Company Description

J.C. Watson Packing Co. is a fourth generation, values-driven company with a rich legacy spanning over 100 years. Rooted in excellence and trust, the organization has continuously grown and prospered by staying true to its mission. Focused on providing high-quality products and services, J.C. Watson Packing Co. consistently delivers value to its customers and partners. Located in Parma, ID, the company takes pride in fostering a culture of integrity and innovation.

Role Description

J.C. Watson Packing Co. is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a full-time, on-site position in Parma, ID. The CFO serves as a strategic business partner to executive leadership and is responsible for the overall financial leadership, integrity, and long-term financial health of the Company, its subsidiaries, operations, and related investment activities. The CFO provides oversight of accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, treasury management, payroll, tax strategy, compliance, capital planning, and financial forecasting across a complex multi-entity agricultural organization.

This executive leadership role is responsible for developing and executing financial strategies that support operational performance, agricultural production planning, growth initiatives, and organizational sustainability. The CFO partners closely with ownership, growers, operational leadership, and external advisors to drive financial transparency, improve profitability, strengthen internal controls, and support strategic decision-making across all entities.

The CFO also leads annual planning and budget implementation processes, oversees grower and crop settlement activities, manages banking and audit relationships, and ensures compliance with all applicable accounting standards, tax regulations, and company policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

Executive Financial Leadership

Serve as a key strategic advisor to executive leadership regarding financial performance, operational strategy, investments, and organizational growth
Lead the financial planning and analysis (FP&A) process to support short- and long-term business objectives
Provide executive-level financial reporting, forecasts, dashboards, and strategic recommendations to ownership and leadership teams
Facilitate financial review meetings, including preparation and presentation of financial results, operational analyses, and performance metrics
Lead annual planning initiatives and organization-wide budget roll-out processes
Evaluate business opportunities, capital expenditures, investments, and operational initiatives from a financial perspective
Develop and implement financial strategies that improve profitability, cash flow, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability

Accounting & Financial Management

Direct all accounting operations including general ledger, financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management
Oversee month-end, quarterly, and year-end close processes across multiple entities
Ensure timely preparation and accuracy of internal and external financial statements and management reports
Maintain integrity of accounting records, financial systems, and reporting processes
Oversee reconciliation of intercompany accounts, loans, and entity consolidations
Ensure accurate allocation of farm overhead, labor, and operational costs across entities, departments, and projects
Oversee grower settlements and agricultural production accounting processes
Assist operational teams with share crop billings, onion seed billings, and other agricultural billing activities

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis

Lead development of annual operating budgets for packing, farming and hops operations
Oversee budget implementation and monitor organizational performance against approved budgets and forecasts
Prepare financial forecasts, variance analyses, and profitability analyses for executive leadership
Lead annual capital planning processes across all entities
Monitor financial and operational trends and provide actionable recommendations to leadership
Oversee cash flow forecasting, working capital management, and liquidity planning
Support strategic modeling, scenario planning, and long-range forecasting initiatives

Treasury, Banking & Risk Management

Manage relationships with banking institutions, lenders, insurance providers, and financial partners
Oversee treasury functions including cash management, borrowing, and capital planning
Coordinate annual insurance renewals and risk management activities
Monitor organizational risk exposure and recommend mitigation strategies
Support financing activities, investment oversight, and asset management
Ensure appropriate internal controls and safeguards are maintained to protect company assets

Tax, Compliance & Audit Management

Oversee tax planning, tax estimates, and coordination of federal, state, and local tax filings
Coordinate preparation and review of organizational tax returns with external tax advisors and CPAs
Lead year-end financial preparation and audit coordination activities
Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, labor laws, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements
Lead annual financial audits, insurance audits, and governmental audits
Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal control systems
Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, legal counsel, and consultants as needed

Grower & Ownership Relations

Meet regularly with ownership to review financial performance, operational results, budgets, and strategic initiatives
Provide financial transparency and reporting support to ownership and stakeholders
Support operational leadership in evaluating crop profitability, production costs, and financial performance metrics

Systems, Process Improvement & Technology

Provide executive oversight of accounting and financial systems
Lead initiatives to improve financial processes, automation, reporting capabilities, and operational efficiencies
Evaluate and implement technology solutions that support organizational growth and scalability
Ensure proper system controls, documentation, and user training are maintained

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and finance personnel
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence
Partner with operations, sales, HR, and administrative leadership to support organizational objectives
Communicate financial concepts and operational impacts effectively to non-financial stakeholders

Other

Maintain confidentiality and security of financial, employee, and organizational information
Perform additional executive leadership and financial management duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
8–12+ years of progressive accounting and financial leadership experience
Minimum 5 years of leadership or management experience in finance/accounting operations
Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, tax planning, and internal controls
Experience managing multi-entity accounting environments
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, financial systems, and accounting software
Demonstrated experience leading strategic financial initiatives and organizational planning

Preferred

CPA designation strongly preferred
Experience in agriculture, farming, agribusiness, manufacturing, or seasonal-labor industries
Experience with agricultural production accounting, grower settlements, and crop cost allocation
Experience with banking relationships, financing activities, and treasury management
MBA or advanced financial certifications preferred

Skills & Attributes

Strategic thinker with strong business and financial acumen
Executive presence with strong leadership and decision-making capabilities
High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Hands-on leadership style with ability to operate both strategically and tactically
Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and organizational outcomes

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