regulatory accounting standards.

3. Establish and maintain internal financial controls to safeguard company assets. Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards, laws, and regulations in the energy industry. Responsible for the development and successful execution of financial and related regulatory audits. Oversees work of internal and external auditors and coordination of compliance training for the organization.

4. Manage cash flow to ensure adequate liquidity for daily operations and strategic initiatives. Optimize working capital by monitoring receivables and payables and implement cash management strategies to manage cash flow.

5. Prepare budget projections for the department personnel. Create and maintain financial models for forecasting. Track and report on budget variances.

6. Maintain relationships with internal and external business partners, including audit firms, attorneys, government agencies, and lenders.

7. Lead the Board of Directors' Financial & Operations Review Committee and coordinate requirements of the Board Audit & Risk Management Committee, including the internal audit function. Serve on various task force committees working with internal leadership.

8. Responsible for the functional ownership of accounting-related systems and processes. Partners across functions to ensure the accuracy, transparency, and efficiency of accounting data and reporting. Directs and controls the maintenance of all accounting financial data to ensure its integrity.

9. Responsible for the preparation of all tax informational returns and reports for federal, state, and local agencies and authorities. Filings include sales and use tax returns, payroll returns and reports, license fee returns, ad valorem taxes, federal excise taxes, Form 990, subsidiary income tax returns and others.

10. Responsible for reviewing professional pronouncements and literature for changes in accounting and reporting requirements relevant to, or having potential implications to, the company. Determine proper application, notification(s), and implementation of these.

11. Directs the administration of internal accounting policies and procedures and ensures compliance.

12. Acts as a key resource for the organization in providing accounting and financial guidance for strategic initiatives and projects.

NATURE AND EXTENT OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Responsible for departmental budget. Assists Dairyland's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Executive Team, and Board of Directors with financial information needed to enable the Cooperative to make sound financial decisions. Failure to file certain tax and license fee returns timely and properly can result in fines and forfeitures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or Finance. CPA, CMA, or MBA is strongly preferred.

Fifteen years of progressively responsible accounting experience. Prefer a significant portion of experience be at an electric utility. Proven experience as a Controller or in a senior financial management role. Experience must include working collaboratively with various groups, including Executive Management, Board of Directors, and cross-functional teams. Will present (verbally/written) to executive management and/or Board groups.

Five years of supervisory experience required.

Skills:
• Strong business/financial acumen, management, and visionary leadership skills
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments
• Ability to responsibly manage sensitive information and maintain confidentiality, both as it relates to business issues
• Effective presentation skills and experienced in presenting to executive leadership and/or boards of directors
• In-depth knowledge and skills in applying GAAP, financial systems, and accounting procedures
• Proven success in developing a high-performing staff, establishing performance standards, and transitioning staff through organizational change
• Knowledge of corporate finance preferred
• Experience in interpreting and applying both multiple states and federal requirements for tax reports and filings
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical abilities and problem-solving skills
• Experience with government funding programs beneficial
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point)

Must have demonstrated supervisory skills, including areas of employee development and training. Possess excellent oral and written communication skills for presenting and supporting analysis and recommendations to a variety of audiences.

Licenses and Certifications: CPA strongly preferred. Valid Driver's License.

We are committed to providing our greatest asset, our People, with as many perks and benefits as possible. Some benefits of working with us include:

- Health & disability benefits (medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability)
- Life insurance
- Generous 401(k) and Pension Plans
- Paid Time Off
- Robust Wellness Program
- New Flexible Work Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- So much more

Dairyland Power Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for employment, contact our HR Department at [redacted].

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