Financial Controller/ Finance Director NORTH AMERICAN BLUEBERRY COUNCIL & U.S. HIGHBUSH COUNCIL SALARY RANGE: $120,000–$150,000 DOE/DOQ

THE NORTH AMERICAN BLUEBERRY COUNCIL (NABC) AND THE U.S. HIGHBUSH COUNCIL (USHBC) seek a Financial Controller/Finance Director who

has exceptional communication skills, financial acumen, administrative oversight, strategic business thinking and experience in accounting controls and transactions. This is a newly created position, is part of the executive team, and is the financial adviser providing a significant role in the councils’ success in effectively serving highbush blueberry growers across the continent. This position directs and manages the councils’ accounting, investments, cash flow management, and short- and long-range financial projections. It also ensures the accuracy of NABC/USHBC accounting data and financial records, produces the annual budgets and financial reports, and oversees financial and regulatory audits. This position oversees administrative services (human resources, benefits, policies and procedures and operations, special projects, etc.). This is an agricultural member and marketing organization, so our ideal candidate will have a background in a similar industry, and/or be able to analyze industrywide production trends and ensure agricultural marketing services and other regulatory guidelines are followed.

the organizations/councils The USHBC supports blueberry growers throughout the Americas, and supports the health of the blueberry industry by educating, researching and driving consumer demand. It also improves grower and handlers’ participation to advance the blueberry industry’s goals, and initiates activities that increase demand for highbush blueberries. The NABC is a membership organization that is a key advocate for the success and profitability of the highbush blueberry industry and assists its members by addressing market access issues, provides counsel in the development of standards for quality and food safety, and serves as a voice for the America’s blueberry region. Both councils’ board members are located across the U.S., with the business offices located in Folsom, California, (near Sacramento). Both councils encourage cooperation among the international blueberry communities, provide their members with timely, market relevant information and advice on good industry practices, and head a legislative committee that serves as a voice in legislative and regulatory matters on behalf of the blueberry industry in conjunction with other agricultural groups and coalitions.

folsom, california A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK & PLAY

Just 30 minutes from Sacramento and two hours from the Bay Area, Folsom offers a mild climate year-round to enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping and dining. The area’s history is filled with Gold Rush-era greatness, Johnny Cash and preservation

of its nature and arts. With a historic downtown, proximity to a multitude of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, water skiing, boating and camping at the

20,000-acre Folsom Lake Recreation Area, Folsom is a vibrant community that ties together Old World charm with modern amenities and proximity to world-class urban centers. Folsom is known in the region for top elementary through high school education institutions, and is

close to a host of other higher education options (CSU-Sacramento, UC Davis, Folsom Lake College, William Jessup University, MTI, American River College, Sierra College).

the job/ ideal candidateThe Financial Controller/Finance Director manages the day-to-day general accounting functions for the organization and provides sound strategic financial direction. This position is a hands-on, participative leader that supports finance, business planning, budgeting, human resources and other administrative duties. The director reports to the president of NABC and will oversee the work of other professionals and support staff, annual audits, purchases, assets, accounting systems, financial reporting for both councils, and manage a combined annual budget exceeding $13 million. This position is part of the senior leadership team and participates in strategic decision-making, directs and manages special projects, oversees operations and assists in the advancement of NABC and USHBC missions and visions by providing finance and accounting professional services to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of the organizations.

Financial Acumen•Analyzes complex financial data and recognizes patterns in company

spending and revenue, and recommends solutions to issues.

•Prepares, monitors and controls the organization’s operating budget and business plans.

•Analyzes industrywide production trends and ensures the accuracy of NABC/USHBC data.

•Advises on and negotiates contracts, agreements and cooperative arrangements with governmental agencies, financial institutions, outside private contractors and others as needed.

•Serves as lead staff and manages all aspects of the Finance Committee; plans logistics, attends and is responsible for minutes of all committee meetings; regularly communicates with and presents to boards and committees.

Leadership+Communications•Inspires a transparent, inclusive and empowering culture.

•Leads with confidence and assurance and performs well under pressure.

•Works effectively with boards and committee members, growers, members, and executive leadership.

•Develops and upholds trust with others and operates with a strong ethical framework.

•Uses superior interpersonal skills to build trust and develop relationships.

Business Acumen+Technology•Improves business processes and develops approaches to doing business better.

•Understands political challenges and uses business savvy to navigate appropriately.

•Is a big-picture thinker and an organizational and administrative problem-solver.

•Keeps up with new business technology to provide best practice recommendations and ensures the organization’s technology, accounting, database systems and programs are

functional and relevant.

UPCOMING PROJECTS, CHALLENGES +

OPPORTUNITIES

•Successful implementation and integration of Association Management System.

•Modernization of operational reporting process and procedures.

•Development of improved production forecasting for operating revenue projections.

RetirementAfter one year of service,

retirement funds deposited on a monthly basis by NABC directly to an accredited retirement fund of the employers choosing at a rate of 7.5% of yearly income.

Medical/Dental/ Vision Insurance

Basic coverage for employee only.

VacationBased upon years of service, 6 months–1 year = 5 days; 2–4 years = 10 days per year; 5–14 years = 15 days per year; 15 years and thereafter = 20 days per year.

Sick Days 5 days of paid sick time upon start; total of 10 days per year after one year of service.

Paid Holidays 11 per year.

NABC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Please contact your recruiter, Wendi Brown, with any questions: 866.9227.WBCP (toll free) | 541.664.0376 (direct)

wendi@wbcpinc.com

how to applyThis is an open continuous recruitment; however, for first consideration,

apply by JULY 7, 2020, by completing an application to and attaching your cover letter and resume at: wbcpinc.com/job-board/

salary+benefitsThe annual salary range is: $120,000–$150,000; salary will be

negotiated depending upon qualifications and experience.

BACKGROUND + EDUCATION

required•Ideally, seven years of responsible professional

experience in accounting, preferably in associations, professional societies, NGOs or membership group setting.

•Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in accounting and/or finance, business or related field.

•Possession of a valid and appropriate driver’s license and ability to occasionally travel as needed.

•Requires completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of NABC.

preferred•A master’s degree in

accounting, finance, business or a related field.

•Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

•Agricultural industry knowledge.

SAVE THE DATESInterviews will be held on AUGUST 4 + 14, 2020 (candidates selected to interview will need to be available for both days).