Controller | Decatur Cooperative Association

Decatur Cooperative Association is seeking a full-time Controller based out of Oberlin, KS. The Controller leads the Cooperative’s Finance and Accounting Department and is responsible for the integrity and timely reporting of the Cooperative’s financial information, including the general ledger, financial statement, budgeting, cash management, and annual audit preparation.

The Controller directly supervises the Cooperative’s accounting and office-administrative staff and serves as the Cooperative's primary day-to-day financial contact with auditors, lenders and other financial partners. This position advises the General Manager on financial position, liquidity, and risk.

This is a full-time position and is eligible for the Cooperative's benefit package: paid time off, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401(k), and Coop Retirement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (includes but not limited to):

• Direct the Cooperative’s accounting, financial reporting, and banking functions, including the general ledger, reconciliations, and month-end/year-end close.
• Prepare timely monthly and annual financial statements and analysis for the General Manager and Board of Directors.
• Serve as the Cooperative’s primary financial contact with banks, lenders, auditors, and tax professionals; prepare required lender and covenant reporting.
• Coordinate annual operating and capital budgets, cash-flow forecasts, and financial projections.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, credit/collections, payroll accounting and daily banking.
• Coordinate the annual audit and year-end tax reporting process.
• Provide the General Manager with financial analysis and recommendations concerning major expenditure, financing arrangements, capital projects, leases, asset purchases or sales, and other significant business decisions.
• Coordinate payroll processing and related tax reporting while working with the General Manager and Chief Administrative Officer regarding approved employee, compensation, timekeeping, and benefit changes.
• Oversee inventory, fixed-asset, debt, lease and member equity/patronage accounting records.
• Establish and maintain internal controls over cash, payments, payroll, and financial-system access; investigate and report irregularities.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate accounting and administrative staff.
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of financial records and comply with applicable laws and Cooperative policy.
• Work with department and location managers to ensure financial information, tickets, invoices, deposits, inventory reports, and supporting records are submitted accurately and in a timely manner.
• Provide professional and responsive service to members, customers, vendors, employees, auditors, lenders, and management.
• Maintain a positive attitude that promotes teamwork and a favorable image of the Cooperative.
• Comply with Cooperative policies and all applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, tax requirements, and financial-reporting requirements.
• Perform all other duties assigned by the General Manager.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position directly supervises the Cooperative’s accounting and administrative office employees designated by the General Manager, including staff responsible for accounts payable/receivable, payroll, member equity records, and general accounting support. Responsibilities include assigning and reviewing work, training, performance evaluation, and recommending hiring, discipline, or compensation actions in conjunction with the General Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field preferred; CPA, CMA or comparable designation a plus.  At least five years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience, including two years in a supervisory or lead role, is preferred.  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Strong knowledge of general-ledger accounting, financial statements, internal controls, budgeting and cash management.
• The ability to prepare financial statements independently and explain financial information clearly to non-accounting audiences, the Board, lenders and auditors.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines (payroll, tax filings, audits, Board reporting).
• Proficiency with accounting software, spreadsheet software, word-processing software, payroll systems, inventory systems, online banking systems, and electronic document storage.
• Agricultural cooperative, grain, or multi-location accounting experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to Cooperative locations as needed.

ABOUT THE DECATUR COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

Decatur Cooperative Association (DCA) is an agricultural Cooperative located in northwest Kansas, with its headquarters in Oberlin, Kansas. DCA operates approximately seven locations across northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska and provides grain, feed, fuel, and propane services to its patron‑owners and surrounding agricultural communities. DCA is deeply rooted in its rural communities and committed to supporting local agriculture through strong relationships, dependable service, and Cooperative principles. To learn more, please visit www.decaturcoop.net.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please submit your resume to Dave Norton, General Manager, at dnorton@decaturcoop.net.