Job Description:
The Controller is responsible for ensuring that the accounting functions are consistent with the company’s goals and objectives through management and coordination of account reporting activities for the organization including income statement and balance sheet reports and control/monitoring functions of department and company budgets. The position involves supervision over compliance with local, state and federal regulatory requirements and tax planning, compliance and filings.
The Controller is responsible for oversight of the administrative and financial affairs of the organization and prepares financial analysis of operations, including interim and final financial statements for the guidance of Senior Management. Provide vision, leadership and strategic input and considerations, proactive engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
This position reports to the General Manager/COO and is a member of the Management Team. This position is based in the company’s headquarters in Salinas, CA.
Compensation/Salary:
DOE
Responsibilities & Duties:
- Initially the Controller will act as a change agent managing the accounting department personnel and systems through company reorganization, including consolidation of accounting systems of multiple SBU’s, creation and implementation of accounting and cash management policies and procedures, GAAP reporting and building an effective management process
- Incorporate finance and accounting functions, for farming operations in Mexico, into the overall holding company structure
- Perform financial and operational analysis and execution to support the goals and success of the company and guide financial decisions by developing, implementing, monitoring and enforcing a documents system of sound fiscal practices
- Coordinates and directs the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts, institutes applicable planning and control procedures including the cost accounting system and analyzes and reports variances
- Manage cash flow and working capital forecasting
- Manage the accuracy and productivity of day-to-day activities of accounts payable, cash disbursements, invoicing/billing, customer credits and collections, payroll, perpetual inventory integrity, fixed asset records, general and entity accounting
- Manage the accuracy of grower cost accounting, contract compliance and pooling
- Follows PACA requirements as applied to grower relations and customers account management
- Responsible for and serves as System Administrator for the FAMOUS software
- Safeguard assets and assure accurate and timely recording of all transactions by implementing disciplines of internal audits, controls and checks across all departments
- Provide status of financial condition of company by collecting, analyzing, interpreting and reporting financial data and trend analysis to Senior Management
- Provide financial analysis tools to evaluate company ventures or special projects, programs, capital expenditures, products costing, etc. as necessary
- Work closely with Senior Management in the development and economic evaluation of various employee benefit programs
- Supervises investment of funds and manages commercial banking relationships to facilitate an appropriate credit resource under highly competitive terms
- Interface with outside audit firms, banks and lessors, casualty/liability insurance agents, payroll agencies, credit card companies and collection agencies
- Supervise overall administrative operations, including safety, security, human resources and building maintenance
- Manages the overall direction, organizational structure and staffing, coordination and evaluation of the Finance/Accounting, Administrative and HR departments. Primary staff will be located at the company headquarters others will be in the Imperial Valley, CA and Mexicali MX
- Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the company policies and applicable laws; responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning and directing work, conducting performance reviews, rewarding performance, disciplining and/or terminating employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems
Skills:
- Exceptional oral and written skills, exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work closely with Senior Management
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft applications including advanced Excel skills, database and accounting computer applications, familiarity with the FAMOUS Software system
- Knowledge of accounts receivable, payable, payroll, GAAP and general accounting principles, regulatory and compliance requirements and tax regulations
- Familiarity with produce industry, farming operations and produce sales and marketing functions is a plus
Physical Job Requirements
- Must be able to sit for long periods of time, although intermittent breaks are provided
- Must be able to stand, bend, stoop and reach for mechanical operations and storage
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Occasional travel (1-2 days) to the Imperial Valley may be required
Qualifications:
- Bachelor Degree in Accounting, Finance or related major; Master’s preferred
- Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant designation preferred
- 15+ years progressively responsible experience in financial management
- Demonstrated management/leadership of the accounting function and team
- Agricultural/produce experience is a Plus
