Chief Financial Officer; CFO

Summary:

Directs and coordinates the Finance and Financial Reporting operations of the Cooperative, performs as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

• Provides overall leadership of the Cooperative’s finance and accounting operations, including financial reporting, liquidity management, and both short- and long-term financial planning. Advises the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board of Directors on financial strategy and performance.
• Directs operational and capital budgeting, treasury functions, forecasting, and variance analysis, ensuring proper utilization and control of Cooperative assets.
• Ensures strong internal controls and compliance with all regulatory and reporting requirements, including the RUS Uniform System of Accounts, USDA loan covenants, IRS and state filings, and annual independent audits. Prepares audit results for the Board Audit Committee and ensures corrective actions are implemented when necessary.
• Oversees cooperative-specific accounting functions such as the allocation and retirement of patronage capital in accordance with Bylaws and Board policy. Maintains the Cooperative’s tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(12) and benchmarks financial performance against peer cooperatives, NRECA, and regional associations.
• Coordinates rate studies, cost-of-service analyses, tariff filings, and other financial reporting with regulators including MPSC and FERC (if applicable) to ensure fair and sustainable member rates.
• Administers the Cooperative’s natural gas supply program, including forecasting, procurement, daily monitoring of volumes, reporting to management and the Board, rate analysis, and supply modeling.
• Provides financial oversight for subsidiaries and broadband/fiber operations, including grant compliance, cost allocation, financial reporting, and capital build-out planning.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with Cooperative members, municipalities, regulators, lenders, financial institutions, community partners, and the investment community. Represents the Cooperative at community organizations and functions as appropriate.
• Directs and supports departmental staff, including hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating performance. Enforces Cooperative policies and fosters professional working relationships while building the next generation of Cooperative leadership.
• Ensures finance and accounting functions support and align with the Cooperative’s mission, strategy, and long-range goals, contributing to the overall success of the organization.

Provides leadership and direction to the Accounting and Stock departments, including direct supervision of department supervisors and other accounting staff. Ensures all supervisory responsibilities are carried out in accordance with Cooperative policies, applicable laws, and best practices in people management.

Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) in Accounting or Finance from an accredited four-year college or university and five to seven years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. MBA preferred.

• Financial Acumen – Deep understanding of accounting principles, cooperative finance, and regulatory compliance; able to interpret financial data and translate it into strategic action.
• Strategic Thinking & Business Insight – Anticipates trends, identifies risks and opportunities, and aligns financial planning with the Cooperative’s mission and long-term goals.
• Leadership & People Management – Inspires trust and confidence; hires, develops, and retains strong teams; delegates effectively while holding staff accountable; builds a culture of collaboration and performance.
• Change Management – Effectively leads the organization through transition, regulatory shifts, and new business initiatives; communicates clearly and builds commitment to change.
• Communication & Influence – Communicates complex financial information clearly to varied audiences (Board, regulators, staff, members); influences decision-making and provides sound recommendations.
• Member & Stakeholder Focus – Maintains…