What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Finance and Human Resources position at Champlain Orchards Inc.?
About Champlain Orchards
Champlain Orchards is one of Vermont’s oldest and largest, ecologically managed orchards. Nestled in the Champlain Valley, we grow over 175 varieties of apples, pears, plums, cherries, nectarines, and berries, with a commitment to sustainability and community. While our roots are in wholesale fruit production, our diversified farm also offers a seasonal Farm Market and Cider Garden. Additionally, we own and operate Douglas Orchards PYO operation and farm market.
We’re proud stewards of the land and our people, and we’re looking for a strong financial leader to help guide the next chapter of our farm’s success.
Position Summary
The Director of Finance & Human Resources will provide visionary leadership and oversight of Champlain Orchards' financial operations, human resources, and administrative systems such as payroll and insurance. This is a strategic role responsible for keeping our numbers sharp, our team supported, and our administrative engine running smoothly. If you thrive in a leadership position with a healthy balance of day-to-day detail and big-picture planning—this one’s for you.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Oversight & Planning
- Lead short- and long-term financial planning and forecasting
- Prepare monthly and annual cash flow projections
- Monitor financial health with monthly reports comparing actuals to projections and goals
- Oversee external payroll processing and support staff with payroll/tax questions
- Manage accounts receivable/payable using QuickBooks, producing reports and recommendations for leadership
- Reconcile monthly bank statements
- Generate year-end financial reports and prepare tax documentation for accountants
- Maintain the purchase order system and verify credit card charges
- Oversee and manage all insurance policies
- Safeguard financial data confidentiality
Administrative & Human Resources Leadership
- Supervise the Finance & Admin team
- Oversee company-wide recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations
- Develop job descriptions, define qualifications, and manage the interview process
- Ensure compliance with federal and state labor laws, safety standards, and tax regulations
- Administer compensation and benefits programs
- Oversee disciplinary actions and resolve workplace conflicts with fairness and professionalism
- Manage personnel files and maintain updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Lead training initiatives and foster a safe, positive, and inclusive work environment
- Provide strategic HR support to Leadership Team, including developing recruitment strategies and improving retention
Strategic Support
- Collaborate with the Leadership Team on departmental budgets, quality expectations, and productivity targets
- Assist with strategy development for rewarding productivity, improving staff morale, and enhancing overall work quality
- Provide Leadership Team with insight and recommendations based on financial data
Ideal Candidate
You’re a numbers-driven leader who also happens to get what it means to run a values-driven family farm. You’re comfortable sitting at the decision-making table and rolling up your sleeves in QuickBooks. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Visionary, strategic thinker with the humility to handle daily financial tasks
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Strong communicator with solid leadership abilities
- Trustworthy, respectful, and committed to confidentiality
- Passion for agriculture, local food systems, or sustainable business is a plus
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- Minimum 4 years of progressive accounting and administrative experience
- Proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Suite
- Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting
- Experience managing payroll and HR functions preferred
Work Environment
This is a full-time, salaried position based at Champlain Orchards in Shoreham, VT.
Compensation & Perks
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
- Health insurance options
- Paid time off & some holidays
- Farm perks: free fruit and cider, staff discounts on Champlain Orchards products
How to Apply
Please send your resume and a brief cover letter sharing why you’re excited about this role and working with Champlain Orchards to: hr@champlainorchards.com
Champlain Orchards is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $72,000.00 - $78,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Ability to Commute:
- Shoreham, VT 05770 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Shoreham, VT 05770: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $72,000 - $78,000