POSITION SUMMARY OVERVIEW:
Sakuma Brothers is a family-owned farming and processing operation with over 85 years of experience in the small fruit industry, spanning four generations. Based in Burlington, WA, our company is located in the heart of the premier berry-growing region of the Pacific Northwest. Our berry processing operations involve packing, marketing, sales, and distribution of fresh and frozen berries, both from the Sakuma family farms and from many local growers, serving domestic and international markets.
We are seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide financial leadership as a key member of our executive leadership team. The CFO will oversee our finance and IT teams, manage cash flow and financing activities, drive financial analysis and performance, and oversee forecasting and budgeting. This role also includes preparing timely financial reports and analyses and presenting them at monthly board meetings. As an essential part of our leadership team, the ideal candidate will be passionate, humble, and able to collaborate and communicate effectively.
We prefer candidates with agricultural knowledge and experience or a proven track record as a Controller or CFO in a dynamic and challenging environment, particularly one that requires a hands-on approach during the fast-paced harvest months from June through September. While a base salary is listed, the starting wage will be determined by the successful candidate's experience. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is a plus but not required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve as a member of the executive leadership team, contributing to high-level strategic planning and company oversight.
- Assist the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in developing and executing financial strategies, plans, and directives.
- Manage all banking relationships and financing activities.
- Effectively communicate and present financial analyses, collaborating with all departments to drive cost efficiencies and improvements.
- Oversee contract negotiations, including setting sales pricing and conducting cost analyses.
- Prepare and maintain monthly and quarterly financial statements, ensuring they are pro-forma and GAAP compliant.
- Direct and coordinate the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures.
- Coordinate and implement fiscal procedures, including budgeting, internal controls, financial statement preparation, audit readiness, and fixed asset management.
- Ensure prompt payment processing and effective management of the company's cash flow, with ongoing and timely reporting.
- Oversee accurate and timely payroll operations.
- Manage IT department functions to support company operations.
- Conduct annual performance reviews for direct reports, setting and monitoring goals.
- Provide operational guidance and ensure general compliance with regulations and policies.
- Advise the sales team on pricing strategies and contract management.
- Manage company tax compliance, financial audits, and related reporting.
- Handle other legal and administrative tasks as required.
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, the candidate must be high-energy, an excellent communicator, and a strong team builder. The following are examples of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EXPERIENCE:
- Accounting Expertise: Minimum of 7 years in general and senior-level accounting roles.
- Budget Management: Proven experience in budget preparation and analysis.
- ERP Systems: Proficient knowledge and hands-on experience with ERP accounting systems.
- Leadership: Strong supervisory and management experience, including team building and performance evaluations.
- Financial Reporting: Extensive experience with profit and loss (P&L) statements and balance sheet reporting.
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Master's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline preferred.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is a plus.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
- GAAP Proficiency: In-depth understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and accounting procedures.
- IT Management: Experience overseeing IT functions and integrating technology solutions with financial operations.
- Cash Management: Expertise in cash flow management and financing activities.
- Costing and Pricing: Skilled in standard costing methods and price setting strategies.
- Contract and Sales: Experience in contract negotiation and sales processes.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to conduct research using statistical methods and tools.
- Interpersonal Communication: Excellent communication skills for interaction with executives, board members, shareholders, colleagues, subcontractors, customers, and the general public.
ABILITIES:
- Cross-Department Coordination: Effectively coordinate fiscal activities and reporting across various departments.
- Report Preparation: Prepare and organize comprehensive reports to support organizational policies and procedures.
- Team Leadership: Provide supervision, training, and performance evaluations to build and maintain high-performing teams.
- Strategic Planning: Assist in developing and implementing financial strategies aligned with company goals.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position primarily involves office work, with occasional duties in production and farm settings. The role requires frequent standing, stooping, walking, sitting, and lifting of light objects (up to 10 pounds). Daily activities include extensive use of a computer, such as typing and navigating with a mouse, as well as analyzing information, speaking, listening, and attending and reporting at meetings.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay Range: Starting at $150,000 per year, with the final salary dependent on experience. This position also includes eligibility for the company’s leadership team bonus program, which provides additional performance-based compensation.
Benefits:
- 401(k) with matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends, as Needed
Work Location: In person
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Accounting: 7 years (Required)
- Management: 7 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Burlington, WA 98233 (Required)
Work Location: In person
