JOB FILLED - Controller

Job Description: 

Independent Natural Food Retailers Association (INFRA) is growing and seeking a Controller for our team! Are you looking to do meaningful work as a member of a high-functioning, committed, mission-driven team? Come grow with us! This is a unique opportunity to apply your experience with accounting foundational practices and financial strategic-mindedness to help further INFRA’s vision of a sustainable, equitable food system.
 
At INFRA, our mission is to strengthen our members through collaboration to forge a sustainable future. INFRA builds strategic alignment among its 280+ members to strengthen our position in the natural foods industry with purchasing power, marketing, programs, tools, training and events, and more. We work together. Leading the movement. Driving the industry. Feeding the community. 
 
As the Controller, you will ensure our finance needs are met today and that we are prepared for future growth. Our unique member-owned cooperative structure means you’ll use professionalism, approachability, flexibility, and influence to partner with a variety of audiences, including the CEO, leadership team, staff, the INFRA board, as well as our member-owners, vendors, and strategic partners. You will also ensure INFRA has the systems and procedures in place to button up accounting best practices; integrate INFRA finance, HR, and IT functions; support effective program implementation; and conduct flawless audits.
 
Please send us your resume and a cover letter if this sounds like a job where you can shine: 
 
What you will own and improve: 

  • Finance and accounting best practices

    • You will lead all day-to-day finance including functional responsibility over accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and member billing. Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements. 
    • Maintain internal control and safeguards for receipt of revenue, costs, and program budgets and actual expenditures.
    • Coordinate all audit activity.
    • Oversee all financial, project/program and membership accounting; ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with program budgets; collate financial reporting materials for accurate departmental and program reporting.
    • Manage and track the performance of invested assets in keeping with policies and investment guidelines.
    • Consistently analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; monitor progress and changes and keep senior leadership abreast of INFRA’s financial status.
  • Finance and accounting leadership
  • As the key finance team member, you will be closely involved with the INFRA leadership team as well as supporting interactions with our board and oversight committees. 
  • Assist INFRA’s leadership in the annual budgeting and planning process; administer and review all financial plans and compare to actual results.
  • Manage organizational cash flow forecasting by working in partnership with the program leads; continuously collaborate with program leads to assess the financial efficacy of program operations and establish finance and administrative systems to support program operations.
  • Work closely with program leaders and staff, not only to educate about accounting procedures but also to explore how the finance function can support program operations.
  • Commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, retaining, and professionally growing a diverse team.
  • Leverage strengths of the current finance team contributors to clarify roles and responsibilities with the foresight and ability to delegate. Ensure clear and measurable goal setting.
  • Provide leadership with cross-departmental communications and decision-making to promote a positive and supportive work environment with staff at all levels throughout the organization.
  • Team Leadership

What you already know:

  • 5-7 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, preferably with some experience in a business services organization.
  • Experience with GAAP accounting and reporting.
  • Understanding of purchasing cooperative accounting and reporting a plus.
  • Leadership acumen, including leading through influence.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience. CPA a plus.
  • Ability to establish great working relationships and communicate effectively with any audience.
  • Experience balancing tactics and management with strategy.
  • Ability and desire to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance team members, senior management, board, or other outside partners.
  • Technologically savvy with experience selecting and overseeing software installations and managing relationships with software vendors; advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills which allow for strategic data interpretation versus simple reporting.
  • Detail orientation and organization with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines under pressure without compromising quality. 
  • Proactive, iterative mindset with high value on continual improvement.

What you will learn: 

  • How to effectively collaborate to accomplish goals with INFRA.
  • How INFRA is driven by member needs and opportunities, aspiring to bring them to the forefront of innovation. We have a diverse network of partners and members with different sizes, needs, and cultures. You will learn how to communicate with, connect with, and develop strong relationships with our partners and our staff.
  • How to apply your leadership style and future-minded approach to continually guide INFRA toward our True North.

 
*This role is remote during the COVID-19 pandemic, but is based at our St Paul, MN headquarters in the future. 
   
INFRA is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We know that diversity of identities, experiences, and ways of thinking result in stronger lives for all our members and the communities we serve. Research shows that underrepresented communities such as people of color, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities may be less confident in applying for positions where as little as one skill doesn’t appear to fit – we encourage you to apply. 
 
INFRA is a mission-driven organization that strongly believes in rightful living. We provide competitive pay and a full suite of employee benefits including paid vacation and sick time; health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k) retirement plan; robust technology; and free parking and snacks! 

Compensation/Salary: 
DOE
Last Resume Date: 
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 - 12:45pm