Posted: 13-Oct-25
Location: Onaway, Michigan
Type: Full Time
Required Education:
Summary: Directs and coordinates the Finance and Financial Reporting operations of the Cooperative, performs as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Other duties may be assigned.)
- 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.
Supervisory Responsibilities
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.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) degree 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.
Competencies:
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following core competencies:
- 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 strong relationships with members, regulators, financial institutions, and community stakeholders; ensures decisions reflect cooperative values and member interests.
- Ethics & Integrity – Demonstrates sound judgment, transparency, and commitment to cooperative principles; upholds the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.
- Innovation & Continuous Improvement – Identifies opportunities for efficiency, process improvement, and new approaches to strengthen financial performance and service delivery.
Qualifications:
To perform this role successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Financial Expertise – Advanced knowledge of accounting, finance, and cooperative-specific reporting requirements (RUS Uniform System of Accounts, patronage capital, and tax-exempt status). Skilled in financial modeling, forecasting, and cost-of-service studies.
- Analytical & Strategic Thinking – Ability to interpret complex financial, regulatory, and economic information; draw sound conclusions; and provide strategic guidance to the Board and senior leadership.
- Communication Skills – Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial concepts to diverse audiences, including staff, regulators, community stakeholders, and the Board of Directors.
- Decision-Making & Problem-Solving – Proven ability to assess risks, evaluate alternatives, and make timely, well-reasoned decisions that balance financial sustainability with member value.
- Technology Proficiency – Proficient with financial and enterprise systems (accounting, payroll, CIS/ERP, and reporting tools). Comfortable leveraging data analytics, dashboards, and modern software to improve performance and reporting accuracy.
- Leadership & Collaboration – Ability to lead teams, build cross-departmental relationships, and work effectively with regulators, lenders, auditors, and member-owners.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
- CPA designation strongly preferred.
- CMA (Certified Management Accountant), MBA, or equivalent advanced financial credential desirable.
- Ongoing professional development through industry associations (e.g., NRECA, MECA, GFOA) expected.
- Must maintain a valid driver’s license for occasional travel within the Cooperative’s service territory and to meetings, conferences, and trainings.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This position primarily requires extended periods of sitting, keyboard use, and participation in meetings and presentations. The role also involves frequent verbal and written communication, both in person and through electronic means. Occasional travel by car or plane is required to attend meetings, conferences, and training sessions.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This role is performed mainly in an office setting with a quiet to moderate noise level. Occasional travel and attendance at evening or weekend meetings, community events, or conferences may be required.