What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Grain Accountant position at Furst-McNess Company?
Position Overview:
The Senior Grain Accountant will be responsible for overseeing and managing the financial operations related to grain and commodity transactions. This role is integral to ensuring the company maintains accurate financial records, complies with industry regulations, and supports strategic business decisions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in grain accounting, a deep understanding of the agricultural sector, and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Grain Accounting:
- Oversee accounting processes for grain inventory, contracts, settlements, and hedging activities.
- Manage mark-to-market accounting, ensuring accurate valuation of grain inventory and derivatives.
- Monitor and reconcile grain position reports, ensuring accuracy in daily, monthly, and annual financial reporting.
- Financial Reporting & Analysis:
- Prepare and analyze financial statements related to grain and feed operations.
- Provide insights on commodity margins, market trends, and financial performance to support decision-making.
- Collaborate with leadership to develop cash flow forecasts and budget projections.
- Compliance & Auditing:
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including GAAP and industry-specific standards.
- Lead the preparation of year-end audits and tax reporting related to grain and feed activities.
- Work closely with external auditors and regulatory bodies to maintain transparent and accurate financial practices.
- System Optimization & Team Collaboration:
- Identify opportunities to improve accounting systems and processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
- Partner with merchandisers, logistics teams, and operations staff to ensure seamless financial integration across departments.
- Mentor and train junior accounting staff on industry specific accounting practices and tools.
Qualifications & Competencies:
- Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
- CPA or CMA certification is strongly preferred.
- 5 years of accounting experience, with at least 3 years in grain or agricultural accounting.
- Industry Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of grain contracts, hedging, and mark-to-market accounting.
- Familiarity with commodity trading, grain handling, and feed ingredient operations.
- Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in accounting software
- Advanced knowledge of Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and financial modeling.
- Personal Attributes:
- High attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse teams.
- Ability to work under pressure during peak seasons
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunities for professional development and advancement.
- A collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation and excellence in agriculture.
- The chance to play a critical role in a growing company within the grain and feed industry.