Controller- Business office

About Grange Co-op

Founded in 1934, Grange Co-op is a cooperative dedicated to serving the needs of its members and the communities in which they live. With a focus on farm and ranch products, work wear and western wear, garden supplies, and pet care essentials, Grange Co-op has grown to become a trusted name in the industry. The company operates multiple retail locations, as well as a feed mill and remains committed to delivering exceptional value and service.

Position Summary

The Controller is responsible for overseeing all accounting, financial reporting, treasury, budgeting, forecasting, and internal control functions for Grange Co-op. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), this position ensures the integrity of financial information, compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and the effective management of accounting operations across multiple locations. This role serves as a key business partner to operational leadership, responsible for delivering accurate and timely financial reporting, managing audit and compliance activities, supporting strategic decision-making through financial analysis, and driving continuous improvement in financial processes and controls.

Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations

• Oversee all accounting operations and ensure compliance with GAAP and company policies.
• Manage the timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes for multiple locations.
• Prepare, review, and analyze monthly financial statements and management reports.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger, inventory valuation, fixed assets, and all financial records.
• Develop and maintain financial reporting packages and key performance indicators for management and the Board of Directors.
• Perform and oversee account reconciliations, journal entries, and balance sheet reviews.
• Analyze financial results and provide recommendations to leadership regarding trends, risks, and opportunities.

Inventory & Cost Accounting

• Oversee the financial accounting and valuation of inventory across all retail, manufacturing, and distribution operations.
• Ensure inventory is properly recorded and valued in accordance with GAAP and company accounting policies.
• Monitor inventory reserves, write-offs, obsolescence, spoilage, and shrink to ensure appropriate financial recognition.
• Review and analyze inventory adjustments, variances, and gross margin trends, identifying unusual activity and partnering with Inventory Control Specialist to resolve discrepancies
• Ensure timely reconciliation of perpetual inventory records to the general ledger and investigate significant variances.
• Oversee accounting for physical inventories and cycle count programs, ensuring results are accurately reflected in the financial statements.
• Ensure accurate product costing for manufactured products, including raw materials, labor, and overhead allocation, where applicable.
• Partner with Inventory Control Specialist, Operations, Purchasing, Distribution, and Retail leadership to improve inventory controls, inventory accuracy, and financial performance.
• Develop and maintain internal controls surrounding inventory transactions, transfers, receiving, production, and adjustments.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis

• Lead the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasting activities.
• Prepare cash flow forecasts and manage liquidity planning.
• Prepare profit and loss projections, financial models, and variance analyses.
• Monitor key business metrics and communicate significant variances and operational drivers.
• Support strategic planning and business initiatives through financial analysis and recommendations.

Treasury & Banking

• Manage daily treasury operations, including cash positioning, cash forecasting, bank reconciliations, merchant services, and execution of approved banking transactions.
• Monitor cash balances, borrowing activity, and cash flow requirements.
• Oversee merchant services and cash management activities.
• Ensure proper controls and safeguarding of company assets.

Internal Controls, Compliance & Audit

• Work with CFO to establish, maintain, and continuously improve internal controls over financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, cooperative accounting standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and coordinate annual financial statement audits.
• Assist with tax compliance, regulatory filings, and other reporting requirements.
• Support annual retirement plan audits and other compliance reviews as required.
• Develop and document accounting policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain internal controls over inventory valuation, inventory movement, manufacturing costing, and retail inventory transactions.
• Monitor compliance with inventory accounting policies across all operating locations.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise and mentor the accounting team, including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Inventory Control staff.
• Work with CFO to establish departmental goals, performance standards, and professional development plans.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the Finance Department.
• Partner with department leaders across the organization to improve financial performance and effectiveness.

Process Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Evaluate accounting systems, reporting tools, and technologies to enhance financial operations.
• Support system implementations and upgrades as needed.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Provide exceptional service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the CFO.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• The Controller directly supervises accounting personnel, including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, and Accounts Receivable, Inventory Control staff and collaborates closely with managers across all Grange Co-op locations and business units.

Required Qualifications

• Education & Experience:

o Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.

o CPA designation strongly preferred.

o Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive accounting and finance experience.

o Experience supervising accounting staff and managing accounting operations.

o Public accounting audit experience strongly preferred.

o Demonstrated experience with internal controls, GAAP compliance, and financial statement preparation.

o Experience in multi-location operations, retail, agriculture, manufacturing, distribution, or cooperative environments preferred.

o Experience partnering with external auditors and financial institutions.

• Reasoning Ability:

Ability to analyze operational and financial information, evaluate performance trends, and make independent decisions that impact departmental results. Applies sound judgment in managing people, processes, and resources.

• Financial & Analytical Skills:

Ability to interpret budgets, labor reports, inventory data, and operational metrics to support profitability and efficiency goals, as applicable to the role.

• Communication Skills:

Ability to communicate expectations clearly, manage performance conversations, and collaborate effectively across departments and locations. Ability to prepare clear, professional correspondence, reports, and documentation; communicate information accurately and effectively with internal departments, vendors, and customers.

Core Competencies

• Accountability: Demonstrate reliability, follow through on responsibilities, and take ownership of results.
• Safety & Compliance: Follow safety procedures, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Customer Focus: Demonstrate a genuine desire to serve customers, both internal and external, by sharing knowledge, offering helpful solutions, and creating a positive experience.
• Teamwork: Work collaboratively, support shared goals and communicate respectfully.
• Integrity: Act ethically, honestly, and professionally in all interactions.
• Adaptability: Respond promptly to changing priorities and business needs.
• Problem Solving: Proactively identify issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Operational Leadership: Oversee daily operations to ensure efficiency, productivity, and service standards.
• People Management: Provides support, direction, coaches employees, manages performance, and fosters accountability.
• Business Acumen: Make decisions aligned with budgets, labor management, and profitability goals.
• Decision Making: Exercise sound judgment and resolve issues effectively and timely.
• Communication & Collaboration: Clearly communicate expectations and work cross-functionally to achieve goals.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement practical improvements in processes, performance, and service, as well as leveraging technology tools for efficiency gains.

Work Environment

This role operates in a professional office environment and requires occasional travel.

Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply!