Farm Cost Accountant

17400 near Cook Rd, Burlington WA

Description

FARM COST ACCOUNTANT Sakuma Bros. is part of the family-owned farming and processing operation spanning four generations with over 85 years of experience in the small fruit industry. Home based in Burlington, WA, the company is located in the premier berry growing area of the Pacific Northwest. The berry processing operations engages in packing, marketing, sales, and distribution of fresh and frozen berries grown by the Sakuma family as well as many area growers, for both the domestic and international markets. We are seeking a full time Farm Cost Accountant to join our team! We offer a competitive salary, medical, dental and vision insurance, and paid time off to eligible employees. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Farm Cost Accountant is responsible for detailed enterprise and operations analysis as it relates to yield improvement and profitability. This position provides support to field managers and supervisors in all aspects of data management. This includes but is not limited to performing detailed data collection, enterprise operational analysis and report preparation. This position also supports budget preparation and analysis, records management, and general office administration. This position supervises the Farm Accounting Assistant(s). DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: • Performs detailed farm record data collections and analysis as it relates to operational gross margin profitability. • Extract’s farm operational data and applies it to spreadsheets that can be used by Farm Managers/Supervisors for analysis purposes, and by Corporate Accounting staff for input into the financial management system. • Reconciles and updates field data to align with annual farm Budget Detail Sheets. Runs the weekly labor report; reviews, distributes and corrects any changes. Enters all purchase orders for chemicals, fertilizers, soil amendments, irrigation materials, trellis materials, custom applications, and fumigation. Updates and/or creates new field codes as needed. • Allocates overhead expenses (general, facilities, housing, and crop) to enable accurate journal entry records. Performs enterprise analysis by crop, field location, field specifications, etc. Works with the managers to brainstorm, understand and create new data analysis tools by using spreadsheets and graphs when requested. • Manages the Farm timekeeping system to ensure timely and accurate reporting for Farm Operations and to ensure the accurate transfer of the payroll report to the payroll system to meet weekly payroll deadlines. • Consults with the Vice President of Operations for final product content, inputs data in budget templates and coordinates with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for final budget inputs. • Prepares custom spreadsheets, database, or accounting system reports for farm operations management. Gathers data for establishment costs, plant cost, labor, equipment, trellis, etc. • Applies business management skills in inventory control and the effective transfer of operational data into the financial management system. This includes but is not limited to; chemical/fertilizer database management; tractor/equipment use and allocation; as well as irrigation and trellis inventory. • Provides direct supervision and oversight of the seasonal Farm Accounting Assistant(s); reviews work product; and prepares annual performance evaluations in a timely manner. • Performs daily office administration tasks including but not limited to representing the farm office in a professional manner using effective customer service and preparing correspondence, IT support and review of employee timecards (during harvest). • Inputs data into various farm management records programs and maintains the database. This includes reconciliation and review of weekly production and revenue during the harvest season and accurate allocation to each field. • Creates and maintains an efficient filing system for farm operations. Archives historical records. Maintains retention period for appropriate records. • Assists in gathering, documentation and maintenance of records of “custom” grower operations. Prepares estimated custom harvest rates for activities. Tracks custom hire jobs, collects all input and prepares final statements for the accounting department. • Compiles detailed historical productions and financial records related to farm operations. • Coordinates personnel-related tasks with the Human Resources Manager. • Creates and maintains procedures manual for current job position. • Coordinates accounting related tasks with the CFO. • Assists with special projects as needed. • Performs related duty as required. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the Position Description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work. EDUCATION & TRAINING • Associate degree in accounting or related field preferred and/or equivalent applicable work experience. (Equivalent work experience in a manufacturing environment may be substituted.) • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. • 2-years’ experience required in MS Office products, specifically Access and Excel (Intermediate to Expert level). KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE • Knowledge or experience of inventory software preferred. • Knowledge of standard accounting practices and procedures, including but not limited to payroll execution, accounts payable and receivable, financial management and inventory management. • Knowledge of farm management practices. • Knowledge of crop research and statistical analysis as it relates to overall farm management desired. • Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures and the ability to apply such in establishing an efficient farm operations office. SKILLS & ABILITIES • Skilled in extracting and compiling information from a variety of resources to produce usable management reports and customized spreadsheets and the ability to communicate with and assist managers in understanding their reports and/or spreadsheets. • Strong mathematical and analytical skills. • Skilled in researching and resolving problems that may inhibit the ability of other employees to process assigned tasks in a timely manner. • Good verbal and written communication skills are required to effectively work with Corporate Management, other staff, vendors, growers and the general public. • Knowledge of computerized accounting systems required. • Able to understand and follow written and oral instructions. • Able to train others. • Must adapt with minimal or no advance notice to changes in how business is conducted and work to accomplished. • Able to work independently using effective time management and organizational skills. • Able to adapt to constant change and growth in overall business operations and concepts. • Able to exercise good judgment and tact when working with operations manager, supervisors, and staff with varying accounting skills. • Able to perform all duties required for this position in what can be considered a safe manner and follow all established safety guidelines, practices, and procedures. • Ability to work extended days/hours during harvest season (June – September), including evenings and weekends. • Physical Elements: Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and to reach with hands and arms occasionally. Ability to talk and to hear continuously. Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally. Finger dexterity is required constantly. Vision: Ability to see at close range (20 inches or less), at a distance (clear vision at 20 feet or more). Walk: Ability to sit up to 8 hours. Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and reach with hands and arms frequently. WORK ENVIRONMENT General office environment. High energy. Interruptions are frequent. May have the need to go into fields or to the Farm Office & Shop areas at times. Noise level is minimal to moderate. Employee may occasionally be exposed to dust.