Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Agriculture Cooperative
Jun 06, 2025
Location: Watertown, SD
Reports to: General Manager / CEO
Supervises: Finance & Accounting Team
About Us:
We are a member-owned agricultural cooperative serving our producers through multiple locations offering grain, agronomy, energy and feed services. Rooted in community, innovation, and integrity, we are committed to supporting our members and their operations.
Position Summary:
We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the financial operations of our cooperative. The CFO will oversee all financial functions including accounting, budgeting, financial planning and analysis, payroll, risk management, IT and reporting. This role plays a key part in guiding the long-term financial strategy of the cooperative while ensuring day-to-day financial accuracy and compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Work Environment:
This position is based in our Watertown office with some travel to cooperative locations as needed. We offer a collaborative and mission-driven culture committed to serving our member-owners and agricultural communities.
ONLINE APPLICATION >
Reports to: General Manager / CEO
Supervises: Finance & Accounting Team
About Us:
We are a member-owned agricultural cooperative serving our producers through multiple locations offering grain, agronomy, energy and feed services. Rooted in community, innovation, and integrity, we are committed to supporting our members and their operations.
Position Summary:
We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the financial operations of our cooperative. The CFO will oversee all financial functions including accounting, budgeting, financial planning and analysis, payroll, risk management, IT and reporting. This role plays a key part in guiding the long-term financial strategy of the cooperative while ensuring day-to-day financial accuracy and compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Financial Leadership:
- Provide leadership and direction for all financial aspects of the cooperative.
- Partner with the CEO and board to develop long-term financial strategies and annual budgets.
- Offer insights and recommendations to optimize operational efficiency and profitability across all service lines (grain, agronomy, energy and feed).
- Accounting & Reporting:
- Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and regulatory reporting requirements.
- Coordinate annual audit processes with external auditors.
- Payroll Oversight:
- Manage and oversee the cooperative’s payroll processing to ensure accurate and timely compensation for all employees.
- Ensure compliance with payroll tax and labor regulations.
- Treasury & Cash Management:
- Manage banking relationships, lines of credit, and cash flow to ensure financial stability.
- Monitor financial performance and make proactive recommendations to ensure fiscal health.
- Risk Management:
- Oversee insurance programs, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies.
- Ensure the cooperative’s assets are adequately protected.
- Team Leadership:
- Lead and develop the finance team; foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with location managers and department heads to support sound financial decision-making.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (MBA or CPA preferred).
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressive financial management experience, ideally within agriculture, cooperatives, or related industries.
- Strong understanding of cooperative finance, grain accounting, cost analysis, and agricultural lending.
- Experience overseeing payroll functions, preferably in a multi-location organization.
- Excellent leadership, analytical, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems (experience with agriculture-focused platforms a plus).
Work Environment:
This position is based in our Watertown office with some travel to cooperative locations as needed. We offer a collaborative and mission-driven culture committed to serving our member-owners and agricultural communities.
ONLINE APPLICATION >