Corporate Controller

Korn Ferry is exclusively partnering with our client, a multi-billion-dollar agricultural cooperative to recruit a Corporate Controller based in Northeastern South Dakota (relocation supported). The organization is owned by ~7,000 farmers and ranchers across the Dakotas and operates 70+ locations.

Reporting to the CFO, the Corporate Controller will lead accounting operations across Grain, Agronomy, Energy, and Feed divisions. This role is responsible for accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

The position oversees corporate accounting, consolidation, and reporting across the cooperative and its subsidiaries, while partnering closely with finance and operational leaders to enhance processes, systems, and controls. The Corporate Controller manages a team of seven and oversees patronage operations.

• Oversee consolidated financial reporting for management, Board, and lenders
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, including documentation and remediation
• Lead annual audit process and manage external auditor relationships
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and oversee technical accounting matters
• Oversee inventory and cost accounting across a multi-location environment
• Lead patronage accounting, allocation, and related reporting
• Partner with FP&A and operations on reporting, forecasting, and variance analysis
• Enhance chart of accounts, reporting structures, and data governance
• Drive ERP optimization, process standardization, and automation initiatives
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of seven; support broader finance organization
• Support strategic initiatives including system implementations and process improvements

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting;
  Master’s preferred
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience with leadership responsibility
• Strong experience in financial reporting, audit coordination, and close processes
• Solid knowledge of GAAP and internal controls
• Proficiency with Excel and financial systems/ERP
• Strong communication and organizational skills; ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• High integrity and ability to manage confidential information

Preferred:

• Experience in agriculture, manufacturing, or other inventory-intensive industries
• Exposure to FP&A, multi-location operations, and margin-based businesses
• Experience with ERP implementations and process improvement initiatives
• Familiarity with lender reporting and working capital management

• Analytical, detail-oriented, and solutions-driven
• Strong people leader with ability to develop teams and drive accountability
• Effective communicator across finance and non-finance stakeholders
• Collaborative, organized, and adaptable in a dynamic environment