Director, Finance & Accounting

POSITION PURPOSE

The Director of Finance & Accounting oversees the operation of the Accounting and Finance functions. This position is responsible for the preparation and the maintenance of the financial records of the cooperative in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Uniform System of Accounts. This position will lead and oversee all aspects of the cooperatives financial activities for both the electric and broadband segments; including accounting budgeting forecasting cash management investments risk management and auditing functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership:

• Actively engages as a member of the management team to address current issues including team and culture building.
• Attends courses and meetings that will grow leadership industry and functional skills.
• Attends board meetings and reports monthly financial activities with a focus on adherence/exceptions to budget; emerging issues.

Administration:

• Prepares informative useful management and statistical reports.
• Maintains appropriate insurance coverage.
• Administers and maintains contracts applicable to the department that support internal practices.

Accounting & Finance

• Ensures that a complete and systematic set of records of business transactions is maintained.
• Completes month-end closing procedures and prepares monthly financial reports as needed. Ensures accuracy of monthly financial reports prepared by the Staff Accountant.
• Prepares as needed and ensures that monthly quarterly and year-end reports are filed accurately and timely with the proper agencies.
• Prepares as needed and ensures that all tax reports are filed accurately and timely.
• Oversees all broadband and grant accounting.
• Prepares and ensures the property tax returns are filed timely with fiber exemptions filed.
• Develops and facilitates an effective budgeting process on an annual basis by consolidating all departmental operating and capital budgets.
• Develops cash requirements and debt portfolio strategy consistent with the risk tolerance set by the Board of Directors ensuring adequate short-term cash and maximizing investment of available excess cash.
• Maintains loan fund records and prepare loan fund requisitions.
• Plans designs evaluates implements and maintains accounting systems and accounting procedures.
• Partners with the GM/CEO to develop and assist in facilitating an annual business/work plan process.
• Works with GM/CEO and the Board of Directors to develop and facilitate a Strategic Planning process on a 35-year cycle.
• Supports the strategic and operating goals of the Electric and Broadband segments; to include business case development and budget forecasting.

Auditors:

• Provides accounting records and audit work papers necessary to complete audits.
• Provides adequate space equipment and assistance during the regularly scheduled audit period.
• Coordinates cooperates and consults with the auditor as necessary regarding accounting practices.

Bankers:

• Works closely with banking personnel within the cooperatives service area on any problems involving the deposit of funds checking accounts and other banking services.
• Obtains the necessary information for investment opportunities for the REMC.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Directs and supervises in an effective and cost-effective manner the Accounting and Finance departments.
• Fulfills supervisory responsibilities including but not limited to planning scheduling delegating appraising coaching counseling and teaching; supports business systems and policies procedures and practices relative to supervisory responsibilities.
• Encourages constructive handling of conflict providing and accepting feedback.
• Encourages personnel to innovate and streamline processes. Assists employees in seeing how the cooperatives goals are best accomplished and holding employees accountable for commitments and performance. Takes genuine interest in the development of employees.
• Demonstrates respect for peers and employees at all times.

Qualifications :

Education & Experience:

• Bachelors degree in accounting or related field.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in an accounting capacity required. CPA or equivalent certification a plus.
• Previous experience in the electric broadband or energy sector preferred.
• Proven leader strongly preferred demonstrating the leadership skills of planning directing developing coaching and supporting employees.   
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Office products required.
• Valid Indiana Drivers License.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrates analytical skills: Able to gather relevant data using appropriate methodologies and analyze that data in such a manner that valid conclusions and insinuations can be drawn that assist in making important business decisions.
• Strong communication skills. Able to clearly present information through spoken or written work; interprets and simplifies complex information; good customer relations; active listener; ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Works to create positive communication and relations by being a good listener conveying ideas and understanding how various pieces of work fit together.
• Strong problem-solving abilities including the ability to apply critical thinking skills and logical discernment to complex situations where different opinions may be in conflict.
• Strong mathematical abilities (addition subtraction multiplication division fractions percentages and ratios) including the ability to process data.
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to identify discrepancies and ensure accuracy in financial reporting.
• Comfortable with navigating and adapting to change in a fast-paced and evolving industry. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Focus on continuous improvement; driven to improve processes and drive efficiencies within the department.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism displays a courteous and positive attitude.
• Ability to establish professional relationships with both internal and external representatives.
• Collaborative with a strong desire to work within a team environment and drive positive change.
• Knowledge and experience of Rural Utilities Service (RUS) uniform system of accounting preferred.
• Contributes as needed to support the cooperative principles.
• Strong desire to learn and develop.
• Maintains a respectable personal appearance.

Additional Information :

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Ability to sit for periods of time and to move intermittently throughout the workday within or between departments or facilities.
• Ability to interact frequently with others both in person and through phone e-mail and written correspondence.
• Normal non-smoking office environment.
• Required to talk sit at a desk or in a vehicle and drive a vehicle.
• Use hands and fingers to work with computer equipment peripherals.
• Required to lift objects up to 30 pounds. Noise level is usually moderate.
• Vision--abilities to read.
• Travel required approximately 10 percent of the time; overnight travel required approximately 5 to 10 days per year for training conferences meetings etc.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time